Houttuynia cordata is a flowering plant with many common names, such as fish mint, fish leaf, fishwort, Heartleaf houttuynia, rainbow plant, chameleon plant, dokudami, or Chinese lizard tail. In skin care, it is also referred to as Heartleaf.
It is native to Southeast Asia, including Japan, China, and Vietnam, but it has also been naturalized in North America. It is mainly found in moist and shady locations and is known for its medicinal properties and distinctive aroma.
Recently, this ingredient has been growing in popularity in skincare. In this guide:
- General Uses
- Houttuynia Cordata skin benefits
- Who is Heartleaf for?
- Houttuynia cordata vs Centella Asiatica
- Houttuynia cordata vs Mugwort
- Best products containing Houttuynia cordata
- Final words
Korean beauty products are known for their unique ingredients, such as snail mucin, bamboo water, bee venom, and fermented plant extracts, and their focus on skin health and nourishment.
Additionally, Korean beauty trends are more experimental and innovative than other traditions. Enter Houttuynia cordata, K-beauty’s newest skincare darling.
Due to its numerous benefits for the skin, heartleaf has become a common ingredient in Asian beauty. Skincare brands are now using Heartleaf Houttuynia extract extensively, adding it to many skin care products, such as cleansers, toners, serums, essences, creams, sheet masks, and spot treatments. Jump to see the best products with heartleaf.
Houttuynia cordata’s uses
Health benefits
Due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-oxidant, and anti-tumor effects, Houttuynia cordata is studied both in medicine and in traditional Asian medicines with promising benefits for constipation, hyperglycemia, pneumonia, antidote, inflammation, oral care, syphilis, abscess, paralysis, and gynecological diseases.
Cuisine
Additionally, Houttuynia cordata is edible. The plant is grown and harvested for daily vegetable consumption, particularly in North and Northeast Thailand. It is also used as a culinary herb in some Asian cuisines and is appreciated for its anti-inflammatory properties. It is also called fishwort or fish leaf because it leaves a fishy aftertaste.
Beauty
Houttuynia cordata has researched benefits for hair. It promotes hair growth.
Heartleaf skincare benefits
1. Potent antioxidant herb
Houttuynia cordata possesses a powerhouse of bio-actives and antioxidants. Research has shown it has a wide range of polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, and vitamins which are known to be responsible for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties. These antioxidants protect the skin against pollution, stress, and UV rays.
2. Anti-inflammatory
The heartleaf plant extract has been used as a robust anti-inflammatory agent for treating atopic dermatitis and acne in traditional Korean herbal medicine.
3. Anti-aging
Houttuynia cordata extract also has anti-aging benefits by preventing the degradation of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid in the skin. Interestingly, a new study shows an anti-aging effect by significantly increasing the skin’s telomerase activity (skin’s intrinsic aging mechanism).
4. Anti-acne
Heartleaf works to keep the skin healthy and helps treat acne in several researched ways:
It has antimicrobial properties that fight against acne-related pathogens, making it a desired ingredient in anti-acne skincare products.
Its anti-inflammatory effects are excellent in calming acne-prone skin.
Herbal extracts are efficient in treating mild to moderate acne vulgaris. Herbal extracts generally have fewer adverse effects and can be a good alternative for those who would rather skip drugs.
6. Sun damage protection
UVB exposure is a major external cause of skin damage, aging, inflammation, tanning, wrinkling, DNA damage, and skin cancers. One of the main strategies for preventing UVB-induced skin damage is reducing the oxidative stress of skin cells. Using its antioxidant super-power, Houttuynia cordata has been proven to protect and attenuate UVB damage.
Bare in mind that the Houttuynia cordata performance relies on whether the extract is derived from the roots or leaves and if has been purified by water or alcohol extraction.
The polyphenol-rich extracts of Heartleaf have been shown to protect cells against UVA damage and oxidative stress. They prevent photoaging and intrinsic aging through anti-oxidation and anti-inflammatory functions.
7. Repairs the skin barrier
Additionally, Houttuynia cordata’s antioxidant properties work against atopic dermatitis by healing the damaged skin barrier.
8. Boosts Skin Hydration
On top of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, Heartleaf contains polysaccharides, acting as an excellent humectant, attracting water and hydrating the skin. This makes it suitable for skincare products such as moisturizers and masks.
