The Medicube PDRN serum is just the latest in a long line of reasons why the world of Korean skincare never fails to intrigue me. From innovative serum textures and buzzy new ingredients to a promise of glass skin, Korean skin care has a habit of setting trends the rest of the beauty industry soon follows. So when we started seeing PDRN serums everywhere—promising plumper, glowier skin—we knew it was only a matter of time before we tried some.
Luckily, the Amazon Prime Day beauty deals event has officially landed, and with K-beauty Prime Day deals among the most sought-after skin care offers, there feels like no better time to revisit one of the internet’s most viral serums. After all, if there’s one product beauty lovers are hoping to snap up at a discount, it’s this glow-boosting Korean skin care favorite.
Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum
First: What is PDRN? “PDRN stands for polydeoxyribonucleotide; these are small fragments of DNA typically derived from fish, particularly salmon, because they are highly compatible with human tissue,” says Christine Hall, MD, an aesthetic doctor and general practitioner who grew up using Korean skin care. Though there are more vegan options beginning to appear, PDRN is loved for its ability to support skin regeneration, improve elasticity, and boost hydration, and shouldn’t be confused with polynucleotides, which are an injectable treatment often used in aesthetic clinics.
In fact, injectable polynucleotides have been used in aesthetic medicine for years to support tissue regeneration and wound healing. When injected into the skin, they stimulate fibroblasts (the cells responsible for producing collagen and repairing damaged tissue). But topical PDRN behaves slightly differently. “Because the molecule is relatively large, it cannot penetrate the skin barrier to reach the deeper dermal layers,” says Hall. “That means it doesn’t stimulate collagen production in the same way injectable treatments do.”
That doesn’t mean it isn’t useful in skin care, though. According to Hall, topical PDRN can still hydrate skin, reduce inflammation and support natural repair processes, helping the complexion appear calmer and more comfortable. All of which likely explains why searches for “PDRN serum” have surged in recent months and why you’re suddenly seeing the ingredient everywhere.
Our team of editors spend a lot of time testing the newest formulas and reporting on emerging skin care trends. PDRN is an ingredient we’ve been keeping my eye on after spotting it across several Korean—and even a couple of Western—launches. But it was Medicube’s PDRN Pink Peptide Serum, a product that’s already had millions of views on TikTok, that convinced us it was time to see what all the fuss was about.
And while the pretty pink formula promises smoother, plumper, and more luminous skin over time, we wanted to know whether it could actually deliver results in a real routine, not just after a single application. Here goes.
Lucy’s experience using the Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum
“The first thing I noticed about the serum was the texture. I thought it might be quite chalky, given the color, but it isn’t. It is slightly thicker than a typical hydrating serum but still absorbs quickly, leaving skin feeling comfortably hydrated rather than sticky. I also preferred to apply it onto slightly damp skin to help it absorb better.
“Within the first few uses, my skin looked noticeably more luminous. It had the sort of subtle glow that I’d normally associate with a really good hydrating mask. Then, after a couple of weeks of consistent use, the most noticeable change was how smooth my skin looked. My complexion felt more hydrated and looked slightly plumper, particularly around areas where dehydration lines usually appear—which is mostly my forehead.
“This aligns with what experts see with the ingredient, too. ‘PDRN serums are primarily valued for their ability to improve hydration and calm inflammation within the skin,’ says Hall. ‘Many people notice that their skin appears more comfortable, less red and generally more balanced when using these products.’
“The other thing to note is that I found it layered really well with the rest of my routine. It didn’t pill under moisturizer (let it be known that is one of my ultimate pet hates) and instead it formed a great part of my gentle but effective evening routine.” —Lucy Partington, Glamour contributor
Original video by Lucy Partington testing the Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum
Georgia’s experience using the Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum
“As someone with combination skin that’s prone to breakouts, I can be fairly sceptical when a product promises the coveted glass-skin effect. My complexion tends to be dry in some areas and oily in others, so striking the balance between glow and grease can be tricky. But after seeing the Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum all over TikTok, I was keen to see whether it could deliver the dewy, lit-from-within finish Korean skin care is known for.
“The first thing I noticed was the instant glow. The lightweight, slightly milky formula sank into my skin quickly without feeling sticky or heavy, leaving behind a luminous finish that made my complexion look fresher almost immediately. On no-makeup days in particular, I found myself reaching for it when my skin was looking a little lackluster.
“Despite being acne-prone, I was pleasantly surprised by how well the serum worked with my skin. It felt hydrating without clogging my pores or exacerbating breakouts, and it layered seamlessly underneath the rest of my skin care routine and makeup. After a few weeks of regular use, my skin looked noticeably more even and hydrated, with that healthy, glass-like sheen that K-beauty fans are always chasing.
“While I wouldn’t say it completely transformed my skin overnight, it did become one of those products I genuinely looked forward to applying each evening—and for anyone wanting to boost radiance without overwhelming combination or blemish-prone skin, I can see why it’s become such a viral hit!” —Georgia Brown, Glamour contributor
Original video by Georgia Brown testing the Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum
Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum
Alanna’s experience using the Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum
“I have combination skin that’s quite acne prone—especially around my jawline and nose. I deal with a lot of redness and a mix of flaky and very oily areas, and to be honest, I never know how my skin is going to react after trying out a new product. PDRN was introduced to me about a year ago as a skin-healing ingredient derived from salmon that helps plump, calm, and soothe. The first time I actually tried a PDRN product was via this serum, and I kind of never want to go back!
