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Korean PDRN

Serums

Typically used at routine step 5.

The serum is where most of a routine's actual treatment happens. It carries the actives — niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, peptides, PDRN-labelled ingredients, vitamin C and so on — in a light base designed to spread thinly and absorb quickly. Because it is the step most likely to cause irritation, it is also the step to change least often. Layer thinnest to thickest, and give any new serum a fortnight before deciding whether it earns its place.

Products

Anua Azelaic Acid 10 Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum product photograph

Editorial research review

A 30 mL cosmetic serum with 10% azelaic acid according to Anua, plus panthenol and sodium hyaluronate on the maker’s list. It is an active serum step, so compare it with the other actives already in your routine and follow the pack directions.

VT COSMETICS Black Truffle Reedle Shot 100 product photograph

Editorial research review

A 50 mL leave-on spicule booster. VT's list includes silica, niacinamide and extracts of black and white truffles. The formula supports identifying this variant, while the ingredient list alone cannot establish a visible benefit from the truffle extracts.

Beauty of Joseon Calming Barrier Serum product photograph

Editorial research review

Beauty of Joseon

Calming Barrier Serum

A 30 mL serum with green tea leaf water, panthenol and ceramide NP. Check for the Green Tea-HA label if you are comparing it with the earlier Calming Serum.

VT COSMETICS Collagen Reedle Shot 100 product photograph

Editorial research review

A 50 mL leave-on spicule booster with silica, niacinamide and a macadamia seed oil base component. VT lists milk protein extract, collagen water and collagen extract. The formula does not establish an improvement in firmness.

COSRX COSRX 5 PDRN Collagen Intense Vitalizing Serum product photograph

Editorial research review

A 100 mL facial serum built around humectants, niacinamide and panthenol, with Sodium DNA and hydrolysed collagen on the maker’s ingredient list. It fits the serum step of a routine. The listed formula does not establish how the finished serum compares with other PDRN products.

AXIS-Y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum product photograph

Editorial research review

A 50 mL facial serum with glycerin, niacinamide and sodium hyaluronate early on the maker’s list. It also lists squalane, glutathione and rosemary leaf oil.

DIVE-IN Low Molecule Hyaluronic Acid Serum product photograph

Editorial research review

A lightweight humectant serum combining several forms of hyaluronic acid with panthenol, allantoin and barrier-supporting ingredients. It works best when sealed with moisturiser rather than used as the only hydration step.

Bellflower Ectoin 3% Serum white dropper bottle

Editorial research review

Bellflower

Ectoin 3% Serum

A very short, fragrance-free formula that states its ectoin level (3%, or 30,000 ppm). Few other ingredients compete with the ectoin, which makes it easy to fit into a routine, though a stated percentage is not proof of a better result.

Size not verified
Dermailly Ectoin Derma Cream Serum navy and grey pump bottle

Editorial research review

A cream-serum stating 2% ectoin, with squalane, niacinamide, panthenol and ceramide NP. It looks a sensible format for dry, sensitive-feeling skin, but we only hold a partial ingredient list, so our view is limited.

Glow Serum Propolis + Niacinamide product photograph

Editorial research review

A cushiony propolis and niacinamide serum that also contains betaine salicylate. It is a useful glow and oil-balance option for tolerant combination or oily skin, but it is not a substitute for acne treatment.

SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica Blue Serum product photograph

Editorial research review

A 50 mL facial gel serum with centella leaf water, niacinamide, glycerin and several forms of hyaluronic acid in the maker’s list. It belongs at the serum step.

VT COSMETICS Hydrop Reedle Shot 100 product photograph

Editorial research review

A 50 mL leave-on spicule booster built around a humectant-rich formula. Glycerin and butylene glycol appear near the start, with panthenol, ectoin and hyaluronic acid derivatives elsewhere in the list. It still contains silica.

Purito Seoul Mighty Bamboo Panthenol Serum product photograph

Editorial research review

A 30 mL leave-on serum with 13% panthenol according to Purito, plus glycerin, niacinamide, squalane and ectoin on the ingredient list.

VT Mild Reedle Shot 50 50 ml silver pump bottle with a swatch of white serum

Editorial research review

The mildest strength in VT's range, and the most sensible first step if you want to try spicules at all. The formula adds aloe and astaxanthin to the niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and centella base. As with the rest of the range, independent evidence for visible results is limited.

Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Dark Spot Correcting Serum product photograph

Editorial research review

A brightening serum built around niacinamide and tranexamic acid, with arbutin and alpha-arbutin also listed, plus hyaluronic acid, panthenol and ceramide NP for comfort. These ingredients are among the better-studied cosmetic options for the appearance of dark marks and uneven tone, but results depend on daily sunscreen and take weeks of consistent use.

Size not verified
Anua PDRN Collagen Glow Facial Serum Spray product photograph

Editorial research review

A 100 mL facial serum mist with a silicone, glycol and panthenol base and Sodium DNA on the maker’s ingredient list. Its spray format is the main distinction from a dropper serum. The maker’s declaration supplies the formula evidence.

PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum product photograph

Editorial research review

A lightweight salmon-derived PDRN capsule serum with several forms of hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, collagen and glutathione. It is primarily a hydrating and glow-focused serum, not a proven substitute for prescription treatment or procedures.

VT COSMETICS PDRN Reedle Shot 100 product photograph

Editorial research review

A 50 mL leave-on spicule booster with silica and a blend of hyaluronic acid forms. VT describes its PDRN as plant-derived from wild ginseng and lists Sodium DNA at 0.05 ppm. That declaration cannot establish how much the ingredient contributes to the finished formula's effects.

VT COSMETICS Pro Cica Reedle Shot 100 product photograph

Editorial research review

A 50 mL leave-on spicule booster with silica, niacinamide, centella ingredients and tea tree leaf extract. VT's global declaration includes an entry labelled DNA. Its source and fragment type are unspecified.

VT COSMETICS Red Booster Reedle Shot 100 product photograph

Editorial research review

A 50 mL leave-on spicule booster. The global declaration lists silica, niacinamide, panthenol and moringa seed oil. Compare its formula with the original Reedle Shot 100 to see which supporting ingredients differ.

VT Reedle Shot 100 50 ml silver pump bottle with a swatch of white serum

Editorial research review

VT COSMETICS

Reedle Shot 100

VT's everyday strength and the usual starting point after the Mild 50. It pairs silica needle-like particles with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and centella. Expect a prickling feel. Independent trials of this product for wrinkles or scars are lacking, so treat smoother texture as plausible rather than proven.

VT Reedle Shot 300 50 ml bottle on a grey background with VT marketing text

Editorial research review

VT COSMETICS

Reedle Shot 300

A stronger step up that VT directs people to use every three days. The base formula is close to Reedle Shot 100. There is no reliable head-to-head evidence that a higher number gives better visible results, so only consider it if the 100 is comfortable and you want to continue.

VT Reedle Shot 700 30 ml silver pump bottle with a swatch of white serum

Editorial research review

VT COSMETICS

Reedle Shot 700

An intense weekly option with a richer base, sold in a smaller 30 ml bottle. Expect strong tingling and possibly redness. Most people do not need it, and there is no reliable evidence that it gives better results than the lower strengths.

Purito Seoul Retinol Retinal 2000 NAD+ Serum product photograph

Editorial research review

A 30 mL evening facial serum that Purito lists with 1,000 ppm each of retinol and retinal, plus 100 ppm nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide.

haruharu wonder Rose PDRN Firming Serum with Retinal 0.1% product photograph

Editorial research review

A 30 mL evening serum that the maker lists with 0.1% retinal, Sodium DNA and peptides. The UK retailer’s online ingredient order differs from the maker’s global panel. Use the label on your pack to compare formulas.

haruharu wonder Rose PDRN Soothing Serum product photograph

Editorial research review

A 30 mL facial serum with glycerin, niacinamide, panthenol, Sodium DNA and azelaic acid on the maker’s list. The maker does not state an azelaic acid percentage on its product page.

Salmon DNA PDRN Pink Peptide Serum product photograph

Editorial research review

A moisturising salmon-derived PDRN serum with niacinamide, peptides and collagen-related ingredients. Its main immediate role is hydration and glow; the evidence for topical PDRN remains formulation-specific and less established than sunscreen or retinoids.

AXIS-Y Triple PDRN Barrier Boost Serum product photograph

Editorial research review

A 30 mL serum with Sodium DNA, niacinamide and panthenol. The manufacturer’s ingredient list helps compare the formula with other serums, but gives no head-to-head performance result.

Purito Seoul TXA 6 Niacinamide 10 Retinal Serum product photograph

Editorial research review

A 30 mL facial serum with maker-declared 10% niacinamide, 6% tranexamic acid and 25 ppm retinal. The formula and retinal level differ from Purito’s Retinol Retinal 2000 NAD+ Serum.

