A lightweight jelly serum for skin that has lost bounce and reads dull rather than for a specific blemish or pigment complaint. It is the hydration-and-firmness step of Medicube's PDRN range, built to sit under a cream without adding weight.

Collagen water, not plain water, heads the ingredient list — the brand states 65 per cent. Hydrolysed collagen fragments are too large to replace collagen in the dermis; what they do reliably is bind water at the surface and form a smoothing film, which is why skin reads plumper immediately. The longer-term work belongs to the supporting actives. Niacinamide, listed at 5 per cent, supports barrier lipid production, moderates sebum and gradually evens tone and the look of pores. Sodium DNA supplies the polynucleotide (PDRN) element, and adenosine is recognised in Korea as an anti-wrinkle functional active. Beneath these sits a multi-weight hyaluronic acid complex, hydrating at several depths of the stratum corneum rather than only at the surface.

The texture is the reason to choose it: a pink water-jelly that breaks down on contact, absorbs fast and leaves a cushioned rather than tacky finish.

Key ingredients

• Collagen water (65%) — replaces plain water as the base; binds moisture at the surface for an immediate plumped, smoothed effect.
• Niacinamide (5%) — vitamin B3 at a meaningful concentration, supporting barrier function, oil balance and a more even tone over time.
• Sodium DNA (PDRN) and adenosine — the polynucleotide the range is named for, plus an ingredient recognised in Korean regulation as an anti-wrinkle functional active.
• Multi-weight hyaluronic acid complex, with panthenol and tocopherol — layered hydration plus soothing and antioxidant support.

How to use

1. Cleanse and apply toner.
2. Dispense two to three drops and press evenly over the face.
3. Allow a moment to absorb.
4. Follow with moisturiser, and with sunscreen in the morning.

Recommended frequency

• Dry or dehydrated skin — twice daily, morning and evening.
• Oily or combination skin — twice daily; light enough not to congest.
• Sensitive skin — once daily to start, building to twice.
• Alongside retinoids or acids — apply after the active as a buffering layer.

Hydration and a smoother surface are visible immediately. Niacinamide-driven changes in tone, oil balance and pore appearance generally need eight to twelve weeks of consistent use.

Best suited to

Suits all skin types, particularly dull, dehydrated or early-ageing skin wanting firmness without richness. Reported free of alcohol, fragrance and parabens, so a reasonable option for reactive skin; introduce it gradually if you have reacted to niacinamide before.

Specifications

• Format — water-jelly serum, dropper bottle
• Volume — 30 ml
• Key actives — 65% collagen water, 5% niacinamide, sodium DNA (PDRN), adenosine, multi-weight hyaluronic acid complex, panthenol
• Texture — light pink jelly that melts to a watery finish; non-tacky, absorbs fast
• Origin — made in Korea

Good to know

Niacinamide at 5 per cent is well tolerated by most people but can cause flushing in those unused to it; alternate days if that applies. The serum layers cleanly under sunscreen and make-up and is compatible with retinoids and exfoliating acids, though very sensitive skin may prefer to separate them into different times of day. It contains rosa damascena flower water and several botanical extracts, so patch test if you have plant-extract sensitivities.