What is Houttuynia cordata extract?
Plant extract
Houttuynia cordata extract is a water based extract of the herb Korean labels call eoseongcho. It goes into the water phase as a botanical additive, and ingredient lists name it after either the plant or the INCI entry. An extract is a mixture rather than one defined compound, so what is actually in it depends on how the supplier made it.
Was this exact ingredient the one tested?
The extract itself hasn't been tried on human skin; studies used other forms.
What can you expect from it?
Not shown on human skin yet.
What won't it do?
Claims you often see, and what is actually true.
Calming or repairing skin isn't shown.
Houttuynia Cordata Extract calms, soothes or repairs skin
It isn't shown to brighten skin.
Houttuynia brightens skin or fades pigmentation
It isn't shown to strengthen the barrier.
Houttuynia strengthens the skin barrier
Anything to watch out for?
- Whether it irritates human skin isn't known yet.
- It hasn't been tried on people or assessed by a safety panel.
Which products feature it?
88 of the 2320 products we've checked feature this as a key ingredient. Products that disclose a concentration or list it near the top of the ingredient list come first.
Showing 1 to 12.
Key: Houttuynia Cordata Extract (#1 on the ingredient list · 50%), Centella Asiatica Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract
It's registered in Korea as a functional cosmetic for brightening.
Key: Houttuynia Cordata Extract (#2 on the ingredient list · 20.16%), Centella Asiatica Extract 64.33%, Niacinamide
25 claims, summarized
- You can expect:
- less visible dark spots
- Only partly backed:
- clearer-looking skin · calmer skin · a brighter skin tone (amount unknown)
- Tests passed:
- skin irritation
See each claim
claims, checked
Whitening functional cosmetic
backed by evidence1) Centella asiatica extract 64.33%
backed by evidence2) Houttuynia cordata (heartleaf) extract 20.16%
backed by evidenceConvenient 360° rotating spray!
plausible, not testedA mist toner usable for rough skin texture, dead skin cells, pores, sebum, and acne-prone skin, and made as a spray that sprays even when the container is upside down, making it easy to spray on your back!
plausible, not testedPETA/Vegan vegan cosmetic
plausible, not tested4) 25 allergy-related ingredients excluded
partly backedSuitable for acne-prone skin, skin sebum reduction effect clinical trial completed!
partly backedAcne severity index decreased by 32.13
partly backedSkin sebum 17.29% reduction
partly backedContains 64.33% Centella asiatica extract! The asiaticoside and madecassic acid components of Centella help soothe skin that has become reddened and sensitive due to external irritation.
partly backedContains 20.16% heartleaf extract to gently soothe the skin and keep it moisturized. Heartleaf is rich in a component called 'quercitrin', which helps to gently soothe dry and irritated skin.
partly backedA whitening functional cosmetic containing niacinamide helps manage dull skin and marks, helping to keep skin clear.
partly backedSkin irritation test completed! Safe ingredients for skin peace of mind.
partly backedClinical trial completed for suitability for acne-prone skin
partly backedAHA, BHA, PHA triple acid ingredients of different molecular sizes are gently and balancedly blended to cleanly refine dead skin cells and impurities in pores, and help soothe problem skin.
overstated2022 November 3rd week ~ 2023 February 2nd week Hwahae Ranking Body Mist/Shower Cologne category #1
no supporting source foundUS Costco entry! 🏆 2026 CertClean Awards win!
no supporting source foundNatural-origin 96.05%
no supporting source found3) 20 ingredients of concern excluded
no supporting source foundGentle mildly acidic mist for sensitive skin
no supporting source foundCanada Clean Beauty CertCLEAN
no supporting source foundEco-friendly container for protecting the global environment
no supporting source foundBack·chest skin concerns clear!
nothing specific to checkMaintains pH balance and skin condition in the most comfortable state for skin, caring for healthy skin.
nothing specific to check
It's made for better hydration and calmer skin.
Key: Houttuynia Cordata Extract (#11 on the ingredient list · 10%), Kaolin, Bentonite
25 claims, summarized
- Only partly backed:
- less visible pores (amount unknown) · less shine (amount unknown) · better hydration · a smoother skin texture
See each claim
claims, checked
No artificial fragrance
backed by evidenceAbsorbs even sebum moistly Pore Clay Pack
plausible, not testedMoisture supply simultaneously with dead skin cell removal
plausible, not testedEven after moist application or complete drying, the mud easily washes off with lukewarm water, allowing comfortable cleansing.
plausible, not testedComfortably care for skin that has become sensitive
plausible, not testedOffers excellent moisture that prevents skin dryness
plausible, not testedA mud texture as soft as fresh cream but as cool as ice cream spreads smoothly on the skin, absorbing sebum and impurities in pores and delivering clean skin.
