Skin boosters have become the cornerstone of Korean dermatology, offering injectable treatments that improve skin quality from within. They are a key part of the top trending treatments in Korea. With multiple options now available, choosing the right one can be confusing. Here is your complete guide.
What Are Skin Boosters?
Unlike traditional fillers that add volume, skin boosters are micro-injections designed to improve skin quality—hydration, elasticity, texture, and glow. They work by delivering active ingredients directly into the dermis where they stimulate natural repair processes.
Top Skin Boosters Compared
| Product | Key Ingredient | Best For | Cost/Session | Lasts |
| Rejuran (PDRN) | Salmon DNA (PN) | Overall skin repair | $180-275 | 6-12 months |
| Profhilo | Hyaluronic acid | Deep hydration & radiance | $250-400 | 6 months |
| Juvelook (PDLLA) | Poly-D,L-Lactic Acid | Collagen regeneration & volume | $200-400 | 12-24 months |
| Sculptra (PLLA) | Poly-L-Lactic Acid | Volume restoration & lifting | $300-600 | Up to 24 months |
| RE20 | Polynucleotide (PN) | Skin regeneration & elasticity | $200-350 | 6-12 months |
Rejuran: The Korean Favorite
Rejuran remains the most popular skin booster in Korea. Using PDRN from salmon DNA, it excels at cellular repair and regeneration. It comes in several variants:
- Rejuran Healer: Standard formula for overall rejuvenation
- Rejuran S: Higher concentration for scar treatment
- Rejuran I: Formulated specifically for the delicate under-eye area
- Rejuran HB: Combined with hyaluronic acid for extra hydration
Profhilo: Radiance Through Injectable Skincare
Profhilo was launched in Europe in 2015 and has recently gained massive popularity in the US. Often described as "injectable skincare," Profhilo is a high-purity hyaluronic acid injection that focuses on skin hydration and radiance rather than adding volume. Its signature effect is a glow that looks like you have had 18 hours of deep sleep—delivering both hydration and a visible tone-up effect.
Skin boosters like Profhilo are injected into the dermal layer of the skin—deeper than topical moisturizers but shallower than traditional dermal fillers. Only 5 injection points per side of the face makes it a quick procedure with minimal discomfort.
In Korea, a similar concept is extremely popular under the name "mul-gwang" (water-glow) injections—hyaluronic acid injected into the skin for hydration and radiance. Korean clinics inject into the superficial dermal layer focusing on hydration and glow effects, while in Europe the same ingredient is often injected deeper for both radiance and elasticity improvement.
Juvelook (PDLLA): Collagen-Stimulating Skin Booster
Juvelook uses Poly-D,L-Lactic Acid (PDLLA), a biodegradable synthetic polymer that gradually stimulates collagen production as it dissolves. Unlike instant-result fillers, Juvelook works progressively—visible improvements appear after 2-3 months and can last up to 2 years.
- Mechanism: Activates fibroblasts to produce new collagen over time
- Best for: Skin elasticity, volume restoration, fine lines
- Advantage: Natural-looking, gradual improvement rather than sudden change
- Sessions: 2-3 sessions, 4 weeks apart
Sculptra (PLLA): The Volume Restorer
Sculptra uses Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA), a well-established biodegradable polymer that stimulates collagen production deep within the skin. It is particularly effective for patients who have lost facial volume due to aging.
- Mechanism: PLLA particles stimulate fibroblasts to produce type I collagen
- Best for: Volume loss, sagging skin, facial contouring, skin density
- Results timeline: Gradual improvement over 2-3 months, peak at 6 months
- Duration: Effects last up to 2 years
- Sessions: 2-3 sessions, 4-6 weeks apart
RE20: Next-Generation PN Booster
RE20 is a polynucleotide (PN) skin booster that promotes skin regeneration and elasticity improvement. Similar in principle to Rejuran but with its own proprietary formulation, RE20 is gaining popularity in Korean clinics for its skin-revitalizing effects.
- Mechanism: PN activates cellular regeneration and tissue repair
- Best for: Dull skin, loss of elasticity, texture improvement
- Sessions: 3-4 sessions, 2-4 weeks apart
Treatment Schedule
- Rejuran: 3-4 sessions, 2-4 weeks apart
- Profhilo: 2 sessions, 4 weeks apart
- Juvelook: 2-3 sessions, 4 weeks apart
- Sculptra: 2-3 sessions, 4-6 weeks apart
- RE20: 3-4 sessions, 2-4 weeks apart
How to Choose the Right One
- Dull, damaged skin: Rejuran or RE20 for cellular repair
- Severely dehydrated skin: Profhilo for deep hydration and radiance
- Volume loss and sagging: Sculptra for deep collagen stimulation and volume restoration
- Collagen regeneration: Juvelook for gradual, natural-looking improvement
- Under-eye concerns: Rejuran I specifically designed for this area
Related Articles
- Rejuran Healer: Is the Pain Worth the Glow?
- PDRN Injections: Korea's Most Popular Skin Treatment
- PN vs PLLA: Korean Bio-Lifting Treatments
- Exosome Therapy: The Premium Facial Treatment
- Glass Skin vs Cloud Skin Treatments
Unsure which skin booster is right for you? MyDoc Korea offers personalized consultations to recommend the ideal treatment plan.
Medical Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Individual results may vary.