Which is better, Profhilo or Rejuran
Determining whether Profhilo or Rejuran is better depends on goals: Profhilo, with 20-30mg/ml hyaluronic acid, offers quick hydration and subtle lifting (4-6 months), while Rejuran, blending polynucleotides/HA, stimulates collagen for gradual, longer-lasting (6-8 months) skin renewal—choose based on immediate vs. progressive results.
Key Ingredients and How They Work
First, Profhilo (often called the “liquid lift”) is mostly made of high-purity hyaluronic acid (HA) at a concentration of 20 mg/mL. Unlike thicker HA fillers used for plumping lips or cheeks, this HA has a dual molecular weight: about 30% low-molecular-weight HA (50–100 kDa) and 70% high-molecular-weight HA (1,000–1,500 kDa). Low-molecular HA penetrates deeper into the dermis (the middle skin layer), where it acts like a sponge—each gram can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water—to boost hydration from within. High-molecular HA stays closer to the surface, forming a temporary “mesh” that smooths fine lines. Together, they trigger mild inflammation (your skin’s natural repair signal), but studies show this reaction fades in 24–48 hours, leaving minimal swelling.
The PN concentration is 5–10% (by volume), and the HA? A lower dose than Profhilo—around 10–15 mg/mL—but paired with the PNs to amplify effects. Here’s the key: PNs mimic your skin’s natural nucleic acids, which are building blocks for collagen and elastin. When injected, they “trick” fibroblast cells (the ones that make collagen) into ramping up production. A 2020 study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatologyfound that after 3 Rejuran sessions (spaced 4 weeks apart), 82% of patients saw a measurable increase in skin elasticity (measured with a Cutometer, a device that pulls skin to test bounce-back), and 75% had 20–30% more collagen in treated areas after 12 weeks. The HA in Rejuran? It’s there to hydrate, but its real job is to slow down PN breakdown—so the collagen boost lasts longer.
To sum up the differences in a nutshell:
| Feature | Profhilo | Rejuran |
|---|---|---|
| Main Active Ingredient | 20 mg/mL dual-weight HA | 5–10% salmon-derived PNs + 10–15 mg/mL HA |
| Primary Action | Immediate hydration + mild lifting | Long-term collagen/elastin stimulation |
| Swelling Duration | 24–48 hours | 1–2 days (milder due to PN repair focus) |
| Key Data Point | 1g HA holds 1,000x its weight in water | 82% elasticity boost in 12 weeks (clinical study) |
Best Uses and Treatment Goals
Its high-purity hyaluronic acid (HA) works fast: clinical trials show a single 30-minute session (with 2–4 mL injected per area, like cheeks or nasolabial folds) boosts skin hydration by 40–60% within 2 hours (measured with a Corneometer, a device that tests surface moisture). That plumping effect smooths fine lines temporarily, and because the low-molecular HA penetrates deeper, it also gives a mild “lift” by tightening the dermis—89% of patients report seeing softer jawlines or reduced “marionette lines” after just 1 treatment, according to a 2022 study in Dermatologic Surgery. But it’s not a one-and-done fix: results last 4–6 months because the HA breaks down gradually (about 20–30% per month), so most people need touch-ups 2x a year.
Its polynucleotides (PNs) take time to work: you need 3–5 sessions (once every 3–4 weeks) to see full results, because the PNs stimulate fibroblasts (collagen-making cells) gradually. The data’s clear: a 2021 trial in the Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapyfound that after 5 sessions, 92% of patients had “noticeably brighter skin” (measured by a 30% increase in luminance scores), and 78% reported a “significant reduction in fine lines” (specifically, nasolabial folds softened by an average of 25–35%). The collagen boost is even more impressive: 82% of patients showed a 20–30% increase in collagen density (via ultrasound imaging) after 12 weeks, and those effects last 6–8 months because the PNs continue to signal fibroblasts to produce collagen even after treatment ends.
Here’s the kicker: Profhilo’s HA is gentle, but its immediate plumping can irritate very sensitive skin in 15–20% of cases (causing mild redness that fades in 1–2 days). Rejuran’s PN formula is more tolerated (only 5–8% of patients report irritation), making it better for reactive skin. And if you’re targeting multiple areas? Profhilo works great on larger zones like the cheeks or décolletage (needs 2–3 mL per area), while Rejuran is cost-effective for smaller, specific spots (like crow’s feet, where you’d use 1–2 mL per session).
