Shop COSRX 5-PDRN Complex Collagen Gel Eye Patches 60 Count with Salmon DNA & Vitamin C
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COSRX

5-PDRN Complex Collagen Gel Eye Patches 60 Count with Salmon DNA & Vitamin C

~$18
Dark spotsFine lines & firmnessDrynessRedness

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.

GlycerinModerate evidence4 citations

A workhorse hydrator that pulls water into your skin. In nearly every good moisturizer for a reason.

Danby SG et al., Different types of emollient cream exhibit diverse physiological effects on the skin barrier in adults with atopic dermatitis, Clinical and Experimental Dermatology 2022;47(6):1154-1164 — glycerol+urea emollient delivered superior barrier-strengthening and irritant protection

2022Positive — efficacyPMID:35167133View source ↗

Evans NJ et al., Human axillary skin condition is improved following incorporation of glycerol into the stratum corneum from an antiperspirant formulation, Archives of Dermatological Research 2017;309(9):739-748 — 4% glycerol penetrated axillary SC, reduced irritation, improved hydration

2017Positive — efficacyPMID:28889318View source ↗

Fluhr JW et al., Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functions, British Journal of Dermatology 2008;159(1):23-34 — improves xerosis and barrier function

2008Positive — efficacyPMID:18510666View source ↗
NiacinamideStrong evidence11 citations

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

2026Mechanism onlyPMID:42278444View source ↗

Passeron T et al., An Investigator-Blinded, Randomized Trial of a Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen Containing Sclareolide and Niacinamide, Dermatology and Therapy (Heidelberg) 2026

2026Positive — efficacyPMID:41240206View source ↗

Vergilio MM et al., Topical Formulation with Niacinamide Combined with 5 MHz Ultrasound for Improving Skin Ageing, Current Medicinal Chemistry 2025

2025Positive — efficacyPMID:39171587View source ↗
PanthenolModerate evidence5 citations

Pro-vitamin B5. Deeply hydrates and helps repair the skin barrier, calming dry or compromised skin.

Gao Y et al., Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of a Panthenol-Enriched Mask for Skin Barrier Recovery After Facial Laser Treatment, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2025;24(7):e70223 — double-blind RCT (n=60): panthenol mask decreased erythema, enhanced hydration, repaired barrier vs saline

2025Positive — efficacyPMID:40613435View source ↗

Cho YS et al., Use of Dexpanthenol for Atopic Dermatitis-Benefits and Recommendations Based on Current Evidence, Journal of Clinical Medicine 2022;11(14):3943 — Korean-authored review; dexpanthenol improves barrier and reduces severity in mild-to-moderate AD

2022Meta-analysis — positivePMID:35887707View source ↗

Heise R et al., Accelerated wound healing with a dexpanthenol-containing ointment after fractional ablative CO2 laser resurfacing of photo-damaged skin in a randomized prospective clinical trial, Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology 2019;38(3):274-278 — RCT: dexpanthenol significantly faster wound closure vs petroleum jelly post-laser

2019Positive — efficacyPMID:30897983View source ↗
+12 more ingredients
AdenosineModerate evidence7 citations

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

2026Mechanism onlyPMID:42278371View source ↗

MFDS Approved Functional Cosmetic Active — Adenosine (anti-wrinkle). Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Cosmetic Functional Active Ingredient List

2020Regulatory approvalMFDS:Adenosine-AntiWrinkleView source ↗

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

2020Positive — efficacyPMID:32421218View source ↗
PolydeoxyribonucleotideModerate evidence4 citations

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

2023Mechanism onlyPMID:37959659View source ↗

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

2022Positive — efficacyPMID:35209068View source ↗

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

2021Mechanism onlyPMID:34832885View source ↗
CaffeineModerate evidence6 citations

Tightens and brightens the under-eye area, reducing the look of puffiness by constricting tiny blood vessels. Best deployed in eye creams.

Elias M et al., Caffeine in Skincare: Its Role in Skin Cancer, Sun Protection, and Cosmetics, Indian Journal of Dermatology 2023;68(5):546-550 — evidence for topical caffeine's photoprotective, antioxidant, and anti-cellulite roles

2023Meta-analysis — positivePMID:38099120View source ↗

Gherardini J et al. (Germany), Transepidermal UV radiation of scalp skin ex vivo induces hair follicle damage that is alleviated by the topical treatment with caffeine, International Journal of Cosmetic Science 2019;41(2):164-182 — topical caffeine reduced UV-induced hair follicle cytotoxicity and premature catagen entry in ex vivo human scalp

2019Positive — efficacyPMID:30746733View source ↗

Byun SY et al., Efficacy of Slimming Cream Containing 3.5% Water-Soluble Caffeine and Xanthenes for the Treatment of Cellulite, Annals of Dermatology 2015;27(3):243-249 — 3.5% caffeine slimming cream improved visual cellulite scores 19.8% with measurable circumference reductions over 6 weeks

2015Positive — efficacyPMID:26082579View source ↗
AllantoinModerate evidence6 citations

A gentle smoother and skin-soother. Reduces flakiness and helps the surface look more even.

