Guide · Skin boosters
Profhilo vs Rejuran hyaluronic acid or polynucleotides, injected or needle-free
Profhilo and Rejuran are two of the most asked-about skin boosters in Singapore, and they work in quite different ways. Here is how they compare, what the evidence shows, and the injected and needle-free options in our network.
Quick answer
- Profhilo, made by IBSA, is a bio-remodelling injection of very concentrated hyaluronic acid (about 32 mg/mL) in stable hybrid complexes of high- and low-molecular-weight HA. It is injected at five points on each side of the face and spreads under the skin to improve hydration and early laxity.
- Rejuran is a Korean brand of polynucleotide (PN) booster, made from purified salmon DNA fragments. Rejuran Healer is injected as many tiny droplets across the skin and is often chosen for thin, sensitive or barrier-weak skin and texture.
- Profhilo studies typically use two sessions four weeks apart; PN boosters are given as a course spaced several weeks apart. Both are medical injections, and the evidence for both is promising but based on small studies.
- At SkinRev Lab, the needle-free Rejuran® PDRN Facial costs S$128 to S$348 and Needleless SkinBooster S$288 per region, before GST. At IN Eternity Clinic, Dr Sin Yong offers bio-remodelling HA injections and injectable HA, PN and PDLLA boosters, priced at consultation.
The basics
Two different ideas of a skin booster
Both treatments aim at skin quality rather than face shape: better hydration, texture, firmness and fine lines. Neither lifts the cheekbone, fills a hollow or projects the chin, and neither is a dermal filler.
Profhilo is built on hyaluronic acid, the water-holding molecule already found in skin. Its high- and low-molecular-weight HA are stabilised by a heat process rather than heavy chemical cross-linking, so the gel is very fluid and spreads after injection. Rejuran is built on polynucleotides, purified DNA fragments thought to support tissue repair and form a hydrating scaffold in the skin. One mainly hydrates and remodels; the other mainly supports repair.
Side by side
Profhilo vs Rejuran Healer at a glance
| Profhilo | Rejuran Healer | |
|---|---|---|
| Maker | IBSA, Italy | Korean brand of polynucleotide |
| Active ingredient | Hyaluronic acid, about 32 mg/mL, in hybrid high- and low-molecular-weight complexes | Polynucleotides from purified salmon DNA |
| How it is injected | Five points on each side of the face, about 0.2 mL each; the gel spreads | Many microdroplets about 1 cm apart, 1 to 2 mm deep |
| Bumps afterwards | Small bumps at ten points, usually flat within hours to a day | A grid of small bumps across the area, usually settled in a day or two |
| Usual course | Often two sessions four weeks apart, then maintenance | A course spaced several weeks apart, then maintenance |
| Often chosen for | Dehydrated, dull or crepey skin with early laxity | Thin, sensitive or barrier-weak skin, texture, fine lines, under-eyes |
| Can it be dissolved? | Yes, hyaluronidase breaks down HA | Not in the same way |
| Who should avoid it | Pregnancy, active infection, HA allergy | Pregnancy, active infection, fish allergy |
| In our network | Bio-remodelling HA injections at IN Eternity Clinic; ask which product | PN boosters at IN Eternity Clinic; ask which product; needle-free Rejuran® PDRN Facial at SkinRev Lab |
Profhilo
How Profhilo, and bio-remodelling HA, works
The gel contains about 32 mg/mL of hyaluronic acid, more than many volumising fillers, yet it behaves like a liquid because it is only lightly stabilised. It is injected through a small number of points on each side of the face, commonly five, chosen over bony landmarks away from major vessels. Each point receives a small amount, about 0.2 mL, which then spreads through the lower dermis and superficial fat.
The high-molecular-weight HA holds water and gives mechanical support; the low-molecular-weight fragments are thought to signal to skin cells, and laboratory work suggests they support collagen and elastin production. In practice, people notice skin that looks more hydrated and supple over the following weeks. The treatment takes about 20 to 30 minutes, and the bumps usually flatten within hours to a day.