Who should use it?
Due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, Houttuynia cordata is an excellent addition to acne-prone skin. And because of its anti-aging benefits, the plant is helpful to everyone (duh).
Houttuynia cordata vs Centella Asiatica
Centella Asiatica is a medicinal herb used in Ayurvedic, African and Asian medicine. It is the bigger sister of Houttuynia cordata in Asian beauty.
Like Houttuynia cordata, Centella Asiatica contains flavonoids and phenolic compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities to fight stress and pollution.
Both have been proven to improve the skin barrier function and lock moisture in.
Centella Asiatica is widely known for its calming and soothing properties. Unlike Cica, I haven’t found studies proving that Houttuynia cordata is a soothing ingredient. Although cosmetic companies claim heartleaf is calming, I have failed to find research pointing to this claim.
They both are considered safe to use topically and do not have side effects.
Houttuynia cordata vs Mugwort
Mugwort is another relatively unknown plant in the U.S., but it has been used for centuries in Asia.
Like Centella Asiatica, Mugwort is soothing and is best suited for sensitive, rosacea-prone skin. As mentioned earlier, Houttuynia cordata is not well-documented for its soothing abilities. So if redness or overall sensitivity is your skin concern, you should better go with Mugwort or Cica.
As well as Houttuynia cordata, Mugwort has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties that help treat acne.
Best products containing Houttuynia cordata
Cleansers
Abib Pore Cleansing Oil Heartleaf Oil Wash
Mary & May Houttuynia Cordata + Tea Tree Cleansing Foam
Beauty Of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser
(*affiliate links)
Toners
Goodal Houttuynia Cordata Calming Moisture Toner
Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner
One Thing Houttuynia Cordata Extract Toner
Goodal Houttuynia Cordata Calming Toner Pad
(*affiliate links)
Treatment
Goodal Houttuynia Cordata Calming Essence
All Natural Houttuynia Cordata Care Serum
Mary & May Houttuynia Cordata + Tea Tree Serum
One Thing Houttuynia Cordata Serum
Zymogen Houttuynia Cordata Ferment Serum
Anua Heartleaf 80% Soothing Ampoule
Mary & May Sensitive Soothing Gel Blemish Cream
(*affiliate links)
Masks
All Natural Mask Sheet Houttuynia Cordata
Abib Gummy Sheet Mask Heartleaf Sticker
Ma:nyo Our Vegan Heartleaf Cica Mask
(*affiliate links)
Moisturizers
Goodal Houttuynia Cordata Calming Moisture Cream
Anua Heartleaf 70 Intense Calming Cream
Ma:nyo Factory Our Vegan Heartleaf Cica Cream
Skin&Lab Tricicabarrier Relief Cream
(*affiliate links)
Sunscreen
Goodal Houttuynia Cordata Calming Sun Cream – read the detailed review
Abib Heartleaf Sun Essence Calming Drop – read the detailed review
All Natural Houttuynia Cordata Moisture Sun Cream
(*affiliate links)
Final words
Houttuynia cordata is a valuable herbal medicine with antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Studies show this promising plant-based ingredient is an excellent addition to your skincare regimen. Hence there have been more and more skincare products featuring heartleaf.
Scientific research on the effectiveness of Houttuynia cordata in skincare is still in its infancy, so it is best to consult a healthcare provider before using it for medicinal purposes.
References
- Park, C. -I. (2010) “Study on the Effects of Houttuynia Cordata Extracts on Emulsions,” The Korea Journal of Herbology. The Korean Society of Herbal Medicine, 25(4), pp. 145–149. doi: 10.6116/KJH.2010.25.4.145.
- Lim, H.-J., Lee, H.-J. and Lim, M.-H. (2021) “Comparison of Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Activity of Korean Houttuynia cordata Thunb. Extracts,” Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology . Korean Society of Applied Science and Technology, 38(1), pp. 217–227. doi: 10.12925/JKOCS.2021.38.1.217.