plausible, not testedDeveloped with a cream texture that does not dry quickly
plausible, not testedAbsorbs even sebum moistly-! PoreTox Clay Mask🚿
partly backedLow-irritation peeling mask that purifies by absorbing sebum in pores!
partly backedContains PHA ingredient for gentle removal of dead skin cells and impurities!
partly backedThe combination of kaolin, made by drying soil from clean regions, and bentonite, excellent for sebum absorption, delivers soft mud adherence, and helps to soothe sebum in pores and create clean pores.
partly backedContains heartleaf extract and calendula flower extract, which are excellent for soothing, helping to cool and soothe skin that is flushed from UV or external environment, and moisturizes rough skin.
partly backedCooling that tightens the outside and keeps the inside moist, never drying
partly backedPurifies pores cleanly to complete clear skin
partly backedThorough and honest evaluation, 97% of Hwahae survey panel satisfied
overstatedNot only the pore-patented ingredient 'anti-sebum complex' but also PHA, a 3rd-generation peeling ingredient, is contained, helping to thoroughly remove impurities and blackheads in pores and improve to a smooth skin texture.
overstatedHeartleaf extract 10% cooling mask
overstated2022 Hwahae First Half Best New Product Wash-Off Pack Category No. 1
no supporting source foundThe sample of this product is judged to be a low-irritation sample in terms of primary irritation.
no supporting source foundDetermined as a low-irritation product with a skin irritation index of 0.0
no supporting source foundNo artificial coloring
no supporting source foundFull ingredients (EWG Green Grade)
no supporting source foundCGMP production completed
no supporting source foundWith a mud pack full of moisture, tired pores are soothed in just 5-10 minutes.
nothing specific to check
ONE THING
HOUTTUYNIA CORDATA EXTRACT
It's made for calmer skin.
Key: Houttuynia Cordata Extract (#4 on the ingredient list · 1%), Houttuynia Cordata Water 94%
27 claims, summarized
- Only partly backed:
- calmer skin (amount unknown)
- Tests passed:
- hypoallergenic · non-comedogenic
See each claim
claims, checked
Refreshing water-type formula.
backed by evidenceHouttuynia cordata extract toner naturally has a clear brownish hue due to its raw material characteristics.
backed by evidenceFinishes fresh without stickiness.
plausible, not testedSkin texture feels refined
plausible, not testedHouttuynia cordata, a single ingredient, soothes gently and softly.
plausible, not testedRefreshing and light water-type formula that absorbs quickly without stickiness.
plausible, not testedExperience soothing of problem skin with 100% domestic houttuynia cordata ingredient!
partly backedLow-irritation skin test completed
partly backedSoothes and calms skin
partly backedHuman application test survey results with 100% participant satisfaction.
partly backedSensitive skin was soothed
partly backed#TroubleRelief*
partly backedHouttuynia cordata contains quercitrin, which helps quickly soothe sensitized skin.
partly backedSkin soothing effect proven by human application test.
partly backedOne Thing Houttuynia Cordata Extract has been verified for its skin soothing effect against external irritation.
partly backedNon-comedogenic test completed (suitable for acne-prone skin).
partly backedHouttuynia cordata extract has completed suitability testing for acne-prone skin and provides a comfortable feel even on sensitive skin.
partly backedSkin safety test completed.
partly backedComposed of a mildly acidic pH similar to the skin surface, it helps maintain skin pH balance and has been rated low-irritation with a skin reactivity of 0.00.
partly backedfor Problem Skin
partly backedEmergency skin soothing effect with 100% domestic houttuynia cordata ingredient.
overstatedVegan
no supporting source foundOil content improved
no supporting source foundHelped improve sebum
no supporting source found#SebumControl
no supporting source found#OilMoistureBalanceControl
no supporting source foundSkin in need of soothing from external irritation? The answer is in a toner focused on one ingredient.
nothing specific to check
It's made for less visible pores and a smoother skin texture.
