Fine lines and wrinkles are something we all gain with time, but we can reduce the appearance of these with two important steps; hydration and boosting collagen. This serum works to achieve both. Rich in extracted PDRN, which is extracted from salmon DNA. It contains small fragments that naturally absorb into skin to trigger renewal and cell healing, to produce more youthful and glowing skin. It creates a stronger skin barrier that also cools inflammation and halts cellular aging. The serum also contains fragments of collagen that can be absorbed deeply to moisturize and hydrate skin barrier for a lasting glow. 

Infused with a high concentration of building peptides, these signal skin cells to boost collagen and natural hyaluronic acid production to help plump and smooth skin. With Copper-tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl-Pentapeptide-4 and powerful Palmitoyl-Tripeptide-1 to trigger cell’s own collagen formation, these peptides work in harmony to naturally boost your skin’s hydration and firm appearance. This is blended with famous Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, which actually relaxes muscles to reduce wrinkle depth and firms skin like a natural topical Botox. Together with skin-healing PDRN, this is a powerful serum for hydration and smoothing fine lines. 

So, if you were putting together a team to boost natural skin firmness and lift fine lines – this is that serum. It was designed to work in perfect tandem with Medicube’s boosting devices, to help enhance absorption and reach deeper skin cells for a maximized effect. 

We’ve already gone over the biggest players in this serum – PDRN (10%), repairing peptides and collagen (including atelocollagen). These are all in high concentrations, which gives the serum a very thick consistency that requires massage, a mask or device to enhance absorption. It would also work well with spicules or light microneedling to absorb deeply. 

It also includes: 

Coenzyme Q10: powerful anti-aging enzyme that helps improve cell energy, whilst naturally stimulating collagen and elastin production in cells. 

Cyanocobalamin: vitamin B12 that has a natural hot-pink hue, deeply refreshes irritation and calms a damaged skin barrier to improve moisture. 

Salmon Egg extract: rich in fatty acids and peptides that help protect, refresh and boost fine lines, whilst softening and refreshing skin texture. 

Neem tree extract: rich antibacterial plant extract that helps calm redness, irritation and refresh moisture to boost fine lines. 

Turmeric Root extract: rich root extract that helps refresh dark spots, hydrate and calm redness and irritation from skin cells. 

Red seaweed extract: refreshing extract rich in natural vitamins and minerals from the ocean that help seal in moisture. 

Holy Basil extract: rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory molecules that help calm and promote natural skin healing. 

This serum is a rich serum, that although its highly effective, contains generally safe ingredients that are not likely to irritate or cross-react with other products. It’s generally a good addition to any routine – although it is thick and should be used with care in acne-prone skin (higher risk of outbreaks if the serum is not carefully absorbed).

I would recommend (if acne-prone) using it in sparse amounts and ensuring you are using a good cleanser to avoid clogging or irritating pores. It also does contain fragrance - so if you are sensitive to those, it might be best to skip this serum.

This rich peptide serum is thick and requires careful application to get all the benefits. This serum can be used in a morning routine, but is better for an evening (PM) routine. This gives it more time to absorb without being disturbed and gives you the most out of your serum.

Apply it after cleansing and toning skin, and after using thinner serums/ampoules. Apply 2-3 drops to each side of your face and gently massage into your face. This is the perfect serum to use with a massager or with the Medicube AGE-R Booster Pro skincare device as it will deliver these skin-transforming peptides even deeper into your skin cells.

If you have sensitive pores, this thick serum can cause mild irritation - so try to use more sparingly, stick to areas of fine lines and avoid over-layering.

This serum comes out as a creamy, hot-pink which is slow to absorb and has a thick texture. This is to be expected as its highly protein-dense – which means it takes time to absorb. I have combination, acne-prone skin and was excited to use the serum to help even skin tone and repair damaged spots from previous acne outbreaks. 

I used it in my evening routine, alongside the Medicube AGE-R Booster Pro device (which increased absorption by a massive amount). Instead of sitting on the skin, with a little boost (at home, I’d recommend a good face massager, a night mask to help seal in the ingredients or even a spicule serum to enhance absorption. You don’t need any of these if you’re not acne prone – as the serum will help naturally seal in moisture and refresh your skin. It’s perfect for an evening routine as you absolutely want to maximize absorption of all these ingredients. 

Within a week of use, I was amazed at the effect. My skin was more rosy and naturally glowy, with better firmness and more uniform appearance. I started the serum in the middle of an outbreak (which I was worried it might worsen), but all the healing ingredients mixed with antibacterial neem tree extract helped vanish lasting acne spots better than some acne treatments I’ve tried in the past! This is a powerful, cool serum that balances all those factors needed for healthier, stronger skin and is a perfect addition to your routine if you are fine line sensitive. 

This serum is genuinely a fantastic, plumping serum. I had put off trying it for some, because I though it might just be hype - it didn't have any crazy actives advertised, but it has a whole lot packed into the bottle. It's an incredibly gentle formula, that is good for most skin types and I was ecstatic that it was helping heal my acne without triggering further breakouts. It's a solid serum that I'd recommend for damaged or dry skin and to help plump up and prevent fine lines.

Curious to find out more? Explore our range of Medicube products for some of the best and more innovative items in K-Beauty. Shop on Arktastic now!

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What is PDRN in skincare?

PDRN is a regenerative ingredient derived from salmon DNA that helps repair skin, improve elasticity, and boost healing. It's a topical addition that is great for damaged skin, uneven textures and fine lines.

Is the Medicube PDRN serum good for acne?

It can help heal acne marks, but the thick formula may clog pores if not used carefully. It's important to use sparingly, use it targeted areas and combined with a refreshing cleanser to ensure good pore care.

Can I use the Medicube PDRN serum daily?

Yes, but it’s best used at night due to its rich, slow-absorbing texture. Combining it with a hydrating moisturizer is the perfect way to refresh fine lines and deliver quick firming of skin.

Does Medicube PDRN serum really work?

Yes, this serum has the highest peptide concentration in Korean beauty. Combined with using highly effective, science-backed peptides it is an amazing serum for hydration, glow, and skin repair — results can be visible within 1–2 weeks.

Is PDRN better than retinol?

PDRN focuses on repair and hydration, while retinol targets cell turnover — they serve different purposes. PDRN is great for gentle repair, deep skin glow where as retinol (although more irritating) helps promote exfoliating and collagen production in skin cells.