PDRN Pink Peptide Toner
PDRN Pink Peptide Toner
Product Description
Product overview
A lightweight, glow-boosting toner powered by Rose PDRN and a 5-peptide complex that hydrates, smooths texture, and preps skin for better absorption of following skincare. Clinically tested to improve skin moisture by 53% and radiance by 19%.
Rose PDRN Technology
Salmon DNA fragments derived from rose extract support skin renewal and help improve overall skin radiance and tone.
Texture & feel
SENSORYRose PDRN Technology
Salmon DNA fragments derived from rose extract support skin renewal and help improve overall skin radiance and tone.
5-Peptide Complex
Copper Tripeptide-1, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, and Matrixyl peptides help firm skin and reduce appearance of fine lines.
Niacinamide + Adenosine
Clinically proven brightening and anti-aging ingredients work together to even skin tone and improve texture.
Centella Asiatica (Cica)
Soothing botanical extract helps calm irritation and strengthen the skin barrier for healthier-looking skin.
Safety & compatibility
SAFENo retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. Safe for use during pregnancy and nursing.
Contains Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate, and Arginine which may trigger fungal acne in susceptible individuals.
Rating 1/5. Oil-free, lightweight formula unlikely to clog pores for most skin types.
Dermatologist-tested, low-irritation formula. Patch test recommended for very reactive skin.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSRose PDRN (Sodium DNA)Emerging
Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) derived from salmon DNA. Supports skin cell renewal, helps strengthen the skin barrier, and promotes a more even, radiant complexion.
- Function: Cell regeneration support, barrier strengthening, anti-aging
- Research: Most studies are on injectable forms; topical effects are milder but show promise for skin renewal
5-Peptide ComplexProven
A powerful blend of Copper Tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu), Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (Argireline), Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, and Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1.
- Copper Tripeptide-1: Stimulates collagen production, wound healing, antioxidant effects
- Acetyl Hexapeptide-8: Known as "Botox in a jar" - helps relax expression lines
- Matrixyl Peptides: Clinical studies show wrinkle reduction comparable to 0.07% retinol
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)Proven
Multi-functional superstar ingredient that brightens skin, strengthens the barrier, regulates sebum, and improves texture.
- Brightening: Inhibits melanin transfer for more even skin tone
- Barrier Support: Increases ceramide production
- Anti-Aging: Reduces fine lines and wrinkles with consistent use
Centella Asiatica ExtractProven
Traditional healing herb (also known as Cica or Tiger Grass) with powerful soothing and barrier-repair properties.
- Active Compounds: Madecassoside, Asiaticoside, Madecassic Acid, Asiatic Acid
- Benefits: Anti-inflammatory, promotes collagen synthesis, calms redness
36 ingredients
Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Niacinamide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Xylitol, Sodium Citrate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Allantoin, Caprylyl Glycol, Citric Acid, Adenosine, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Disodium EDTA, Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Cyanocobalamin, Rosa Damascena Extract, Sodium DNA, Gluconolactone, Prunus Mume Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Extract, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Zea Mays (Corn) Leaf Extract, Copper Tripeptide-1, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Glycine, Glutamic Acid, Arginine
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse after cleansing as the first step of your skincare routine. Apply morning and evening for best results.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse Your Face
Start with a clean, freshly washed face. Pat skin until slightly damp but not dripping wet.
Dispense Toner
Pour an appropriate amount onto a cotton pad or directly into clean palms. A quarter-sized amount is usually sufficient.
Apply to Face
Gently pat or swipe across entire face and neck, avoiding eye area. Can also be used for the 7-skin method (layering thin layers).
Continue Routine
Follow with essence, serum, and moisturizer. No need to wait between steps - the toner absorbs quickly.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You want to boost skin radiance and achieve glass skin
- Your skin looks dull, tired, or lacks glow
- You have uneven skin tone or texture concerns
- You want anti-aging benefits without harsh actives
- You prefer lightweight, fast-absorbing products
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
- You want to prep skin for better serum absorption
Consider alternatives if:
- You have fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis)
- You are vegan (contains salmon-derived PDRN)
- You need heavy hydration for extremely dry skin
- You prefer fragrance in your skincare
- You have severe acne requiring medical treatment
- You are allergic to fish or fish-derived ingredients
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESLightweight, watery texture absorbs instantly without adding shine. Helps balance sebum production.
Provides hydration prep layer but may need heavier moisturizer on top. Layer multiple times for more hydration.
Balances well across different face zones. Lightweight enough for T-zone, hydrating for dry cheeks.
Fragrance-free, dermatologist-tested formula. Contains soothing Centella. Patch test recommended for very reactive skin.
Low comedogenic rating but not fungal acne safe. Non-irritating formula with niacinamide may help with PIH.
Results timeline
WEEK 8+Instant Hydration & Glow
Immediate improvement in skin hydration and surface radiance. Skin feels softer and more supple after each application.
53% reported moisture improvementTexture & Tone Improvement
Noticeable improvement in skin texture smoothness. Skin tone appears more even and bright. Clinical tests show 6.4% skin tone improvement.
