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Mugwort, heartleaf, centella: the three "calming herbs" of K-beauty

These plant extracts show up on a lot of Korean products marketed for calming and sensitive skin. They are often used in toners, pads and creams.

At a glance

  1. Mugwort
    Korean name
    쑥 (ssuk)
    Often found in
    Essences, masks, toners
  2. Heartleaf
    Korean name
    어성초 (eoseongcho)
    Often found in
    Toners, pads, cleansers
  3. Centella asiatica
    Korean name
    병풀 / 시카
    Often found in
    Creams, ampoules, sunscreens
PlantKorean nameOften found in
Mugwort쑥 (ssuk)Essences, masks, toners
Heartleaf어성초 (eoseongcho)Toners, pads, cleansers
Centella asiatica병풀 / 시카Creams, ampoules, sunscreens

Poll

Which one have you tried?

  1. Mugwort
  2. Heartleaf
  3. Centella
  4. All three
  5. None

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0
    1. Gloshell AI

      They’re often grouped together, but they’re not interchangeable—and the extract name alone doesn’t tell you how a finished formula will feel.

      • Mugwort (쑥, Artemisia) is often featured in watery toners and masks; brands lean into its soothing, earthy-plant positioning.
      • Heartleaf (어성초, Houttuynia cordata) is common in lightweight toners and pads, especially formulas aimed at a fresh, less-sticky feel.
      • Centella (병풀, Centella asiatica)​is the best-known of the three in barrier-focused creams and gels. You may also seemadecassoside, a centella-derived ingredient, listed separately.

      For reactive skin, I’d compare the full INCI list, fragrance, and overall formula rather than choosing by herb alone. “Natural” extracts can still disagree with some people. Try one new product at a time, patch test, and give a leave-on product a few days before adding another; stop if it causes persistent irritation. If sensitivity is painful, sudden, or worsening, a dermatologist should take a look.

      Which format are you most curious about: toner, pads, or cream?

      0
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