- Ahn, Bin (2002) “Literature Review on the Pharmaceutical Effects and Utilization of Houttuynia cordata Thunb“. Journal of the East Asian Society of Dietary Life. Journal of the East Asian Society of Dietary Life (동아시아식생활학회지) Volume 12 Issue 1 / Pages.1-6 / 2002 / 1225-6781(pISSN) / 2288-8802(eISSN)
- Woranam, K.; Senawong, G.; Utaiwat, S.; Yunchalard, S.; Sattayasai, J.; Senawong, T. Anti-inflammatory activity of the dietary supplement Houttuynia cordata fermentation product in RAW264.7 cells and wistar rats. PLoS ONE 2020, 15, e0230645.
- Wang JH, Bose S, Shin NR, Chin YW, Choi YH, Kim H. Pharmaceutical Impact of Houttuynia Cordata and Metformin Combination on High-Fat-Diet-Induced Metabolic Disorders: Link to Intestinal Microbiota and Metabolic Endotoxemia. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2018 Oct 24;9:620. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00620. PMID: 30405531; PMCID: PMC6208002.
- Phosri, S.; Kiattisin, K.; Intharuksa, A.; Janon, R.; Na Nongkhai, T.; Theansungnoen, T. Anti-Aging, Anti-Acne, and Cytotoxic Activities of Houttuynia cordata Extracts and Phytochemicals Analysis by LC-MS/MS. Cosmetics 2022, 9, 136. https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics9060136
- Charachit, Nattakan, Amonnat Sukhamwang, Pornngarm Dejkriengkraikul, and Supachai Yodkeeree. 2022. “Hyperoside and Quercitrin in Houttuynia cordata Extract Attenuate UVB-Induced Human Keratinocyte Cell Damage and Oxidative Stress via Modulation of MAPKs and Akt Signaling Pathway” Antioxidants 11, no. 2: 221. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox11020221
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- Jee Young Choi, Jung Ae Lee1, Jee Bum Lee, Sook Jung Yun, Seung Chul Lee (2010) Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Houttuynia cordata against Lipoteichoic Acid-Induced Inflammation in Human Dermal Fibroblasts. Chonnam Medical Journal 2010; 46(3): 140-147. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4068/cmj.2010.46.3.140
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- Sekita Y, Murakami K, Yumoto H, Amoh T, Fujiwara N, Ogata S, Matsuo T, Miyake Y, Kashiwada Y. Preventive Effects of Houttuynia cordata Extract for Oral Infectious Diseases. Biomed Res Int. 2016;2016:2581876. doi: 10.1155/2016/2581876. Epub 2016 Jun 20. PMID: 27413739; PMCID: PMC4931051.
- Yang JH, Hwang EJ, Moon J, Yoon JY, Kim JW, Choi S, Cho SI, Suh DH. Clinical efficacy of herbal extracts in treatment of mild to moderate acne vulgaris: an 8-week, double-blinded, randomized, controlled trial. J Dermatolog Treat. 2021 May;32(3):297-301. doi: 10.1080/09546634.2019.1657792. Epub 2019 Oct 16. PMID: 31424962.
- Lee KH, Lee JP, Kim W. Effects of a complex mixture prepared from agrimonia, houttuynia, licorice, peony, and phellodendron on human skin cells. Sci Rep. 2020 Dec 17;10(1):22132. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-79301-2. PMID: 33335246; PMCID: PMC7746697.
- Rafiq S, Hao H, Ijaz M, Raza A. Pharmacological Effects of Houttuynia cordata Thunb (H. cordata): A Comprehensive Review. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2022 Aug 29;15(9):1079. doi: 10.3390/ph15091079. PMID: 36145299; PMCID: PMC9501394.
- Kim J, Shin JY, Choi YH, Jang M, Nam YJ, Lee SY, Jeon J, Jin MH, Lee S. Hair Growth Promoting Effect of Hottuynia cordata Extract in Cultured Human Hair Follicle Dermal Papilla Cells. Biol Pharm Bull. 2019;42(10):1665-1673. doi: 10.1248/bpb.b19-00254. PMID: 31582654.
- Kwon TK, Kim JC. In vitro skin permeation and anti-atopic efficacy of lipid nanocarriers containing water soluble extracts of Houttuynia cordata. Drug Dev Ind Pharm. 2014 Oct;40(10):1350-7. doi: 10.3109/03639045.2013.819883. Epub 2013 Jul 25. PMID: 23886304.