Korean Salmon DNA Skin Treatment: What Is Rejuran?

October 25, 2026

“Salmon DNA facial” is how many visitors first hear about Rejuran, one of Korea’s best-known skin boosters. The name sounds unusual, and it is often surrounded by bold claims online. This guide explains what the salmon connection actually is, how Rejuran works in the skin, what the evidence does and does not show, who it suits and what it costs in Busan.

Quick answer: Rejuran Healer is an injectable skin booster made by the Korean company PharmaResearch. Its active ingredient is PN (polynucleotide), a purified DNA-derived ingredient extracted from salmon, which is thought to support the skin’s own repair processes. It is used for thin or damaged skin, rough texture, fine lines and loss of elasticity, and does not change face shape. A session takes about 10–20 minutes after numbing cream, small bumps last 1–2 days, and three or more sessions 2–4 weeks apart are usually advised. In Seomyeon, Rejuran packages start from KRW 319,000 before 10% VAT.

What does “salmon DNA” actually mean?

It does not mean salmon cells or fish oil are injected into your skin. PN is made by extracting DNA fragments from salmon (typically from reproductive tissue) and purifying them into chains of nucleotides, the building blocks of DNA. Salmon is used because it provides a high-purity source that is considered compatible with human tissue.

A related ingredient, PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide), is made of shorter fragments and has been used in medicine, particularly for wound healing, in Korea and Europe. PN uses longer chains that form a gel-like structure in the skin.

How Rejuran works

Rejuran is injected in many small, shallow deposits across the treated area. PN is thought to:

  • Support fibroblast activity, the cells that make collagen and other parts of the skin’s structure.
  • Help create a healthier environment for repair, which is why it is used after sun damage, stress or lasers.
  • Hold some moisture, giving a mild hydrating effect.

Because it works with your skin’s own processes, results build gradually rather than appearing immediately.

What the evidence shows

PN and PDRN have been studied in laboratory work, animal studies and a number of clinical studies, many of them from Korea. These suggest benefits for skin texture, elasticity, fine lines and recovery after laser treatment. However, many studies are small, some are funded by manufacturers, and long-term comparative data are limited. Claims that salmon DNA “regrows” skin or reverses ageing go beyond what has been shown. A fair summary: Rejuran is a well-established, widely used booster with reasonable supporting evidence for skin quality, offering gradual and subtle improvement rather than dramatic change.

The Rejuran family

  • Rejuran Healer: the original PN booster for skin repair, texture and fine lines.
  • Rejuran HB: PN combined with hyaluronic acid, for repair and hydration together, suited to dry, tired skin.
  • Rejuran I (eye): a smaller dedicated amount used for the thin under-eye skin.

Who Rejuran suits, and who should choose something else

It tends to suit you if

  • Your skin feels thin, fragile or slow to recover after sun, stress or lasers.
  • Fine lines, rough texture and loss of bounce are starting to show.
  • You want to support skin quality before or after lifting or laser treatments.
  • You prefer gradual, natural improvement with no change in face shape.

Consider something else if

  • Dryness is your main complaint: Rejuran HB, Re2O or a Water Glow Injection focus on hydration.
  • You want collagen-driven texture and pore change: Juvelook Skin is often a better fit.
  • Sagging is the real concern: energy-based lifting such as Thermage FLX or Ultherapy works on deeper layers.
  • Deep under-eye hollows: Rejuran does not replace volume; a soft filler may be needed.

Rejuran is not suitable if you are allergic to fish or salmon-derived ingredients, are pregnant or breastfeeding, have an active infection, cold sore or inflamed acne, have an uncontrolled autoimmune condition, or tend to form keloids.

How much does Rejuran cost in Busan?

At a clinic in Seomyeon, Rejuran is mostly offered in combination packages:

  • Rejuvelook (Rejuran 2cc + Juvelook Skin 2cc) : from KRW 319,000
  • Rejuran HB 2cc : from KRW 390,000
  • Booster package (Rejuran 2cc + Juvelook Skin 2cc + hydration injection 2cc + full-face skin Botox) : from KRW 590,000
  • CellREDM 7cc + Rejuran 2cc + LDM + hydrating mask : from KRW 690,000
  • CellREDM 7cc + Rejuran 2cc + Rejuran I 1cc + full-face skin Botox + glutathione injection : from KRW 990,000

Prices checked October 2026. They are in Korean won and exclude 10% VAT, which is added at payment. Prices can change, so confirm the current price when you book.

What happens on the day

  1. Message first with a clear photo, the areas you want treated (full face, eyes or both) and your travel dates.
  2. Consultation. The doctor checks skin thickness, texture, fine lines and recent procedures, and asks about allergies, especially to fish.
  3. Numbing. Numbing cream is applied for about 20–30 minutes.
  4. Injections. These take about 10–20 minutes. PN boosters can sting a little more than some others, and small raised blebs form.
  5. After. You return to your day and plan the next session 2–4 weeks later.

Results, side effects and aftercare

  • First 1–2 days: small bumps flatten out.
  • Weeks 2–4: skin begins to look healthier and more even.
  • After three sessions: elasticity, texture and fine lines show the clearest change.
  • Ongoing: maintenance is often planned every few months.

Common effects are bumps or injection marks, redness, mild swelling or tenderness, and bruising that fades over several days, more likely under the eyes. Rarely, infection, allergic reaction or persistent lumps can occur.

Aftercare tips

  • Stay upright and avoid rubbing the treated area for 3–4 hours.
  • On the day, skip saunas and jjimjilbang, hot baths, hard exercise and alcohol.
  • Leave make-up until the next day; sunglasses help after eye treatment.

Planning Rejuran around a trip

Light sightseeing is usually fine the same day, and flying is generally possible. Wait until bumps have settled before visiting a jjimjilbang. If you combine Rejuran with Thermage or other procedures, ask about extra recovery time. A single session during one trip can still help, but expect a modest change; some visitors plan the rest of the course across return trips.

Frequently asked questions

Is Rejuran made from real salmon?

The PN is extracted and purified from salmon DNA. It is a refined ingredient, not salmon tissue, but people with a fish allergy should not have it.

Does Rejuran hurt?

With numbing cream most people feel light pricking and pressure, though PN boosters can sting slightly more than some others.

Is Rejuran the same as PDRN?

They come from the same source, but PDRN uses shorter DNA fragments and PN uses longer chains. Rejuran Healer is a PN product.

Curious whether Rejuran suits your skin?
Send a clear photo of your skin and your travel dates on WhatsApp to get a plan and today’s price in English.

This article is for general information and does not replace a medical consultation. Suitability, results, recovery and side effects vary from person to person.

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