Key: Houttuynia Cordata Extract (#1 on the ingredient list), Gluconolactone, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract
23 claims, summarized
- Only partly backed:
- less visible pores · a smoother skin texture · calmer skin
See each claim
claims, checked
Skin irritation index 0.0, judged as a low-irritation product
backed by evidenceNo artificial fragrance
backed by evidenceNo artificial coloring
backed by evidencePore pad that wipes away impurities and fills moisture
plausible, not testedWith a single touch, solves even between pores! Easy, low-irritation pore care
partly backed[3rd-Generation Exfoliating Ingredient] PHA
partly backed7-fold pore improvement effect
partly backedAn all-in-one toner pad that thoroughly cleans impurities and dead skin cells inside pores to bring about smooth skin texture
partly backedDead skin cell improvement 25.94%
partly backedImprovement in impurities inside pores 92.83%
partly backedA double-sided pad with certified vegan gentle fabric that fills between pore gaps with moisture to cleanse and care for the skin
partly backedSoothing of heat-damaged skin 13.02%
partly backedPore Solver Toner Pad
overstatedDead skin cells & impurities, pore stress OUT!
overstatedAbsolute pore soothing, sensitive skin guardian
overstatedIngredients excellent for pore-tightening help alleviate excess sebum, delivering a clean pore zone
no supporting source found[Patent No. 10-0708236] Camellia Flower Extract
no supporting source foundA vegan fabric made of 100% cellulose fiber that minimizes skin irritation and is usable even on sensitive skin
no supporting source foundAn eco-friendly fabric that naturally biodegrades when buried in compost
no supporting source foundThoroughly cleanses pores to complete clear skin
no supporting source foundFull ingredients (EWG Green Grade)
no supporting source foundCGMP production completed
no supporting source foundFlawless, clear skin
nothing specific to check
Blanc Nature
9x Concentrated Heartleaf Toner
It's made for clearer-looking skin and better barrier support.
Key: Houttuynia Cordata Extract (#2 on the ingredient list), Niacinamide, Adenosine
4 claims, summarized
- Only partly backed:
- clearer-looking skin · better barrier support
See each claim
claims, checked
A soothing toner for sensitive, uneven skin made touchy by the change of seasons
partly backedNot only does it contain 100,000ppm of Houttuynia cordata extract, it also adds a Houttuynia cordata PDRN component, so outstanding effects on skin barrier improvement and blemish relief can be expected
partly backedIts distinguishing feature is that 'quercetin', the core component of Houttuynia cordata, is strengthened 9 times by Blanc Nature's own high frequency extraction method
no supporting source foundBlanc Nature, a brand specializing in blemish-prone and sensitive skin, has newly presented the '9x Highly Concentrated Houttuynia Cordata Toner' after two years of research
nothing specific to check
Key: Houttuynia Cordata Extract (#2 on the ingredient list), Centella Asiatica Extract, Niacinamide
SKIN&LAB
Trishcaberrier Soothing Toner
Key: Houttuynia Cordata Extract (#3 on the ingredient list), Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract
1 claim, summarized
- Don't count on:
- calmer skin
See each claim
claims, checked
3-second soothing for sensitive skin
overstated
HUE_CALM
HEARTLEAF CALMING CLEANSING FOAM
It's made for calmer skin and better hydration.
Key: Houttuynia Cordata Extract (#4 on the ingredient list), Glycerin, Centella Asiatica Extract
34 claims, summarized
- Only partly backed:
- calmer skin (amount unknown) · better hydration (amount unknown) · better barrier support (amount unknown)
See each claim
claims, checked
Soft, dense, moist bubble
plausible, not testedFor those who need a gentle cleanser that can be used on skin sensitized by irritation
plausible, not testedFor those who feel severe dryness and tightness after just washing their face
plausible, not testedTHE MILDLY ACIDIC DEEP CLEANSING FOAMING CLEANSER CONTAINING HEARTLEAF INGREDIENT COMFORTS AND SOOTHES SENSITIVE SKIN
partly backedA real calming cleansing foam that soothes skin irritated by fine dust
partly backedCheck. 1 Fine dust cleansing power test completed
partly backedCheck. 2 Sunscreen cleansing power test completed
partly backedCheck. 3 Skin safety test completed
partly backedClears away not only sunscreen but also invisible fine dust
partly backedThe dense, rich mildly acidic bubbles cling closely to the skin, delivering a moist and refreshed sensation after cleansing
partly backedCleansing power of Houttuynia Cordata Calming Clean Foam, verified by data
partly backedHouttuynia Cordata Calming Clean Foam cleanses fine dust and sunscreen from the skin, soothes skin sensitized by external irritation, and cares for it to be moist and comfortable
partly backed01 | Gentle but powerful cleansing power! Fine dust cleansing power verification completed
partly backed99% fine dust cleansing power with Houttuynia Cordata Calming Clean Foam
partly backed02 | Sunscreen also cleaned thoroughly in every corner!
