Rejuran vs Profhilo: Skin Hydration Comparison

Rejuran and Profhilo are both popular injectable treatments for tired, dehydrated or slackening skin. Profhilo is a hyaluronic acid product developed in Italy and widely used in Europe, the UK and elsewhere, while Rejuran is a Korean polynucleotide booster that has become a fixture of Korean dermatology. International visitors who already know one often ask how it compares with the other.

Both aim to improve skin quality without adding obvious volume. The difference lies in how they work, how they are injected and which skin they suit best.

How Profhilo works

Profhilo contains a high concentration of hyaluronic acid (HA) in a combination of high and low molecular weight forms, stabilised through a heat-based process rather than heavy chemical cross-linking. Once injected, the product spreads through the tissue rather than staying in one spot, which is why it is often described as a bio-remodelling treatment rather than a filler.

Its main effects are deep hydration and improved firmness and elasticity. Profhilo is typically injected at a small number of standardised points on each side of the face, so there are far fewer needle entries than with many boosters. Small bumps appear at the injection sites and usually flatten within a day.

How Rejuran works

Rejuran is made from polynucleotides (PN), purified DNA fragments derived from salmon. Instead of attracting water as HA does, polynucleotides are thought to support the skin's natural repair processes. Over a course of treatments, skin often becomes more resilient and even in texture, with softer fine lines and improved elasticity.

Rejuran is usually injected as many small superficial blebs across the face, producing a pattern of bumps that settle within one to two days. Variants include Rejuran Healer, Rejuran i for the under-eye area and Rejuran S for scars.

Key differences

• Ingredient: Profhilo is stabilised hyaluronic acid; Rejuran is polynucleotides.
• Primary benefit: Profhilo focuses on hydration and laxity; Rejuran focuses on repair, texture and resilience.
• Injection technique: Profhilo uses a few points per side; Rejuran uses many superficial injections.
• Comfort: Profhilo is generally quick with fewer needle entries; Rejuran is often described as more uncomfortable, even with numbing cream.
• Sessions: Profhilo is commonly given as two sessions about four weeks apart; Rejuran is often given as three to four sessions two to four weeks apart.
• Maintenance: both are usually topped up every several months, depending on age and skin condition.
• Downtime: both may leave bumps for a day or so and occasional bruising.

Which is better for hydration?

If hydration is your main priority, Profhilo has the more direct mechanism. Hyaluronic acid binds water, so many patients notice plumper, dewier skin within a few weeks. It is often chosen by people in their late thirties and beyond whose skin has started to look crepey or deflated, particularly on the cheeks and lower face.

Rejuran also improves the look of dehydrated skin, but its effect is more about the overall health of the skin barrier and dermis. People with sensitive, reactive or damaged skin, for example after repeated laser treatments or prolonged sun exposure, often find that Rejuran helps the skin behave better over time.

Other areas and uses

Profhilo is widely used on the neck, décolletage and hands as well as the face. A newer version, Profhilo Structura, is designed for deeper placement in the lateral face to address tissue support. Rejuran is commonly used across the face and, in the Rejuran i form, around the eyes. Rejuran S is formulated for acne and other scars, an area where Profhilo is not usually the first choice.

Risks and who should be cautious

Both treatments are generally well tolerated. Common side effects include redness, swelling, bumps, bruising and tenderness. Rarely, infection, nodules or allergic reactions can occur. As with any injectable, the risk of complications is lower when the injector has a sound understanding of facial anatomy.

• People with a known fish allergy should discuss this before Rejuran.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding patients are usually advised to wait.
• Those with active infection, cold sores or inflamed skin in the area should postpone.
• Patients with autoimmune conditions or on blood-thinning medication should tell the doctor beforehand.

Which should you choose?

• Dry, crepey skin with mild laxity: Profhilo is often the more natural fit.
• Sensitive, irritated or sun-damaged skin: Rejuran may be more helpful.
• Fine lines under the eyes: Rejuran i is commonly used; Profhilo is used here less often.
• Neck and hands: Profhilo is frequently used in these areas.
• You dislike many injections: Profhilo's few-point technique may be more comfortable.

Some doctors combine the two, using Profhilo for hydration and support and Rejuran for repair and texture, with an interval between them. Whether this is worthwhile depends on your skin and budget.

Practical tips for treatment in Korea

Rejuran is very widely available in Korean clinics. Imported products such as Profhilo may be offered at some clinics but not others, so ask in advance if you have a specific product in mind. Confirm that the product is genuine and request to see the sealed packaging. If a course of treatments is recommended, check whether you can complete the remaining sessions at home. Allow at least a few days before major events in case of bruising.

Conclusion

Profhilo and Rejuran both improve skin quality, but they approach it differently. Profhilo delivers concentrated hydration and helps with mild laxity through a few injection points, while Rejuran supports repair and resilience through many small superficial injections. Your skin type, your main concern and how many sessions you can attend will shape the right choice, and a dermatologist can help you weigh them.

This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for a medical consultation. Suitability, results and recovery vary from person to person.