Rejuran
How Rejuran, and other PN boosters, works
Polynucleotides (PN) and PDRN are chains of DNA fragments purified from salmon. They are thought to act mainly through adenosine A2A receptors, supporting tissue repair and calming inflammation, while forming a water-holding matrix in the skin.
An injectable PN booster such as Rejuran Healer is placed as microdroplets of about 0.01 to 0.05 mL, roughly 1 cm apart and 1 to 2 mm deep, by hand, with an injector device or by cannula. Because there are many more injection points than with Profhilo, the session feels like a series of small pricks, and the skin shows a grid of small bumps for a day or two. Numbing cream is usually applied for 20 to 30 minutes first. PN boosters are derived from fish DNA, so a fish allergy needs discussing first.
Injected or needle-free
Injected boosters vs needle-free options
Rejuran is also used in needle-free facials. At SkinRev Lab, a non-invasive aesthetic centre at CityLink Mall, the Rejuran® PDRN Facial delivers cosmetic-grade c-PDRN through Meso Touch transdermal technology, without needles. It works closer to the surface than an injection and is gentler, so change builds across a course. It suits people who want better skin quality and hydration but prefer to avoid injections, or who want maintenance between medical treatments.
| Option | Where | Needles | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rejuran® PDRN Facial (needle-free c-PDRN) | SkinRev Lab, CityLink Mall | No | S$128 to S$348 per session, before GST |
| Needleless SkinBooster | SkinRev Lab, CityLink Mall | No | S$288 per region, before GST; first region from S$98 |
| Bio-remodelling HA injection | IN Eternity Clinic, Pacific Plaza | Yes, doctor-performed | Priced at consultation |
| Injectable skin booster: HA, PN or PDLLA | IN Eternity Clinic, Pacific Plaza | Yes, doctor-performed | Priced at consultation |
Choosing
Which suits which skin
- Dehydrated, dull or crepey skin with early loss of firmness: a bio-remodelling HA injection such as Profhilo is often the first conversation.
- Thin, sensitive or reactive skin, rough texture, fine crepey under-eyes: a PN booster such as Rejuran is often considered.
- Gradual collagen support and you can accept slower change: a PDLLA booster may be discussed.
- Not ready for injections: start with the needle-free Rejuran® PDRN Facial or Needleless SkinBooster at SkinRev Lab.
- Hollows, a short chin or heavy jowls: boosters will not correct these; filler, a biostimulator or lifting is needed.
- Pigmentation, open pores or acne marks as the main concern: a laser or a targeted facial is usually more useful.
Evidence
What the research shows
For Profhilo, an open-label study of 64 Italian women treated at five points per side, twice four weeks apart, found clinical, self-rated and instrumental improvements that were still significant at 16 weeks, with minor, temporary reactions in 23%. An open-label study of 30 Chinese women found significant improvement in superficial hydration and skin-barrier function at 12 weeks; wrinkle and volume-loss scores fell over time, but comparisons between visits were not significant, a fair reminder that the main effect is on skin quality.
For polynucleotides, a 2025 systematic review found nine studies of low to moderate quality covering 219 patients. Results for wrinkles, texture and elasticity were promising and side effects mostly mild, but the authors called for more rigorous trials. No head-to-head trial of Profhilo against Rejuran was found, so claims that one is better than the other are opinion rather than evidence.
Planning
Can you combine Profhilo and Rejuran?
Yes, some doctors combine HA and PN boosters, or alternate them, because they work in different ways. The order and spacing should be set by the treating doctor, and you should tell both the clinic and SkinRev Lab what you have had and when.
After an injectable booster, avoid make-up for the rest of the day, and saunas, strenuous exercise and facial treatments for a day or two. Do not book an injection before an important event, since bumps or a bruise can take a day or more to settle. See a doctor rather than a facialist if you notice increasing pain, spreading redness or a lump that does not settle.
