5 New Korean Cosmetics for August, All Centered Around PDRN

In conclusion, when it comes to Korean cosmetics this August, look for products with the ingredient name at the beginning of the product name. From the new releases this month compiled by Allure Korea (얼루어 코리아) on August 16, here are five products featuring PDRN, exosomes, or sea kelp at the front of their names. Prices range from 21,000 to 45,000 won.

What’s interesting is that PDRN appears not only in an ampoule but also in an exfoliating mask, while exosomes are featured in a hair serum rather than skincare. Ingredient names are beginning to spread across shelves and beyond their traditional categories.

All five products are from Korean brands. The best approach is to compare their sizes, prices, and key ingredients, then decide in advance which ones fit your needs.

First, the lineup: Five new releases for August

Brand／Product	Size	Price	Key ingredient
아로셀 (아로셀)｜Botulcare PDRN Pore Ampoule	40ml	45,000 won	Botul PDRN
오이그 (오이그)｜Jeju Sea Buckthorn Bakvitazome Tone-Up Pad	180ml (70 pads)	29,000 won	Bakvitazome™
달바 (달바)｜Professional Repairing Hair Perfume Serum	50ml	21,000 won	Collagen water＋peptide exosomes
라곰 (라곰)｜Aqua Sea Kelp Sun Serum SPF50+/PA++++	50ml	26,000 won	Aqua Sea Kelp™
블라이드 (블라이드)｜Foaming Splash Mask Green Caviar PDRN	120g	24,000 won	Green Caviar PDRN

The least expensive is dalba at 21,000 won, while the most expensive is 아로셀 at 45,000 won. The fact that all five cost less than 150,000 won in total clearly reflects the character of this month’s list.

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Two entry points for PDRN: ampoule and mask

아로셀｜Botulcare PDRN Pore Ampoule (40ml・45,000 won)

This is the most expensive product on the list. According to the magazine’s description, “Botul PDRN,” which is designed to absorb better than ordinary PDRN, penetrates deep into the skin and tightens the appearance of pores. It targets sagging pores and skin texture, with a viscous texture and a light, non-sticky finish.

“An ampoule that’s easy to add to your routine when you’re concerned about sagging pores. It takes care of everything from pore firmness to skin texture at once.”——Comment by YouTuber ‘하이에나’ (Allure Korea)

Blithe｜Forming Splash Mask Green Caviar PDRN (120g・24,000 won)

Even though it contains the same PDRN, this one focuses on exfoliation. With a jelly-like texture that jiggles like konjac, it soothes the skin while gently smoothing away dead skin cells and impurities. For skin at the end of summer that is wary of the irritation from peels but still wants to address roughness, this is the better fit.

In other words, even though both contain PDRN, the ampoule is for “adding in,” while the mask is for “removing.” Since their roles are completely opposite, you can build a routine with either one. If you use both, apply the ampoule after the mask.

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Exosomes move from skincare to haircare

The most symbolic product this month is d'Alba’s Hair Perfume Serum (50ml・21,000 won). This scented hair serum has been upgraded with collagen water and peptide exosomes. It represents exosomes moving out of the facial-care section and onto the haircare shelf.

At 21,000 won, it is the least expensive of the five products. Since it adds fragrance as well as care to dry ends damaged by UV rays and air conditioning during the summer, it is easy to pick up as an extra item alongside your cosmetics. It is not travel-sized, but at 50ml, it is still light to bring home.

These are the two products for sun damage

LAGOM’s Aqua Sea Kelp Sun Serum contains SPF50+/PA++++ and comes in a 50ml size for 26,000 won. Designed to deliver moisture and nutrients through Aqua Sea Kelp™ while helping tired skin recover from UV rays and heat, it occupies a position closer to “repairing while protecting” than to a simple sunscreen.

The other product, Oig’s Jeju Ivy Bakvitazome™ Tone-Up Pad, contains 70 pads in 180ml and costs 29,000 won. The highly adhesive three-layer pads add moisture while brightening the tone of dull skin. At approximately 414 won per pad, it also offers decent value as a time-saving option for your morning routine.

The deciding factor is “what you want to improve”

• Pore firmness・texture → Blithe ampoule
• Roughness・dead skin cells → Blithe mask
• Dullness・lack of moisture → Oig pads
• Recovery after sun exposure → LAGOM sun serum
• Dry, frizzy hair → d'Alba hair serum

What to look out for when shopping during your trip to Korea

Since all five products are new releases from Korean brands, drugstore-style retailers such as Olive Young (올리브영) are the main places to look. However, the availability and display of new releases vary depending on the delivery timing and store, so the most practical approach is to prioritize large stores and, if unavailable, check the brand’s official online store.

One more thing to consider is the volume. Buying multiple 180ml pads or 120g masks can quickly add to both the weight and bulk. Some liquid products may also be subject to carry-on capacity restrictions, so it’s reassuring to calculate your purchases on the assumption that you’ll check them in from the outset🧴

The original article is Part 2, featuring some of the 16 August new releases selected by Allure Korea together with YouTuber “Hyena,” an honorary editor, and the editorial team. Those who want to see the full picture can check the relevant Allure Korea article.

Summary

In August, Korean beauty shelves are being organized around ingredient names. PDRN is branching in two directions: an ampoule (Arocell, 40ml, 45,000 won) and an exfoliating care mask (Blyd, 120g, 24,000 won), while exosomes are featured in a hair serum (d’Alba, 50ml, 21,000 won). For post-sun recovery, there is LAGOM’s sun serum (50ml, 26,000 won) and Oig’s tone-up pads (180ml, 70 pads, 29,000 won).

There’s no need to pursue everything. Just one product that addresses the single concern you’re currently focused on—the fact that it can be purchased for 20,000–40,000 won is what makes this summer’s list so appealing✨

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do the five August new releases cost in total?

Individually, they range from 21,000 to 45,000 won. The least expensive is d’Alba’s hair perfume serum (50ml, 21,000 won), while the most expensive is Arocell’s Botulcare PDRN pore ampoule (40ml, 45,000 won). Even if you buy all five, the total is 145,000 won, making them relatively accessible prices for new Korean beauty releases.

Which should I choose, a PDRN or an exosome product?

The quickest way to decide is by the area of concern. For pore firmness and skin texture, choose the PDRN ampoule (Arocell); for dead skin cells and roughness, choose the PDRN mask (Blyd). If dry, frizzy hair is your concern, d’Alba’s hair serum, formulated with peptide exosomes and collagen water, is the suitable option.

Where can I buy these new releases?

Since all five products are new releases from Korean brands, drugstores in Korea and the brands’ official stores are the main places to purchase them. However, availability varies by store, so it’s best to prioritize large stores and, if you can’t find them, check stock through each brand’s official online store.