On TikTok, Korean skincare continues to generate enthusiasm, and certain products are going viral thanks to particularly attractive promises. Latest example: ANUA’s PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum, an emerald green serum presented as a treatment capable of plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines. His nickname? The “Botox shot”, or “Botox in a bottle”. A name that is intriguing, especially when you know that the product promises a visible effect from the first use.
Behind this promise, we find a trio of active ingredients that are particularly popular in Korean cosmetics: PDRN, hyaluronic acid and hydrolyzed collagen. The brand also highlights the results of clinical tests carried out after a single application, with a measured improvement in skin hydration. What makes you want to try it? Before being convinced, however, you must understand what this serum can really do on wrinkles… and what its nickname wrongly suggests.
This Korean ANUA serum promises plumped skin from the first application
Called PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum, this 30 ml treatment is first distinguished by its emerald green color, which comes naturally from certain ingredients in its formula. Its aqueous texture is designed to penetrate quickly into the skin and provide additional hydration, without a particularly heavy finish. ANUA presents it as a serum capable of giving a fresher, luminous and plumper appearance to the face. It can be used morning and evening, before your moisturizer.
The brand mainly communicates on two results obtained after a single use: an improvement of 8.93% in the plumping effect linked to hydration and an increase of 24.64% in deep hydration of the skin. These figures are interesting, but they deserve to be interpreted precisely: ANUA speaks of temporary effects measured on hydration, and not of a disappearance of wrinkles or a lasting transformation of the skin structure. An essential nuance to understand the promise of the product.
PDRN, hyaluronic acid, collagen: what does this serum really contain?
The star ingredient is PDRN, short for polydeoxyribonucleotide, a substance made up of DNA fragments. In this serum, it comes from salmon DNA and appears in the INCI list under the name. This active ingredient is particularly popular in Korean skincare, where it is associated with skin repair and skin regeneration. It is also used in certain aesthetic medicine procedures, but the results obtained with injectable products cannot be automatically transposed to a serum applied to the surface of the epidermis.
Another central ingredient of the formula: hyaluronic acid, present in several forms, notably hydrolyzed and in the form of sodium hyaluronate. Its benefit is well known: this molecule is capable of retaining water and helping to maintain good skin hydration. When skin is dehydrated, fine lines can appear more pronounced. By providing it with water, hyaluronic acid can temporarily improve its appearance, visually smooth certain small lines and give the impression of volume. The serum also contains glycerin, niacinamide and hydrolyzed collagen, which round out this hydration and radiance-oriented formula.
Can “Botox in a bottle” really erase wrinkles?
This is where the serum’s viral nickname deserves to be put into perspective. Botox, whose name commonly refers to the botulinum toxin used in aesthetic medicine, acts by temporarily reducing the contraction of certain muscles responsible for expression lines. A cosmetic serum, even enriched with PDRN and hyaluronic acid, absolutely does not work in this way. It does not block muscle contractions and therefore cannot reproduce the action of a botulinum toxin injection.
On the other hand, better hydrated skin often appears more supple, smoother and plumper. This is especially true for dehydration lines, which sometimes become less visible when the skin surface is properly hydrated. The effect can be noticeable quickly, which explains the enthusiastic testimonials surrounding the product. But this cosmetic improvement in the appearance of the skin should not be confused with a profound action on established wrinkles, linked in particular to skin aging and the progressive decrease in collagen and elastin.
Is PDRN really effective against the signs of aging?
PDRN is currently one of the most talked about ingredients in the world of K-beauty. Its value is studied in dermatology, particularly for its potential properties in tissue repair and healing. A systematic review published in 2026 in the scientific journal analyzed seven randomized clinical trials involving polynucleotides and polydeoxyribonucleotides, for a total of 183 participants. The authors report encouraging results on several criteria, including some linked to skin rejuvenation.
But the researchers also highlight the limits of the available data: the studies remain few in number, the numbers are small and the protocols are heterogeneous. Above all, this work does not demonstrate that ANUA serum, applied at home, can reproduce the effects observed with other forms of PDRN or in medical protocols. It would therefore be premature to present this ingredient as an anti-wrinkle solution whose effectiveness would already be firmly established in topical cosmetics.
Where to buy ANUA serum and how much does it cost?
PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum is sold in 30 ml format. It is notably listed at Sephora at the price of 32 euros, or 106.67 euros for 100 ml. The brand recommends placing a few drops on the face, then patting gently until absorbed. It is used morning and evening, before richer moisturizing treatments. During the day, it is advisable to complete your routine with sun protection.
So, should we give in to the trend? This serum can be of real interest to dehydrated skin looking for light care, capable of quickly providing hydration and a plumped effect. Its formula combines several interesting humectants, notably hyaluronic acid and glycerin. On the other hand, its nickname “Botox in a bottle” is more of a marketing catchphrase than a scientific reality. It can help make dehydration lines less visible, but does not replace either a treatment targeting established wrinkles or a botulinum toxin injection.
FAQ: everything you need to know about ANUA PDRN serum
Can ANUA PDRN serum really erase wrinkles?
No. It can improve hydration and make some dehydration lines less visible, but there is no evidence that it erases established wrinkles or acts like a Botox injection.
What is the PDRN used in this serum?
PDRN is a collection of DNA fragments. In ANUA serum, it comes from salmon DNA and appears in the list of ingredients under the name .
Why is this serum nicknamed “Botox in a bottle”?
This nickname refers to its sought-after plumping and smoothing effect. However, unlike injected botulinum toxin, the serum does not act on the contraction of the muscles responsible for expression lines.
Can we see results from the first use?
ANUA claims a temporary improvement in deep hydration of 24.64% and hydration-related plumping effect of 8.93% after one application. These data do not mean that wrinkles disappear after the first use.
How to use PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 serum?
The brand recommends applying it morning and evening to the face, patting gently until absorbed. It can then be followed by a moisturizer to complete the routine.