In our network
Profhilo and Rejuran in Singapore: what we offer
At IN Eternity Clinic, 9 Scotts Road, #12-01 Pacific Plaza, beside Orchard MRT, Dr Sin Yong offers bio-remodelling HA injections, using a high-concentration hybrid HA, and injectable skin boosters in three families: HA, PN and PDLLA. The clinic does not commit to a brand on its pages, so if you want Profhilo or Rejuran Healer specifically, ask which products it currently uses. Treatment is priced at consultation; WhatsApp +65 8815 3008, Monday to Saturday, 11am to 8pm.
SkinRev Lab, at CityLink Mall #B1-28, linked underground to City Hall and Esplanade MRT, does not inject. It offers the needle-free Rejuran® PDRN Facial (S$128 to S$348) and Needleless SkinBooster (S$288 per region), before GST, daily 11am to 8pm; WhatsApp +65 8266 9585.
Sources
References & sources
- Sparavigna A, Tenconi B. Efficacy and tolerance of an injectable medical device containing stable hybrid cooperative complexes of high- and low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid: a monocentric 16 weeks open-label evaluation. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2016;9:297-305. PMID 27713647.
- Cheng SWN, Lim SYD, Cigni C, Grimolizzi F, Goh CL. Efficacy and tolerability of stable hybrid cooperative complexes of high- and low-molecular weight hyaluronic acid in Asian patients: an open-label study. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2026;50(1):27-36. PMID 40921777.
- Lampridou S, Bassett S, Cavallini M, Christopoulos G. The effectiveness of polynucleotides in esthetic medicine: a systematic review. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2025;24(2):e16721. PMID 39645667.
- Squadrito F, Bitto A, Irrera N, et al. Pharmacological activity and clinical use of PDRN. Front Pharmacol. 2017;8:224. PMID 28491036.
- Sparavigna A, Cigni C, Tanzini L, Lualdi R, Grimolizzi F. Long-term safety and efficacy of hybrid cooperative complexes of high- and low-molecular weight hyaluronic acid to improve skin laxity of the inner upper arms: a single-arm study. Plast Aesthet Nurs (Phila). 2026;46(1):37-44. PMID 41457907.
Common questions
Your questions,
answered
What is the difference between Profhilo and Rejuran?
Profhilo is a very concentrated hyaluronic acid injected at a few points that spreads to hydrate and remodel the skin. Rejuran is a polynucleotide booster from salmon DNA, injected as many tiny droplets to support repair. Both target skin quality, not face shape.
Which is better, Profhilo or Rejuran?
Neither is better for everyone, and no head-to-head trial was found. Profhilo is often chosen for dehydrated, crepey skin with early laxity; Rejuran for thin, sensitive skin and texture. A doctor's assessment decides.
How many Profhilo sessions do I need?
Studies typically use two sessions four weeks apart, followed by maintenance. The plan depends on your skin and age, and is set at consultation.
Does Rejuran hurt more than Profhilo?
Rejuran usually involves many more tiny injections, so it can feel like more pricks and leaves more small bumps. Profhilo uses about ten injection points. Numbing cream helps with both, and sensitivity varies.
Is there a needle-free Rejuran?
Yes. The Rejuran® PDRN Facial at SkinRev Lab delivers cosmetic-grade c-PDRN without needles, from S$128 to S$348 per session before GST. It works closer to the surface than an injection, so change is gentler and builds across a course.
Where can I get Profhilo in Singapore?
Profhilo is a medical injection, given by a doctor at a medical clinic. IN Eternity Clinic offers bio-remodelling HA injections; ask the clinic which product it currently uses. Pricing is given at consultation.
Can I have Profhilo and Rejuran together?
Some doctors combine or alternate HA and PN boosters because they work differently. The order and spacing should be planned by the treating doctor.
Who should not have Profhilo or Rejuran?
People who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have active skin infection, cold sores or inflamed acne in the area. A fish allergy matters for Rejuran and an HA allergy for Profhilo; autoimmune disease or a bleeding tendency should be discussed first.