Purito Seoul Wonder Releaf Centella Serum Unscented product photograph

Editorial research review

A 60 mL serum in Purito’s Unscented variant, with glycerin and centella extract near the top. Niacinamide, panthenol and several peptides also appear on the maker’s list.

How the serums we hold compare

Texture, size and “best for” come from our product research. Notable ingredients are matched by exact name in each verified ingredient list: presence only, which says nothing about concentration or effect. “No Parfum listed” means the list declares no added fragrance; plant extracts and waters can still carry a scent.

Serums compared by texture, size, notable listed ingredients, fragrance and best use
ProductTextureSizeNotable listed ingredientsFragranceBest for
Anua Azelaic Acid 10 Hyaluron Redness Soothing SerumNot recorded30mlCeramides, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic acid, Squalane, Panthenol, Centella / madecassosideNo Parfum listedNot recorded
Purito Seoul Azelaic Acid 10 Kojic Tea Tree SerumNot recorded30mlNiacinamideNo Parfum listedNot recorded
VT COSMETICS Black Truffle Reedle Shot 100Leave-on spicule booster.50mlCeramides, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic acid, Panthenol, Centella / madecassosideNo Parfum listedNot recorded
Beauty of Joseon Calming Barrier SerumNot recorded30mlCeramides, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic acid, Panthenol, Centella / madecassosideNo Parfum listedNot recorded
VT COSMETICS Collagen Reedle Shot 100Leave-on spicule booster.50mlNiacinamide, Hyaluronic acid, Centella / madecassosideNo Parfum listedNot recorded
COSRX COSRX 5 PDRN Collagen Intense Vitalizing SerumNot recorded100mlNiacinamide, Hyaluronic acid, Panthenol, PDRN (sodium DNA), Centella / madecassosideNo Parfum listedNot recorded
AXIS-Y Dark Spot Correcting Glow SerumNot recorded50mlNiacinamide, Hyaluronic acid, SqualaneNo Parfum listedNot recorded
Torriden DIVE-IN Low Molecule Hyaluronic Acid SerumWatery gel serum.50mlCeramides, Hyaluronic acid, Panthenol, Centella / madecassosideNo Parfum listedLightweight hydration and dehydrated-looking skin
Bellflower Ectoin 3% SerumLightweight transparent serum.Not recordedIngredient list not yet verifiedIngredient list not yet verifiedSensitive or dehydrated-feeling skin that wants a simple extra step.
Dermailly Ectoin Derma Cream SerumCream-serum.30mlIngredient list not yet verifiedIngredient list not yet verifiedDry or sensitive-feeling skin that wants a richer serum.
Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum: Rice + Alpha-ArbutinNot recorded30mlNiacinamide, PanthenolNo Parfum listedNot recorded
Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum Propolis + NiacinamideCushiony, medium-weight gel serum.30mlNiacinamide, Hyaluronic acid, Centella / madecassosideNo Parfum listedGlow, oil-balance support and uneven-looking tone
SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica Blue SerumNot recorded50mlCeramides, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic acid, Panthenol, Centella / madecassosideNo Parfum listedNot recorded
VT COSMETICS Hydrop Reedle Shot 100Leave-on spicule booster.50mlNiacinamide, Hyaluronic acid, Panthenol, Centella / madecassosideNo Parfum listedNot recorded
Beauty of Joseon Light On Serum: Centella + Vita CNot recorded30mlPanthenol, Centella / madecassosideNo Parfum listedNot recorded
Purito Seoul Mighty Bamboo Panthenol SerumNot recorded30mlNiacinamide, SqualaneNo Parfum listedNot recorded
VT COSMETICS Mild Reedle Shot 50Serum-cream with needle-like particles that cause a prickling feeling.50mlNiacinamide, Hyaluronic acid, Centella / madecassosideNo Parfum listedFirst-time spicule users and sensitive-feeling skin that is otherwise healthy.
Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Dark Spot Correcting SerumNot recordedNot recordedCeramides, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic acid, Panthenol, Centella / madecassosideNo Parfum listedDark marks after spots, sun spots and uneven-looking tone, used alongside daily SPF.
Anua PDRN Collagen Glow Facial Serum SprayNot recorded100mlCeramides, Hyaluronic acid, Panthenol, PDRN (sodium DNA)No Parfum listedNot recorded
Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 SerumLight watery serum containing microcapsule technology.30mlNiacinamide, Hyaluronic acid, PDRN (sodium DNA)No Parfum listedLightweight hydration and a dewy finish
