Move over, snail mucin: I’ve found the next K-beauty ingredient I’m watching closely, and it comes in the form of a soothing COSRX face mask powered by PDRN.

COSRX is one of the most respected K-beauty brands, and it finally has a PDRN mask that feels perfectly timed for anyone looking to give their skin a little extra hydration, bounce and glow. PDRN has become one of Korea’s buzziest anti-aging beauty secrets — and COSRX is bringing the ingredient into an easy at-home treatment.

The product getting my attention is the COSRX 5 PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Vital Hydrating Hydrogel Mask, a hydrogel sheet designed with five types of PDRN and eight forms of hyaluronic acid. The formula is designed to revitalize tired, dull skin, improve the look of elasticity and dryness, and leave skin looking more hydrated and radiant.

COSRX 5 PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Vital Hydrating Hydrogel Mask

Amazon

I’m especially interested in the soothing side of the formula. Along with PDRN and hyaluronic acid, it contains panthenol and allantoin, two ingredients commonly used to help calm and comfort skin.

COSRX also adds niacinamide, alpha-arbutin, adenosine and collagen, giving the mask a surprisingly comprehensive ingredient list for an at-home treatment.

The PDRN is the star, though. Short for polydeoxyribonucleotide, PDRN is an ingredient that has become increasingly popular in Korean skincare for its association with skin recovery and elasticity. COSRX uses five PDRN sources in this mask, including salmon, centella asiatica, rice, lactobacillus and sea grapes.

I also like that this isn’t necessarily a quick 10-minute mask. COSRX recommends leaving it on for around two to three hours, or until the hydrogel becomes transparent. It can even be used as an overnight treatment, making it feel more like an intensive skincare session than a quick pick-me-up.

For me, this is the K-beauty formula that makes PDRN feel less like a passing trend and more like the next ingredient worth knowing. Snail mucin may still have its devoted fans, but I’m ready to make room for PDRN.

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This article was written by Victoria McDonnell, New York Post Commerce Journalist & Content Strategist, who has spent countless hours researching, testing hundreds of products and comparing the latest makeup, skincare, hair and beauty items and trends to determine what’s truly worth your hard-earned cash. She evaluates formulas, textures, ingredients and more, in addition to consulting medical and industry experts. Some of Victoria’s latest conquests include testing the best sheet masks on the market, and a rinse-and-repeat review of the best shampoos for all hair types and budgets. Victoria, who received a beauty industry essentials certification from the Fashion Institute of Technology, has been creating shopping guides for the New York Post since 2021 and previously held positions at Insider Reviews and CNN Underscored.