Xu Z et al., Efficacy and Safety of Topical Compound Heparin Sodium Allantoin Gel for the Treatment of Rosacea, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2025;24(4):e70129 — RCT (n=82, 12 weeks): allantoin gel improved erythema and alleviated itching/burning vs traditional therapy

2025Positive — efficacyPMID:40177799View source ↗

Tan C et al., The combination of allantoin, bisabolol, D-panthenol and dipotassium glycyrrhizinate mitigates UVB-induced PGE2 synthesis by keratinocytes, International Journal of Cosmetic Science 2024;46(5):691-701 — in vitro: allantoin combination reduced UVB-induced PGE2, IL-1α, IL-6, IL-8, TNFα

2024Mechanism onlyPMID:38433250View source ↗

Saucedo-Acuna RA et al. (Mexico), Characterization and In Vivo Assay of Allantoin-Enriched Pectin Hydrogel for the Treatment of Skin Wounds, International Journal of Molecular Sciences 2023;24(8):7377 — allantoin-pectin hydrogel reduced wound healing time by ~71% with complete closure at day 15 in rat model

2023Mechanism onlyPMID:37108540View source ↗
Hydrolyzed CollagenModerate evidence3 citations

The protein your skin loses with age, broken down small enough to absorb. Multiple meta-analyses of RCTs show measurable wins in wrinkles, elasticity, and hydration after ~12 weeks. Most evidence is oral, but topical helps surface hydration too.

Pu SY et al., Effects of Oral Collagen for Skin Anti-Aging: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis, Nutrients 2023;15(9):2080 — 26 RCTs / 1,721 patients: hydrolyzed collagen significantly improved skin hydration and elasticity vs placebo across multiple collagen sources

2023Meta-analysis — positivePMID:37432180View source ↗

de Miranda RB, Weimer P, Rossi RC, Effects of hydrolyzed collagen supplementation on skin aging: a systematic review and meta-analysis, International Journal of Dermatology 2021 — 19 RCTs / 1,125 participants: 90-day oral hydrolyzed collagen significantly reduced wrinkles and improved skin elasticity and hydration vs placebo

2021Meta-analysis — positivePMID:33742704View source ↗

Evans M et al., A randomized triple-blind placebo-controlled parallel study to evaluate the efficacy of a freshwater marine collagen on skin wrinkles and elasticity, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2021;20(3):825-834 — 12-week RCT: ~35% reduction in wrinkle scores and improved elasticity vs placebo

2021Positive — efficacyPMID:32799362View source ↗
Licorice RootModerate evidence8 citations

A gentle Asian-skincare brightener derived from licorice root. Fades dark spots and calms redness, and it's a pregnancy-safe alternative to stronger fade ingredients.

Glabridin Inhibits Melanogenesis and Melanin Transfer via Wnt/beta-Catenin Pathway and Rho Family GTPase-Mediated Dendritic Formation Suppression, Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2026;19(3) — glabridin (the licorice-root active) suppressed melanin synthesis and keratinocyte melanin transfer in vitro via Wnt/beta-Catenin and Rho-GTPase dendrite suppression

2026Mechanism onlyPMID:41901315View source ↗

Liu Y et al., Glycyrrhiza glabra extract as a skin-whitening agent: Identification of active components and CRTC1/MITF pathway-inhibition mechanism, Journal of Ethnopharmacology 2025;349:119948 — identifies glabridin as the principal active and maps skin-whitening mechanism via CREB/CRTC1/MITF suppression

2025Mechanism onlyPMID:40350048View source ↗

Wang JY et al., Preparation of compound liquorice microemulsion gel and its pharmacodynamics evaluation, Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi (China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica) 2020;45(21):5193-5199 — compound licorice (Glycyrrhiza) microemulsion gel significantly reduced ear swelling and inflammatory infiltration in chronic eczema mouse model

2020Positive — efficacyPMID:33350235View source ↗
Vitamin CStrong evidence14 citations

Brightens dull skin and helps fade dark spots. Also defends against everyday UV and pollution damage when worn under sunscreen.

