If you have looked into skin treatments in Seoul, you have almost certainly come across Rejuran. You may also have noticed that it comes in different coloured boxes, and that clinics list several versions with similar names. Here is what it is, what each box is for, and what to ask before you book, explained from the very beginning.
What Is Rejuran?
Rejuran is an injectable skin treatment made by PharmaResearch, a Korean pharmaceutical company. It is one of the most requested treatments in Korean dermatology clinics, and it belongs to a group of treatments Koreans call skin boosters.
Its main ingredient is polynucleotide, which is purified from salmon DNA, which is why you will often hear Rejuran called the "salmon injection." Once injected into the skin, it is designed to support the skin's own repair process. Clinics use it to address skin quality: texture, elasticity, fine lines, and skin that looks tired or thin.
It helps to know what Rejuran is not:
- It is not a filler. It does not add volume or change the shape of your face.
- It is not a muscle relaxer. It does not freeze expression the way botulinum toxin does.
- It is not instant. Changes are described as gradual, building over weeks rather than overnight.
That is a large part of its appeal. Rejuran works on the quality of the skin itself rather than changing your features, which is why many clinics describe it as a treatment for looking rested rather than looking "done."
The Four Versions, at a Glance
Rejuran comes in four main versions. Clinics and suppliers often refer to them by the colour of the box, which is an easy way to remember them.
Black box
Healer, whole face
Red box
HB, gentle and hydrating
White box
i (Eye), under the eyes
Blue box
S (Scar), acne and indented scars
| Box | Name | Used for | What makes it different |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black | Rejuran Healer | The whole face: texture, elasticity, overall skin quality | The original formula, with the standard polynucleotide strength |
| Red | Rejuran HB (newer version: HB Plus) | The whole face, with added hydration; often suggested for first timers and dry or sensitive skin | Lower polynucleotide, plus hyaluronic acid for moisture and lidocaine, a numbing agent, for a more comfortable treatment |
| White | Rejuran i (Eye) | Under the eyes: dark circles, crepey skin, fine lines | A thinner, gentler formula with a smaller needle, made for delicate eye skin |
| Blue | Rejuran S (Scar) | Acne scars and indented scars | The thickest gel, placed precisely into scars |
Note: box colours are how clinics and suppliers commonly describe the packaging, and packaging can change. Your clinic can show you the exact product before your treatment.
A simple way to remember it: black is the classic, red is the gentle one with added moisture, white is for the eyes, and blue is for scars.
Each Version, Explained
Rejuran Healer (black box)
This is the original, and the one most people mean when they say "Rejuran." It is used across the whole face for overall skin quality. It contains a higher concentration of polynucleotide than the red or white versions. Most people describe the injections as noticeable but manageable, especially with numbing cream applied beforehand.
Rejuran HB and HB Plus (red box)
HB combines a lower amount of polynucleotide with hyaluronic acid, a moisture-binding ingredient, and lidocaine, a local anaesthetic. The result is a treatment that adds a hydrating element and is generally considered the most comfortable of the four. It is often suggested for first timers, people with dry or sensitive skin, and anyone nervous about discomfort.
Rejuran i, the Eye version (white box)
The skin under the eyes is much thinner than the rest of the face, so a thicker product can leave temporary lumps there. Rejuran i uses a thinner formula and a finer needle designed for that area. It is used for dark circles, crepey texture and fine lines around the eyes.
Rejuran S, the Scar version (blue box)
Rejuran S is a thicker gel designed to stay exactly where it is placed, which makes it suited to treating individual acne scars and indented scars. It tends to be the most uncomfortable of the four, and the small bumps afterwards can be more visible and last a little longer.
What the Treatment Is Like
- Before: numbing cream is usually applied for 30 to 40 minutes.
- During: the doctor makes many tiny injections across the treated area. The injecting itself usually takes around 15 to 30 minutes.
- After: small raised bumps and some redness where the injections went are normal, usually settling within one to two days. The blue (S) version can take longer.
From least to most uncomfortable, people generally rank them: red (HB), white (Eye), black (Healer), then blue (S).
How Many Sessions?
Rejuran is usually given as a course rather than a single treatment. Clinics commonly suggest two to four sessions, spaced two to four weeks apart, followed by maintenance every six to twelve months. Your doctor will suggest what suits your skin.
This matters when you are travelling. On a one week trip you will usually have time for one session. If your doctor suggests a full course, it is worth asking how they would plan it around your trip, whether that means a return visit to Seoul or continuing with a qualified provider at home.
Planning Rejuran Into a Seoul Trip
- Schedule it early in your stay. That gives the small bumps time to settle before photos, dinners or your flight home.
- Keep the rest of that day gentle. Avoid saunas, steam rooms and heavy makeup for a day or so, unless your clinic advises otherwise.
- Plan around a bathhouse visit. If a jjimjilbang is on your list, put it on a different day from your treatment.
Before You Consider Rejuran
Rejuran is approved for use in Korea and in a number of other countries. It is not FDA approved in the United States, so it is worth discussing with your own doctor at home if you have any questions about whether it is right for you. A few other points:
- Tell the clinic about any fish or salmon allergy. Polynucleotide is derived from salmon, so this is an important question for your doctor.
- Share your full medical history, including medications, pregnancy or breastfeeding, and any skin conditions.
- The doctor chooses the version. Which box is right for you is a medical decision made by the treating doctor after seeing your skin.
Questions to Ask at Your Clinic
- Which Rejuran version do you recommend for me, and why?
- Can I see the box and vial before the treatment?
- How many cc are included in the price you quoted?
- Will the doctor perform the injections personally?
- How many sessions do you suggest, and how would that work around my trip?
- What should I avoid in the days after treatment?
The Bottom Line
Rejuran is one treatment in four versions, each with its own job: black for overall skin quality, red for hydration and comfort, white for the eyes, and blue for scars. Knowing the difference means you can walk into your consultation understanding the options, ask better questions, and feel confident about what your doctor recommends.
Keep reading: The Treatments Behind Korea's Glass Skin Standard, or Stacking Skincare Treatments in Korea.