19% reported radiance improvementVisible Anti-Aging Benefits
Peptide complex begins showing visible results on fine lines. Skin appears firmer and more elastic. Barrier function strengthened.
3.7% texture improvement reportedLong-Term Skin Health
Cumulative benefits of PDRN and peptides become more apparent. Overall skin health and resilience improved with consistent use.
Best results with continued useRatings by platform
REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Instant glow and hydration boost
- Lightweight, non-sticky texture
- Fragrance-free and low irritation
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding safe
- Clinically tested with proven results
- Works well under makeup
- Absorbs quickly, no wait time needed
- Contains proven anti-aging peptides
Criticized
- Not fungal acne safe
- Not vegan (salmon-derived PDRN)
- Pink color may seem unusual at first
- May not be hydrating enough alone for very dry skin
- PDRN research is still emerging for topical use
- Premium price point for a toner
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
Contains 84% Centella Asiatica extract with PHA for gentle exfoliation. Similar soothing benefits but no PDRN or peptides. Great for sensitive skin on a budget.
Pioneer of PDRN in K-Beauty. Contains salmon PDRN with 3 types of hyaluronic acid. Larger 300ml size. Less peptide variety but similar core technology.
Contains salmon PDRN, NAD+, and 50 peptides. Violet shimmer from ceramides and B12. Smaller 150ml size but very feature-rich formula.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
numbuzin No.9 NAD+ PDRN Toner
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a sealed container away from direct sunlight at 59-77°F (15-25°C) for optimal preservation
Plastic bottle with flip-cap or pump dispenser
No (250ml exceeds 100ml carry-on limit). Decant into smaller container for travel.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes! This toner is considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It does not contain retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, chemical sunscreens, or any other ingredients typically flagged as unsafe during pregnancy. The formula focuses on gentle, hydrating ingredients like peptides, niacinamide, and PDRN which are not contraindicated during pregnancy.
No, this toner is NOT fungal acne safe. It contains several ingredients that may feed the malassezia yeast, including Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate, and Arginine (in the presence of lipids). If you are prone to fungal acne, consider alternatives like SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Toning Toner which is fungal acne safe.
Yes, this toner is compatible with most actives. Niacinamide and peptides work well with retinol and vitamin C. The gentle, hydrating formula can actually help buffer irritation from stronger actives. However, if using exfoliating acids (AHA/BHA), you may want to apply them after the toner or on alternate days to avoid over-exfoliation. The toner contains a small amount of gluconolactone (PHA) which is very gentle.
This toner works best for oily, combination, normal, and sensitive skin types. Its lightweight, watery texture makes it excellent for oily skin as it provides hydration without added greasiness. Dry skin types can still use it but may need to layer it multiple times or follow with a heavier moisturizer. The low-irritation, fragrance-free formula makes it suitable for sensitive skin. It's NOT ideal for those with fungal acne.
Results timeline varies: Immediate hydration and glow can be noticed after first use. Clinical studies show 53% moisture improvement. Texture and tone improvements typically become noticeable within 2-4 weeks of consistent use (clinical tests showed 6.4% skin tone improvement). Anti-aging benefits from peptides usually take 4-8 weeks of consistent twice-daily use to become visible. Best results come with continued long-term use.
Apply this toner immediately after cleansing as the first step of your skincare routine. The order should be: Cleanser → This Toner → Essence → Serum → Moisturizer → Sunscreen (AM only). The toner prepares skin for better absorption of following products. It can be used both morning and evening. You can also use the "7-skin method" by layering thin applications for extra hydration.
This toner has a low comedogenic rating of 1/5, meaning it is unlikely to clog pores for most people. The oil-free, lightweight formula absorbs quickly without leaving residue. However, if you are prone to fungal acne (which can look similar to clogged pores), this product may cause breakouts due to ingredients that feed malassezia yeast. Patch test if you have very acne-prone skin.
The toner has a PAO (Period After Opening) of 12 months. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight at 59-77°F (15-25°C) for optimal preservation. The 250ml bottle typically lasts 2-3 months with twice-daily use, well within the 12-month window. If you notice any changes in color, smell, or texture, discontinue use.
Verdict: The Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Toner delivers on its promise of boosting skin radiance and hydration with its innovative PDRN and 5-peptide formula. It's an excellent choice for those seeking glass skin and gentle anti-aging benefits without harsh actives. The fragrance-free, low-irritation formula makes it suitable for sensitive and pregnant/nursing individuals. However, it's not recommended for fungal acne-prone skin or vegans. At its price point, it offers good value with clinically-proven results. Consider the SKIN1004 Centella Toner as an alternative if you need fungal acne safety.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skin’s own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Anti-Aging from 12 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 3 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 10 ingredient(s):
Ache-fighting from 1 ingredient(s):
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Butylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscositydecreasing Agent
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Niacinamide
Skin Conditioning, Hair Conditioning, Smoothing
|
Brightening
Ache-fighting
Anti-Aging
Promotes Wound Healing
Redness
Irritation
Dark Spots
Pores
|
|
| 1 |
1,2-Hexanediol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
Hydrating
|