“The magic in this formula is definitely a combination of two things: the silky, milk-like texture that’s as pink as bubblegum, and its efficacy in really doing what it says it does. Let’s talk about the consistency first: It’s a nongoopy, nonsticky formula, which is refreshing compared with a lot of serums on the market that tend to be sticky or too thick. This one appears quick opaque and viscous, but actually does a nice job at melting down onto the skin and absorbing quickly. After it’s blended in, it doesn’t leave behind any residue, either, and doesn’t pill or create a tacky surface.
“The results are just as impressive as the texture. I’ve used this formula for roughly six months now, and my skin looks not only plumped but calm. It doesn’t grease up my oily areas, but doesn’t strip my skin. It hydrates but doesn’t make me look overly dewy either. Unstead my complexion feels as soft as velvet and it manages to keep me pretty matte. My makeup glides on as smooth as ever after the fact too. This one has become a ritual at night for me, and I can’t go an evening without it.” —Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour commerce writer
Original video of Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing the Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum
Our verdict: is the Medicube PDRN serum worth it?
If your skin is feeling particularly dehydrated, dull, or compromised—maybe after going too hard with active ingredients (we’ve all been there)—Medicube’s PDRN Pink Peptide Serum is a genuinely good and affordable option.
“Of course, like all skin care, it won’t replace treatments like Botox or in-clinic procedures, but it does give skin a noticeable boost in hydration and luminosity when it’s used consistently,” says Lucy. “And for anybody who’s curious about PDRN as an ingredient, this is an easy, and actually enjoyable, way to incorporate it into your routine.”
Georgia says, “As someone with combination, blemish-prone skin, I was pleasantly surprised by just how well this slotted into my routine. It delivered an instant glow without making my skin feel greasy or triggering breakouts—no mean feat. If you’re chasing that coveted glass-skin finish and want to dip your toe into the world of PDRN, I’d say this serum is well worth considering, especially if you can snap it up in the Prime Day beauty deals.”
Alanna agrees. “For under $20, this serum has rivaled some of the more expensive products I’ve used over the years. It’s barrier-strengthening and a dream to apply, and it actually works in making skin look and feel more plump and resilient—no matter what.”
Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum
Frequently asked questions
How to apply the Medicube PDRN serum
Because PDRN serums tend to be lightweight and water-based, they should be applied after cleansing and before heavier creams. “In a typical routine, you would cleanse the skin, apply a toner or essence if desired, then apply the PDRN serum before sealing everything in with a moisturizer.”
In the morning, she recommends finishing the routine with sunscreen to help protect the skin barrier.
Can I use the Medicube PDRN serum every day?
Yes; most experts agree that PDRN is a gentle ingredient that can be used daily. “In general, PDRN is a very well-tolerated ingredient and suitable for most skin types, including sensitive skin,” says Hall. “Because it is primarily soothing and hydrating rather than exfoliating or highly active, it can usually be used on a daily basis.”
Most people can incorporate it into both their morning and evening routines without any issues, although Hall does recommend patch-testing when introducing any new skin care product. A word of warning, however: If you have a fish or marine allergy, PDRN is best avoided entirely because it’s derived from fish. But more vegan alternatives are cropping up.
Personally, I found it worked best in my evening routine when my skin could benefit from the extra hydration and repair overnight, but I did occasionally layer the serum into my daytime routine without any issues.
What is the Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum?
Fresh from the brand behind South Korea’s best-selling device, the Age R Booster Pro, and the viral Overnight Collagen Mask, Medicube’s PDRN Pink Peptide Serum is a lightweight treatment step designed to support skin regeneration, hydration, and elasticity. The formula combines PDRN with peptides alongside hydrating ingredients designed to boost moisture levels and leave skin looking smoother and more luminous.
While injectable polynucleotides work deeper within the skin, topical products work more at the surface level and focus on improving hydration, calming inflammation, and supporting the skin barrier. “For this reason, PDRN can be particularly helpful when the skin feels irritated, sensitive, or compromised,” says Hall.
Why you can trust us
As beauty editors with years of experience among us, we regularly test new skin care launches and interview leading experts, including Dr. Hall—who was interviewed for this piece—alongside consultant dermatologists, facialists, and cosmetic chemists about the ingredients that actually work and make a difference to the skin.
Over the years, between us we’ve written for titles including Glamour UK, Stylist, The Independent, The Telegraph, British Vogue, Elle UK and Marie Claire UK, covering everything from barrier repair and adult acne to the latest Korean skin care innovations and the trends shaping the global beauty industry. In short, we know more about the industry than your average beauty sleuth.
How we tested
The beauty market—and your TikTok feeds—are oversaturated, so we never want to recommend a product for the sake of it. It’s important that we really put a product through its paces before writing a review, and that we share the downsides as well as the ups.
To test the Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum, we incorporated it into our daily skin care routine for three weeks, applying it after cleansing and before moisturizer. Because PDRN focuses on skin repair and regeneration, we used it consistently at night as part of a fairly simple routine: a cleanser, a milky toner, this serum, and a barrier-supporting moisturizer. The texture is slightly viscous but still lightweight, and the pipette makes it easy to use a precise amount without overapplying.
When testing, we noted the consistency, the smell, how the product felt when it dried, how it layered with our other skin care products, and whether it irritated our skin (you’ll be pleased to know it didn’t). Over time we monitored whether we actually saw a difference in our skin’s tone, texture, and appearance, doing so by using before and after photographs that you can find below.
For this Prime Day update, Glamour UK’s freelance writer Georgia Brown also retested the serum to assess whether it still deserved its viral status in 2026.
Meet the expert
- Christine Hall, MD, an aesthetic doctor and K-beauty expert, specializing in skin health, regenerative treatments and advanced cosmetic procedures. She regularly treats patients using evidence-based skin care and injectable treatments, and advises on ingredients that support skin repair and barrier health.
