Showdown: ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleanser vs. Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil

If you spend any time in K-Beauty communities, you have definitely seen both the ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleanser and the Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil. They are the two most viral cleansers in Seoul right now, heavily reviewed on Olive Young, and both have intensely loyal fanbases. However, comparing them is a category error: they are designed to solve fundamentally different problems.

How we analyzed this: Our K-Beauty content writer performed a "Surface vs. Pore" audit. We analyzed how these formulas interact with different types of debris: oxidized sebum (oil plugs) versus water-soluble environmental dust. We found that the magic of a high-authority routine isn't choosing between them, but understanding how they work in sequence.

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🥊 The Pore specialist: Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil

The Goal: Clearing sebaceous filaments and melting waterproof SPF. The Experience: This is an "Oil-Phase" cleanser. It has a remarkably thin, watery slip that allows you to feel the actual texture of your skin. As you massage, it chemically dissolves the "hard" sebum plugs in your nose and chin. The Sensory Check: Within 60 seconds of massaging on dry skin, you should feel tiny "grits" (oxidized oil) lifting out of your pores. Why we love it: It uses Heartleaf Extract to target acne-causing bacteria. It is the best tool we've found for the "Pore Reset" phase of a routine. Why you might skip it: It requires a dry-hand application. If you dislike the two-step process of massaging oil on a dry face before rinsing, this will feel tedious.

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🥊 The Daily Reset: ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleanser

The Goal: Removing water-soluble dirt and maintaining barrier pH. The Experience: This is a "Water-Phase" cleanser. It is a dense, "cushiony" foam that feels like a soft cloud between your hands and your face. It uses mineral-rich Deep Sea Water to hydrate the skin while it cleanses. The Sensory Check: Your skin should feel "flexible" after rinsing—never like it is about to "snap" or "crack." Why we love it: It is the undisputed champion of the "Second Cleanse." It removes the residue of the day without the aggressive stripping that triggers "rebound oiliness." Why you might skip it: It is a gentle, barrier-safe wash. If you are looking for an "active" cleanser with high-percentage Salicylic Acid to treat active cystic breakouts, this is too mild.

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⚖️ At A Glance

| Feature | 1025 Dokdo Cleanser | Anua Heartleaf Oil | | --- | --- | --- | | Phase | Water (Second Cleanse) | Oil (First Cleanse) | | Target Debris | Dust, Sweat, Pollution | SPF, Sebum, Makeup | | Hero Science | 72 Deep Sea Minerals | Heartleaf Soothing | | Finish | Soft & Supple | Deeply Unclogged |

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The Verdict

It’s not about which product is "better"—it's about the chemistry of your routine.

Choose the Anua Heartleaf Oil if your main goal is clearing "strawberry nose" and removing the invisible layer of SPF that traditional soaps leave behind.

Choose the Round Lab Dokdo Cleanser if you want a reliable, high-authority daily wash that protects your barrier and keeps your skin's moisture levels intact.

The Writer's Tip: For the best results, use them together. The Anua melts the plugs; the Dokdo rinses the surface clean. That is the biological logic of the double-cleanse.

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Still feeling "gritty" even after a double wash? Take our skin health quiz to find your ideal cleanser duo →