What Is PDRN? 9 Top Products to Buy in Korea

In conclusion, if you’re trying PDRN for the first time, start with the original Rejuran (Rejuran・리쥬란), while REJUALL from Korean pharmacies is the choice if you prioritize value for money. Using these two as your foundation and adding products based on your specific goals is the best approach.

You’ll understand why when you visit the anti-aging care section at Olive Young (올리브영). Most of the shelves are filled with PDRN (PDRN). In Taiwan, it’s called “topical glass-skin injections” and has become a staple ingredient on Korean travel shopping lists. However, when products ranging from Rejuran to VT and Anua are lined up together, it’s impossible to tell which one is right for you just by standing in front of the shelf.

Here, we’ll organize the essence of the ingredient, the skin types it suits, and nine products you can actually buy in Korea according to their purposes.

What Is PDRN? Originally a Prescription-Grade Regenerative Ingredient

PDRN consists of DNA fragments extracted from the sperm of salmon and other fish. Originally, it was a prescription-grade ingredient used in the medical field for wound healing and tissue regeneration, and was later adopted in aesthetic medicine (treatments such as skin booster injections) and skincare. Its origins are why it quickly became mainstream in Korea as the “next anti-aging care ingredient” after retinol.

Salmon DNA is considered compatible with the human body and is said to help strengthen skin tissue, repair damaged areas, improve elasticity, and promote a more radiant complexion. It is widely used not only in Korea but also at aesthetic clinics in Italy and Japan. (Source: BEAUTY美人圈)

Best Suited to Dry, Sensitive, and Post-Treatment Skin

Since repair and elasticity care are the main benefits of this ingredient, it is particularly well suited to the following skin types.

• Dry or severely dry skin
• Sensitive skin
• Skin prone to acne scars or redness
• Skin showing signs of aging
• Post-treatment skin

It is also said to produce more noticeable results when combined with microneedling or infusion-based treatments, giving it a position in Korea as the top choice for “clinic-grade home care.” This context is what makes it worth purchasing during your trip.

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9 Popular PDRN Products You Can Buy in Korea

The Two Original Rejuran Products Have Different Purposes

1️⃣ Rejuran Turnover Ampoule
When it comes to PDRN, this is the first place to start. Rejuran is a pioneering PDRN brand, and its patented salmon sperm-derived PDRN is still regarded as the gold standard. This ampoule is what Korean users call a “topical skin booster.” It helps improve skin texture, tighten pores, and enhance elasticity.

2️⃣ Rejuran Moisture Ampoule
Although it uses the same patented PDRN, this one focuses more on hydration. It is designed for severely dry and aging dry skin concerned with fine lines caused by dryness, loss of firmness, and rough texture. Remember it as “Turnover for an intensive approach, Moisture for protection” to make your choice easier.

These Three Are Trending in Korea Right Now

3️⃣ Anua PDRN Moisture Mist Egg
A collaboration item with Korean influencer Ppoyongnyong. It uses proprietary PDRN capsule technology to release the ingredients stably and maintain hydration. In addition to the convenience of giving your skin a dewy glow with one spray, its cute egg-shaped design has led many people to carry it like a charm. A winter on-the-go essential✨

4️⃣ THE FACE SHOP Alltimate PDRN Hyaluronic Acid 7 Serum
A serum combining PDRN with seven types of hyaluronic acid. It uses a high concentration of 97% spherical PDRN, and manufacturer testing has shown that this concentrated spherical structure has 210% greater absorption than conventional linear PDRN. Seven sizes of hyaluronic acid, from ultra-small to large molecules, provide soothing and hydration at the same time. 30 ml／Taiwan price NT$490 makes it an accessible option, with a lightweight, watery texture.

5️⃣ VT Cica Reedle Shot 100 Essence
A combination of microneedle technology and PDRN. The patented CICA REEDLE™ consists of mineral-derived microparticles in a microscopic size that help absorption into the skin. It is designed to tighten pores while enhancing the absorption of subsequent skincare products. Users particularly praise it for making “pores look smaller.” However, it is relatively irritating, so starting with a low concentration and low frequency is essential.

Creams, Ampoules, and Pharmacy Options

6️⃣ Heveblue Salmon Caring Centella Cream（Salmon Caring Centella Cream）
A brand that is gaining attention among Korean users. Combining high-concentration PDRN with Centella asiatica (cica) for soothing and repair, it helps rebuild the skin barrier with a pleasant cream texture. Ideal as a foundation for daily use.

