What Clinical Studies Say About Korean Skin Boosters and Collagen Treatments

How to read evidence on aesthetic treatments

Korean skin boosters and collagen treatments have become popular worldwide, and many patients want to know what the science actually says. The honest summary is that evidence varies a great deal between products and claims. Some ingredients have been studied for years in medical settings, while newer products often have smaller or shorter studies, many of them funded by manufacturers.

Before looking at specific treatments, it helps to know what makes evidence stronger or weaker:

Study design. Randomised controlled trials, where one group receives the treatment and another does not, are generally more reliable than case reports or before-and-after photos.
Size and length. Small studies or short follow-up periods cannot show how long results last or how common rare side effects are.
Who funded it. Manufacturer-funded studies are common and not necessarily wrong, but independent replication adds confidence.
What was measured. Some studies measure skin hydration or elasticity with instruments, others rely on patient satisfaction or doctor ratings.

Skin boosters: what research suggests

Polynucleotides (PN) such as Rejuran

Rejuran is based on polynucleotides derived from salmon DNA. Polynucleotides have been studied for their role in supporting tissue repair, and there are published clinical studies on PN injections for skin quality, fine lines and texture. Results are generally described as encouraging, though many studies are relatively small. Overall, evidence suggests PN boosters can be helpful for skin quality for some people, but they are not a substitute for lifting or volume treatments.

Hyaluronic acid skin boosters

Hyaluronic acid has a long history in dermatology and aesthetic medicine, and its safety profile is well understood when used by trained practitioners. Skin boosters inject small amounts of non-volumising or lightly cross-linked hyaluronic acid into the skin to improve hydration. Published studies of HA skin boosters have reported improvements in hydration and skin quality, usually over a series of treatments. Products such as Skinvive are examples outside the clinic's list that patients sometimes ask about. You can ask during consultation which options are available.

Exosome treatments

Exosome products are one of the newest categories. Exosomes are tiny vesicles released by cells, studied for their role in cell communication and healing. In aesthetics, they are used after lasers or microneedling or by injection to support recovery and skin quality. Research is still at an early stage, and product formulations differ widely. Patients should treat exosome claims with appropriate caution and discuss expectations with a doctor.

Collagen stimulators: PLLA, PDLLA and CaHA

Collagen stimulators aim to encourage the body to produce its own collagen over time:

Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA). Sculptra is the best-known example and has been studied for many years for facial volume loss. Evidence supports gradual, longer-lasting improvement in volume for suitable patients, with known risks such as nodules.
Poly-D,L-lactic acid (PDLLA). Juvelook is a Korean product combining PDLLA with hyaluronic acid. There is published research, but the body of evidence is smaller than for older products.
Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA). Radiesse is an example. It has a long track record as a filler and collagen stimulator. Patients can ask during consultation which options are available.

What evidence cannot tell you

Even good studies describe average results in a group. They cannot predict exactly how your skin will respond. Age, skin type, lifestyle, sun exposure and the doctor's technique all influence outcomes. That is why a doctor should assess you and explain realistic expectations, and why results are never guaranteed.

Skin booster prices at Daybeau Clinic Seomyeon

At Daybeau Clinic Seomyeon, listed first-visit skin booster prices are Water Glow 2cc at 39,000 KRW, Exosome 2.5cc at 49,000 KRW and Rejuran 2cc at 139,000 KRW, in KRW with VAT excluded (10% VAT added at payment), checked October 2026. Juvelook, Sculptra and other collagen boosters are quoted after consultation. See the skin boosters overview, the collagen boosters page and the price list.

Frequently asked questions

Is Rejuran scientifically proven?

There is published research on polynucleotides for skin quality, and results are generally encouraging, but many studies are small. Individual results vary.