Pullar JM et al., The roles of vitamin C in skin health, Nutrients 2017;9(8):866 — concluded topical efficacy "poorly understood"; supports dietary vitamin C

2017Mechanism onlyPMID:28805671View source ↗

Lee JH et al., Effects of VitabridC12 on Skin Inflammation, Annals of Dermatology 2017

2017Mechanism onlyPMID:28966510View source ↗

MFDS Approved Functional Cosmetic Active — Ascorbic Acid and derivatives (whitening). Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Cosmetic Functional Active Ingredient List — L-ascorbic acid and stabilized derivatives (Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate) are approved whitening actives in the Korean Functional Cosmetics Codex; authorized concentrations documented in Jeon JS et al., International Journal of Cosmetic Science 2016;38(3):286-93 (PMID:26564311)

2016Regulatory approvalMFDS:AscorbicAcid-WhiteningView source ↗
Hyaluronic AcidStrong evidence7 citations

A pure hydrator that holds water in your skin. Makes skin look plumper and smoother almost immediately.

Bravo B et al., Benefits of topical hyaluronic acid for skin quality and signs of skin aging: From literature review to clinical evidence, Dermatology and Therapy 2022;12(12):2657-2680 — HA-based cosmeceuticals reliably improve hydration and signs of skin aging

2022Meta-analysis — positivePMID:36200921View source ↗

Lee SG et al., Hyaluronan Oligosaccharides Improve Rosacea-Like Phenotype through Anti-Inflammatory and Epidermal Barrier-Improving Effects, Annals of Dermatology 2020

2020Mechanism onlyPMID:33911737View source ↗

An JH et al., 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 — cross-linked HA microneedle patches improved wrinkles on Korean skin with minimal discomfort

2019Positive — efficacyPMID:33911590View source ↗
GlutathioneModerate evidence6 citations

A "master antioxidant" your body already makes. In skincare it gently lightens overall tone and helps fade pigmentation when used consistently over months.

Stanescu C et al., Glutathione in Skin Aging and Tissue Regeneration: A Systematic Review of Molecular Mechanisms, Redox Modulation, and Biomedical Implications, Molecules 2026

2026Meta-analysis — positivePMID:41900080View source ↗

Sarkar R et al., Glutathione as a skin-lightening agent and in melasma: a systematic review, International Journal of Dermatology 2025

2025Meta-analysis — mixedPMID:39444151View source ↗

Wahab S et al., Combination of topical and oral glutathione as a skin-whitening agent: a double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial, International Journal of Dermatology 2021;60(8):1013-1018 — 8-week RCT showed combination significantly lowered melanin and raised lightness vs placebo

2021Positive — efficacyPMID:33871071View source ↗
ArgirelineModerate evidence4 citations

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

2026Positive — efficacyPMID:41668671View source ↗

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

2025InconclusivePMID:40565185View source ↗

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)

2019Positive — efficacyPMID:33911590View source ↗
Lactobacillus FermentAnecdotal evidence4 citations

A "postbiotic" (dead probiotic bits) that talks to your skin microbiome without adding live bugs. Patches up a leaky barrier and is friendly even on very reactive skin.

Algieri F, Pimazzoni S et al. (Italy), Postbiotic derived from Lacticaseibacillus paracasei CNCM I-5220 as a novel approach to improve ageing-induced skin damage, Scientific Reports 2026 — 6-week topical postbiotic application reduced roughness and increased hydration, elasticity, and echogenicity vs placebo; boosted hyaluronic acid in keratinocytes and pro-collagen in fibroblasts

2026Positive — efficacyPMID:42168426View source ↗

Flores Rodriguez JC et al. (Mexico/Colombia/Costa Rica), Postbiotics in Dermatology: A Literature Review of Emerging Topical Therapies for Acne, Rosacea, and Eczema, Cureus 2026;18(3) — review of 16 studies: postbiotics improved SCORAD and barrier function in atopic dermatitis; reduced inflammatory acne lesions 50-70% and suppressed sebum 42-72%

2026Meta-analysis — positivePMID:42005241View source ↗

Effects of a lotion containing probiotic ferment lysate as the main functional ingredient on enhancing skin barrier: a randomized, self-control study, Scientific Reports 2023

2023Positive — efficacyPMID:37803101View source ↗
Centella AsiaticaModerate evidence9 citations

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

2026Positive — efficacyPMID:42196964View source ↗

Borowicz KK et al., Geroprotective Potential of Centella asiatica: Modulation of Cellular Aging, Nutrients 2026

2026Mechanism onlyPMID:42280293View source ↗

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

2025Positive — efficacyPMID:40682399View source ↗

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.

  • Benzoyl peroxide breaks down vitamin C, making both less effective. Use one in the morning and the other at night.

  • Vitamin C and retinol work best at different pH levels. Use vitamin C in the morning and retinol at night.

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