VT COSMETICS PDRN Reedle Shot 100Leave-on spicule booster.50mlNiacinamide, Hyaluronic acid, Squalane, PDRN (sodium DNA), Centella / madecassosideNo Parfum listedNot recorded
VT COSMETICS Pro Cica Reedle Shot 100Leave-on spicule booster.50mlCeramides, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic acid, Centella / madecassosideNo Parfum listedNot recorded
VT COSMETICS Red Booster Reedle Shot 100Leave-on spicule booster.50mlCeramides, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic acid, Panthenol, Centella / madecassosideNo Parfum listedNot recorded
VT COSMETICS Reedle Shot 100Serum-cream with needle-like particles that cause a prickling feeling.50mlNiacinamide, Hyaluronic acid, Centella / madecassosideNo Parfum listedPeople trying spicule serums for the first time or moving up from the Mild 50, on healthy, unbroken skin.
VT COSMETICS Reedle Shot 300Serum-cream with needle-like particles that cause a prickling feeling.50mlNiacinamide, Hyaluronic acid, Centella / madecassosideNo Parfum listedPeople already comfortable with the 50 or 100 on healthy skin.
VT COSMETICS Reedle Shot 700Serum-cream with needle-like particles that cause a prickling feeling.30mlCeramides, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic acid, Centella / madecassosideNo Parfum listedExperienced spicule users with healthy skin who tolerate the 300 comfortably.
Purito Seoul Retinol Retinal 2000 NAD+ SerumNot recorded30mlCeramides, Niacinamide, Centella / madecassosideNo Parfum listedNot recorded
Beauty of Joseon Revive Serum: Ginseng + Snail MucinNot recorded30mlNiacinamide, Hyaluronic acid, Snail secretion filtrate, Centella / madecassosideNo Parfum listedNot recorded
haruharu wonder Rose PDRN Firming Serum with Retinal 0.1%Not recorded30mlCeramides, Niacinamide, Panthenol, PDRN (sodium DNA), Centella / madecassosideNo Parfum listedNot recorded
haruharu wonder Rose PDRN Soothing SerumNot recorded30mlCeramides, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic acid, Squalane, Panthenol, PDRN (sodium DNA), Centella / madecassosideNo Parfum listedNot recorded
medicube Salmon DNA PDRN Pink Peptide SerumLightweight but moisturising gel-serum/emulsion.30mlNiacinamide, Hyaluronic acid, PDRN (sodium DNA)Parfum listedHydration, glow and firmer-looking skin
COSRX The Blue Peptide Bakuchiol Plump Glow SerumNot recorded50mlNiacinamide, Hyaluronic acid, PanthenolNo Parfum listedNot recorded
AXIS-Y Triple PDRN Barrier Boost SerumNot recorded30mlNiacinamide, Panthenol, PDRN (sodium DNA), Centella / madecassosideNo Parfum listedNot recorded
Purito Seoul TXA 6 Niacinamide 10 Retinal SerumNot recorded30mlCeramides, Centella / madecassosideNo Parfum listedNot recorded
Purito Seoul Wonder Releaf Centella Serum UnscentedNot recorded60mlCeramides, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic acid, Panthenol, Centella / madecassosideNo Parfum listedNot recorded

How we research serums

We currently track 35 published products here. Every entry is compiled from manufacturer ingredient disclosures, published cosmetic science literature and UK retailer listings. We do not run clinical trials, and we do not publish a product until its formulation details have been checked against a source we can cite.

  • Formulation: INCI lists, key actives, fragrance and alcohol status where the brand discloses them.
  • Evidence: what the published research suggests for the key ingredients, and what it does not establish.
  • UK availability: retailer listings and prices, with the date each was last checked. Where a price is not recent enough to quote, we say “check latest price” instead of guessing.

Results from cosmetic products are formulation-dependent and vary between people. Read our review methodology, browse the ingredient explainers or compare options in the comparison tool.

Choosing serums

  • One targeted serum used consistently beats three used sporadically.
  • Hydrating and soothing serums can be layered freely; strong actives usually cannot.
  • If skin is stinging, drop the serum step entirely before adjusting anything else.

For a full step-by-step order for your skin type, see the routine guides. To narrow by skin type and concern, use the product finder, or browse every step on the product types index. Scoring is explained in our review methodology.

Explore Korean PDRN

Start with the best PDRN skincare in the UK or browse top rated products, reviews and routines.