7️⃣ Dermaline D'LEXO PDRN Solution Salmon Ampoule
A rescue option. This highly nourishing ampoule contains high-concentration PDRN and hyaluronic acid, and is designed to be dispensed one dose at a time using a needle. The design prevents the contents from coming into contact with air or impurities, making it a trump card for Korean users who want to maintain a dewy glow.

8️⃣ Medicube（Medicube・메디큐브）PDRN Pink Peptide Serum
If you are prioritizing your budget, start here. Combining peptides often discussed in anti-aging care with PDRN, this serum targets firmness and fine lines. Its hydrating yet non-sticky texture makes it suitable for layering before bed to support overnight repair.

9️⃣ REJUALL Advanced PDRN Repair Cream
Korea is not just about Olive Young. In fact, more people are saying that Korean pharmacies make it easier to choose products according to your specific needs, and this is a prime example. This regenerative cream contains the same PDRN as Rejuran, used in skin booster injections, and is highly rated for repair, soothing, and hydration. Korean pharmacists also recommend it because it is reasonably priced and comes in a generous size🔖

In Korea, people say that it “can also be used after procedures” and that “my face became much brighter,” leading to some stockpiling. Pharmacists advise mixing it with your existing cream or emulsion for easier application.

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This chart helps you choose according to your needs

Priority	Options to choose from	Where to buy
Try a classic PDRN product first	REJURAN Turnover Ampoule	Olive Young
Severe dryness・aging-related dryness	REJURAN Moisture Ampoule	Olive Young
Balance of absorption and price	THE FACE SHOP Alltimate (30ml／NT$490)	Brand store
Want to tighten pores	VT Riddleshot 100 Essence	Olive Young
Daily care to strengthen the skin barrier	Heveblue Salmon Care Cica Cream	Olive Young
Short-term intensive rescue care	Dermaline D'LEXO Salmon Ampoule	Olive Young
Anti-aging care on a budget	Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum	Olive Young
Capacity and value for money are the top priorities	REJUALL Repair Cream	Korean pharmacy

The main pitfalls are “irritation” and “how to combine products”

PDRN itself is an ingredient geared toward repair, but the way it feels can vary greatly depending on the product’s formulation. In particular, VT Riddleshot, which combines microneedles, tends to be more irritating, so it is recommended to start with a low concentration and low frequency to build tolerance, then layer a repairing cream afterward to reduce tingling. It is best to avoid using it every day from the start.

Conversely, cica-containing creams such as Heveblue and the REJUALL Repair Cream are easy to incorporate as the foundation of daily care. Dividing their roles—ampoule products for “intensive use when you want to restore your skin,” and cream products for “daily support”—can help you avoid overbuying.

Conclusion

PDRN consists of DNA fragments from fish such as salmon and is a pharmaceutical-grade ingredient originally used for wound healing and tissue regeneration. That is why it is well suited to dry skin, sensitive skin, acne scars, aging skin, and skin after cosmetic procedures. If you are unsure in front of the shelves, choose REJURAN for a classic option, THE FACE SHOP (30ml／NT$490) for absorption and price, and REJUALL for capacity and value for money.

It is also easier to shop if you decide in advance where to buy everything. Get ampoule products at Olive Young and large-capacity creams such as REJUALL at a Korean pharmacy. This two-pronged approach is the most reliable way to shop without missing out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use PDRN serums every day?

It depends on the product. Cream-type products such as REJURAN ampoules, Heveblue, and REJUALL are easy to incorporate into daily care. On the other hand, VT Riddleshot, which combines microneedles, tends to be more irritating, so it is recommended to gradually build tolerance by starting with a low concentration and low frequency, then layering a repairing cream.

Is it better to buy PDRN products at Olive Young or at a Korean pharmacy?

Ideally, visit both. Olive Young carries popular ampoules and serums from REJURAN, VT, Medicube, and other brands, while Korean pharmacies offer affordable, large-capacity items with a more direct focus on their intended benefits, such as the REJUALL Repair Cream. Another advantage of pharmacies is that you can ask the pharmacist for recommendations.

Can people with sensitive skin use PDRN?

PDRN is an ingredient centered on repair and elasticity care, and is considered suitable for dry, sensitive, acne-scarred, or redness-prone skin. However, microneedle-type products can be quite stimulating, so those with sensitive skin may find it more manageable to start with a cream-type product or a moisturizing ampoule.