This Southeast Asian medicinal plant will calm your skin (and your soul).
If you haven’t heard of houttuynia cordata, that may be because it goes by so many different names. Also known as fish mint, fish leaf, heartleaf, rainbow plant, chameleon plant, and Chinese lizard tail, it’s the ultimate skin soother (and the next big thing in skin care).
What is houttuynia cordata?
Houttuynia cordata is a low-growing flowering plant that’s native to Southeast Asia. According to Dr. Jenelle Kim, Founder and Formulator of JBK Wellness Labs, doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Master Herbalist, “it has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine.” Before it became a popular skin care ingredient in the K-Beauty world, it was used in Asia for “the treatment of infections, inflammation, hypertension, sinusitis, alopecia, pulmonary tuberculosis, and skin conditions.”
How does houttuynia cordata benefit skin?
Houttuynia cordata extract is a super calming ingredient. As Dr. Kim tells The Klog, it “contains polyphenolic flavonoids, including quercetin, quercitrin, rutin, and hyperoside, all of which exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-bacterial properties.”
When used in skin care, it helps the skin to regain balance from environmental stressors, regulate excess sebum production, and control blemishes. It also serves as a “powerful humectant and skin hydrator, which helps to maintain skin’s moisture levels,” leaving your skin hydrated and smooth.
But that’s not even the best part — apparently, the quercitrin in houttuynia cordata has been known to decrease damage from UVB rays, meaning it’s one of the best things you can put on your face after a day in the sunshine.
What products contain houttuynia cordata?
Houttuynia cordata is suitable for all skin types, however, those with stressed skin, sensitive skin, dermatitis, and eczema-prone skin are likely to see the best results. Dr. Kim suggests integrating it into your routine via a facial serum, essence, or toner. Goodal have a range of products containing houttuynia cordata like the Houttuynia Cordata Calming Essence with a 97.5% concentration of Houttuynia Cordata extract. This essence helps to tighten and tone the skin, improving texture and redness while balancing out sebum production to reduce oil. Goodal’s Houttuynia Cordata Calming Moisture Cream is a must have if your skin barrier is irritated and looking for a lightweight moisturizer!
The bottom line
Consider houttuynia cordata a skin healer. When your skin is breaking out, aggravated, dehydrated, or worse, it’s one of the only ingredients you should reach for. But as per usual, remember that seeing the benefits of skin care can sometimes take time. And it’s all about consistency.