partly backedCleansing power 97.4% DETERGENCY TEST
partly backedSkin safety test result: judged as low-irritation
partly backedHouttuynia cordata extract soothes sensitized skin and cares for it to be clean and clear
partly backedBuddleja extract and thyme extract protect skin from the external environment and supply abundant moisture
partly backedCentella asiatica extract soothes sensitive and damaged skin barriers and provides healthy skin care
partly backed100% VEGAN FORMULA
partly backedWashes away not only sunscreen and makeup residue but also invisible fine dust from every corner of the skin in one go, a comfortable end to the day
overstated03 | Don't worry about irritation! Skin safety test completed
overstatedSKIN SAFETY TEST COMPLETED. HYPOALLERGENIC FORMULA
overstatedThe dense, rich, hydrating bubbles that cannot be found in mildly acidic cleansing foams cleanse fine dust and waste remaining on the skin, delivering a fresh and moist feeling
overstatedNo.1* HyuKam Cleansing Foam
no supporting source found*1st place in the 22 Glowpick Award Cleansing Foam category
no supporting source foundEWG Green Grade
no supporting source foundMild acidity for skin balance
no supporting source foundA mildly acidic cleansing foam comfortable on the skin, maintaining a moist skin balance
no supporting source foundThe myth of the reverse run to No.1
nothing specific to check# FineDustCleansing # MoistureSoothingFoam # MildAcidicBubble
nothing specific to checkCleansing powerfully! Comfortably for the skin!
nothing specific to checkFor those whose skin has become sensitive due to fine dust
nothing specific to check
Key: Houttuynia Cordata Extract (#4 on the ingredient list), Hyaluronic Acid, Centella Asiatica Extract
Goodal
어성초 히알루론 수딩 클리어패드 (Korean)This brand publishes no English name for this product. The name above is as printed in Korean.
Key: Houttuynia Cordata Extract (#5 on the ingredient list), Hyaluronic Acid, Panthenol
2 claims checked
claims, checked
'Houttuynia Hyaluronic Soothing Pad' allows you to experience cooling care that refreshingly replenishes moisture with immediate cooling of -3.7℃, soothes heated skin with a smooth side, and is a 2 in 1 pad that can even exfoliate with a thick patterned fabric.
partly backedSince the Goodal Houttuynia line has received continuous attention for its outstanding soothing effect and comfortable usability, it has been renewed and launched as a cooling soothing line with the addition of hyaluronic soothing active ingredients and ice Houttuynia extract.
nothing specific to check
allNATURAL
Houttuynia Cordata Care Serum
It's made for better hydration and calmer skin.
Key: Houttuynia Cordata Extract (#5 on the ingredient list), Hyaluronic Acid, Allantoin
26 claims, summarized
- Only partly backed:
- better hydration · calmer skin · clearer-looking skin · better barrier support
- Don't count on:
- less visible pores
See each claim
claims, checked
Contains Houttuynia cordata extract
backed by evidenceHouttuynia cordata packed moisture soothing
plausible, not testedMoist and soothing serum
plausible, not testedWhen you need quick soothing and moisture supply
plausible, not testedWhen skin suddenly becomes sensitive due to masks or makeup
plausible, not testedWhen you want soft, non-sticky moisture
plausible, not testedSafe even for acne-prone, sensitive skin
partly backedFilled with Houttuynia cordata extract rich in soothing effects, it helps with moisture, soothing, and barrier care at once
partly backedFormulated with 3 sub-ingredients for moisture, soothing, and barrier care at once
partly backedCares even for the root of skin troubles
overstatedImmediate moisture improvement 580.3%
no supporting source foundImmediate soothing effect 627.3%
no supporting source foundSebum improvement 123.3%
no supporting source foundWhen you need a gentle, low-irritation serum for the skin
no supporting source foundUses Houttuynia cordata extract made from fresh ingredients purchased from clean regions
no supporting source foundImmediate soothing and moisture-charging effect felt with a single use
no supporting source foundImmediate soothing improvement! 627.3% improvement
no supporting source foundImmediate moisture-charging improvement! 580.3% improvement
no supporting source foundTest completed for safe use on sensitive skin and suitability for acne-prone (troubled) skin
no supporting source foundAcne severity improved 54.3%
no supporting source foundOil (sebum) amount improved 53.2%
no supporting source foundWhiteheads improved 36.9%
no supporting source foundBlackheads improved 30.9%
no supporting source foundWhen you want to nourish the skin
nothing specific to checkThe secret to becoming a life serum! Immediate and definite effect!
nothing specific to checkCarrying nature, resembling nature - Dajayeon (Dajayeon)
nothing specific to check
Often featured alongside it
Are the claims about it backed up?
We checked each claim that features this ingredient. Open the list below to see the result for each one.
