5 PDRN Collagen Intense Vitalizing Serum
Tracked ingredients
Key actives from our research database. Click any to read the full evidence dossier.
Evidence behind the ingredients
Real citations from our research database — one per tracked active in this product. Click any ingredient name to read its full evidence dossier.
The "salmon DNA" trending in K-beauty and Korean clinics. Strong wound-healing pedigree translated into anti-aging. Speeds repair after lasers/microneedling, smooths fine lines, and brightens. Often layered with vitamin C and niacinamide. Worth knowing: salmon- or trout-derived PDRN has much stronger clinical evidence than plant ("phyto") PDRN, and the dose matters more than the marketing — favor products that list a real PDRN concentration (roughly 1,000+ ppm) over big headline numbers on plant-derived versions.
Lee D et al., Skin Regeneration and Barrier-Improvement Efficacy of Polydeoxyribonucleotide Isolated from Panax Ginseng Adventitious Root, Molecules 2023;28(21):7240 — plant-derived PDRN promoted keratinocyte/fibroblast proliferation and strengthened barrier function
Lee S, Won KH et al., A Mixture of Topical Forms of Polydeoxyribonucleotide, Vitamin C, and Niacinamide Attenuated Skin Pigmentation and Increased Skin Elasticity by Modulating Nrf2, Molecules 2022;27(4):1276 — topical PDRN + Vit C + niacinamide reduced melanin and improved elasticity in UV-B model, comparable to hydroquinone
Squadrito F et al., Polydeoxyribonucleotide: A Promising Biological Platform to Accelerate Impaired Skin Wound Healing, Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021;14(11):1103 — review documenting PDRN activation of adenosine A2A receptors, VEGF release, and accelerated wound healing across diabetic, thermal, and ischemic models
A safer, slower-acting alternative to prescription-strength dark-spot faders. Built for long-term use without irritation.
Marziya M et al., Mechanism of Cyanotis arachnoidea Gel in improving melasma based on network pharmacology and transcriptomics, Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi (China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica) 2025;50(13):3775-3790 — Southwest Minzu University Chengdu; arbutin gel as positive-control comparator in melasma rat model
Sarkar R et al., Efficacy and Safety of a Topical Formulation Containing Trihydroxybenzoic Acid Glucoside and alpha-Arbutin in Indian Females With Facial Melasma, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2025;24(2):e16753 — 120 Indian women: 10% THBG + 2% alpha-arbutin reduced melanin 16.3% and mMASI 18.4% with good tolerability
Ma ZY, Lu Y, Melanin synthesis and regulation in vivo and commonly used melanin inhibitors from natural products and traditional Chinese medicine, Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi (China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica) 2020;45(24):5898-5916 — Beijing University of Chinese Medicine review classifies arbutin among tyrosinase-active-site-targeting melanin inhibitors
A multitasker that calms redness, evens out skin tone, and helps oily skin balance out. One of the safest do-a-little-of-everything ingredients.
Moro F et al., Skin Cancer Prevention and Antiaging: Role of Nicotinamide, International Journal of Molecular Sciences 2026
Passeron T et al., An Investigator-Blinded, Randomized Trial of a Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen Containing Sclareolide and Niacinamide, Dermatology and Therapy (Heidelberg) 2026
Vergilio MM et al., Topical Formulation with Niacinamide Combined with 5 MHz Ultrasound for Improving Skin Ageing, Current Medicinal Chemistry 2025
+−3 more ingredients
Also called "cica," it calms redness, repairs the skin barrier, and speeds up healing. The go-to for irritated or reactive skin.
Hur N et al., A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial Assessing the Effects of Oral Centella asiatica Extract on Skin Aging-Related Parameters in Middle-Aged Korean Women, Nutrients 2026
Borowicz KK et al., Geroprotective Potential of Centella asiatica: Modulation of Cellular Aging, Nutrients 2026
Su Z et al., The Effectiveness and Safety of a Skin Care Product With Centella asiatica Leaf Extract, Ceramide NP, and Panthenol in Subjects With Sensitive Skin: A Prospective, Observational Study, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2025;24(7):e70324 — Sun Yat-Sen U 4-week study; cream provided rapid relief of facial redness and supported barrier function
Sometimes called "topical Botox," it's a peptide that subtly reduces the depth of expression lines around the eyes and forehead when used daily over months. Mild effect, but real.
Zhu M et al., The effect of a serum containing acetyl hexapeptide-8, dipeptide diaminobutyroyl benzylamide diacetate and gluconolactone on skin biomarkers, wrinkles and skin texture: ex vivo and clinical studies, International Journal of Cosmetic Science 2026 — two clinical trials (n=50, n=42) showed 35-69% static wrinkle improvement and significant elastic fiber and collagen biomarker increases at 12 weeks
Zdrada-Nowak J, Surgiel-Gemza A, Szatkowska M, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 in Cosmeceuticals: A Review of Skin Permeability and Efficacy, International Journal of Molecular Sciences 2025
An JH, Lee HJ, Yoon MS, Kim DH, Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy of Cross-Linked Hyaluronic Acid-Based Microneedle Patch with Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 and Epidermal Growth Factor on Korean Skin, Annals of Dermatology 2019;31(3):263-271 — split-face cross-linked HA + Argireline microneedle patch improved wrinkles on Korean skin (cross-attributed; primary citation for HA id=13)
A Korean-approved anti-wrinkle ingredient that encourages collagen production for a smoother, firmer look.
Nguyen NH et al., Translational Evaluation of a Disodium Adenosine Monophosphate (AMP2Na)-Based Topical Formulation for Physiology-Aligned Skin Rejuvenation, International Journal of Molecular Sciences 2026
MFDS Approved Functional Cosmetic Active — Adenosine (anti-wrinkle). Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Cosmetic Functional Active Ingredient List
Jang M et al., Dissolving microneedle with high molecular weight hyaluronic acid to improve skin wrinkles, dermal density and elasticity, International Journal of Cosmetic Science 2020;42(3):302-309 — Korean comparison: HMW HA + adenosine outperformed LMW HA across wrinkle and elasticity parameters
Sources: PubMed · KCI · J-Stage · CNKI · Wanfang · SFD · MFDS · Cochrane · SCCS · CIR. Every entry points to a specific document. See methodology for what each outcome label means.
Layering conflicts
Ingredients in this product that can react with common actives. Avoid stacking unless noted.
- Vitamin Clow
Sensitive skin may flush.
Similar comparisons
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