See the results by claim
| Result | Claims |
|---|---|
| backed by evidence | 11 of 95 |
| plausible, not tested | 9 of 95 |
| partly backed | 40 of 95 |
| overstated | 14 of 95 |
| no supporting source found | 11 of 95 |
| contradicted by sources | 1 of 95 |
| nothing specific to check | 9 of 95 |
These are counts of claims, not products. One product can name the same ingredient in several claims, and we checked each one on its own.
Sources
We summarized the published studies and public records listed below, each with its DOI or PubMed number. Findings about treating medical conditions are outside what a cosmetics page covers, so we left them out.
Was this exact ingredient the one tested?
Across the eight sources retrieved, not one tests plain Houttuynia Cordata Extract applied topically to human skin.
The tested materials differ from the INCI ingredient in ways that matter:
What won't it do?
Calming or repairing skin isn't shown.
No study here put the extract on human skin, so a reading taken from cells in a dish cannot stand in for a skin result.
Every finding behind the claim comes from cultured cells, and the one study run for cosmetic use wrote that it stayed in the dish with no skin data.
No source here applies the extract topically to human skin.
The anti-inflammatory and barrier-protein findings are cell culture results, and the one source that examined formulation for cosmetic use states that it was confined to in vitro assays with no in vivo validation and no permeation data.
It isn't shown to brighten skin.
The color related readings came from the oil pressed from the leaves in cell lines that are not skin, and no study here measured skin tone on a person.
Cell line work on a different material, with no measurement on human skin anywhere in this set.
No source here reports a pigmentation outcome for the extract, and none reports any pigmentation measurement on human skin.
It isn't shown to strengthen the barrier.
The barrier related numbers are gene and protein readings from a single layer of cells. No study here measured the water leaving skin, or the water held in skin, on a person.
Cultured skin cells only. No houttuynia material has had a barrier measurement taken on human skin in this set.
Filaggrin, loricrin and AQP3 changes are gene and protein measurements in keratinocyte monolayers.
Lab and related-material results
In lab cells the extract eases oxidative stress.
In human skin cells grown in a dish, the extract lowered damaging oxygen molecules and turned up a gene the skin uses to build its outermost layer.
Not a test on skin. Human skin cells cultured in a dish, treated with the extract itself.
The extract activated AHR and nuclear factor E2-related factor 2, induced the antioxidative enzyme gene, inhibited ROS generation, and upregulated filaggrin gene expression in human keratinocytes.
In lab cells, other houttuynia materials calm inflammation.
Three different houttuynia materials each lowered the inflammation signals cells release, so the direction is consistent. None of the three was the plain extract, and all of it was read in cells.
Three separate cell studies, each on a different houttuynia material: a fermented broth, a concentrated fraction, and the oil pressed from the leaves.
Reduction of inflammatory cytokine secretion is reproduced in three separate cell systems with three different Houttuynia preparations: fermented and unfermented broth in HaCaT cells, the enriched fraction in dermal fibroblasts, and the essential oil in macrophages.
Citations
- 1Sangthong S, Chaiwut P, Pintathong P, Suwannawong B, Srisayam M, Theansungnoen T, Chandarajoti K, Arabnozari H, Sarker SD, Nahar L. In vitro bioactivities and formulation stability of Houttuynia cordata essential oil for cosmetic applications. Sci Rep. 2025;15(1):37263.DOI 10.1038/s41598-025-21278-xPMID 41136636
- 2Mapoung S, Umsumarng S, Semmarath W, Arjsri P, Srisawad K, Thippraphan P, Yodkeeree S, Dejkriengkraikul P. Photoprotective Effects of a Hyperoside-Enriched Fraction Prepared from Houttuynia cordata Thunb. on Ultraviolet B-Induced Skin Aging in Human Fibroblasts through the MAPK Signaling Pathway. Plants (Basel). 2021;10(12):2628.DOI 10.3390/plants10122628PMID 34961096
- 3Song Z, Fang J, Wang D, Tian Y, Xu Y, Wang Z, Geng J, Wang C, Li M. Inhibition of LPS-Induced Skin Inflammatory Response and Barrier Damage via MAPK/NF-kappaB Signaling Pathway by Houttuynia cordata Thunb Fermentation Broth. Foods. 2024;13(10):1470.DOI 10.3390/foods13101470PMID 38790770
- 4Doi K, Mitoma C, Nakahara T, Uchi H, Hashimoto-Hachiya A, Takahara M, Tsuji G, Nakahara M, Furue M. Antioxidant Houttuynia cordata extract upregulates filaggrin expression in an aryl hydrocarbon-dependent manner. Fukuoka Igaku Zasshi. 2014;105(11):205-213.PMID 25816564
What each point on this page rests on, with full citations.