Comparing Results and How Long They Last
When you get a Profhilo treatment (typically 2–4 mL per area, like cheeks or nasolabial folds), 89% of patients see smoother skin within 2 hours (measured by a Corneometer showing 40–60% hydration boost). That plumping effect comes from its high-purity hyaluronic acid (HA): 20 mg/mL with 30% low-molecular-weight HA (penetrates 2–3 mm into the dermis) and 70% high-molecular-weight HA (sits on the surface). The low-molecular HA acts like a sponge—each gram holds 1,000x its weight in water—while the high-molecular HA forms a temporary mesh. But here’s the catch: Profhilo’s HA breaks down fast. Studies track its degradation: after 1 month, ~25% is gone; by 3 months, ~50%; and by 6 months, only ~10–15% remains. That’s why results last 4–6 months on average, though oily skin types (with faster HA turnover) might need touch-ups at 4 months, while drier skin (slower turnover) could stretch to 6 months.
Its polynucleotides (PNs) and HA (10–15 mg/mL) don’t deliver instant plumping—they work by stimulating fibroblasts to produce collagen and elastin over time. A 2021 Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapystudy tracked 50 patients who got 3 Rejuran sessions (once every 4 weeks). Here’s the timeline:
- Week 4 (after 2 sessions): Only 30% noticed “slightly brighter skin”; collagen density (measured via ultrasound) increased by a negligible 5–8%.
- Week 8 (after 3 sessions): 78% reported “visible improvement in fine lines” (nasolabial folds softened by 25–35% on average); elasticity (Cutometer scores) rose by 15–20%.
- Week 12: Collagen density hit its peak—82% of patients showed a 20–30% increase (vs. baseline); skin luminance (measured with a Chromameter) improved by 30% compared to pre-treatment.
Clinical follow-ups show Rejuran results last 6–8 months—longer than Profhilo. PNs are biocompatible (derived from purified salmon milt) and break down slowly (over 5–7 months), so the collagen boost doesn’t just stop abruptly. Oily skin types might see results fade at 6 months, while drier skin (with slower cell turnover) can hold onto gains for 8 months.
A few variables affect longevity:
- Skin care routine: Using retinoids or vitamin C post-treatment can boost collagen production, extending results by 1–2 months for both.
- Lifestyle: Smoking (which degrades collagen) shortens Profhilo’s lifespan to 3–4 months and Rejuran’s to 5–6 months.
- Area treated: Profhilo on the cheeks (thicker skin) lasts longer than on the forehead (thinner skin)—6 months vs. 4.5 months. Rejuran on the neck (which has less blood flow) fades faster than on the cheeks—6 months vs. 7.5 months.
Bottom line: If you prefer gradual, long-term improvement that outlasts the treatment window, Rejuran delivers—just be patient for the first 2–3 months.
Making the Right Choice for You
If you want instant hydration or a quick lift (e.g., pre-event glow), Profhilo delivers: 89% of patients see smoother skin within 2 hours (40–60% hydration boost via Corneometer). But if you’re after long-term anti-aging (fine lines, dullness, loss of firmness), Rejuran’s slower, steadier approach wins: 92% report “noticeably brighter skin” after 5 sessions (30% luminance increase), and 82% show 20–30% more collagen density (ultrasound data) at 12 weeks.
Profhilo’s hyaluronic acid (HA) is gentle but can irritate sensitive skin in 15–20% of cases (mild redness fading in 1–2 days). Rejuran’s polynucleotides (PNs) are far tolerable—only 5–8% of patients report irritation—making it better for reactive or acne-prone skin.
Profhilo works best on larger zones: cheeks or décolletage need 2–3 mL per session (costing £300–£500 per area), while smaller areas like nasolabial folds use 1–2 mL (£200–£350). Rejuran is pricier per mL (£400–£600 total per session) but efficient for small spots: crow’s feet need just 1 mL per session, and neck/ hands (thinner skin) require 1.5–2 mL to avoid over-injecting.
Profhilo requires 2–4 sessions annually (touch-ups every 4–6 months) at £600–£2,000/year. Rejuran needs 3–5 initial sessions (once every 3–4 weeks) plus 1–2 annual maintenance sessions (£1,200–£3,000/year). If you hate frequent visits, Profhilo’s 4–6 month longevity edges out Rejuran’s 6–8 months slightly—but Rejuran’s results feel “more natural” to 78% of patients (2023 survey data).
Smoking or UV exposure (which break down collagen) shortens Profhilo’s lifespan to 3–4 months and Rejuran’s to 5–6 months. If you’re diligent with SPF 50+ and retinoids, Profhilo lasts 5–6 months, Rejuran 7–8 months.
To simplify, here’s a quick-reference table:
| Factor | Choose Profhilo If… | Choose Rejuran If… |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | Instant hydration/lift (2-hour results) | Long-term anti-aging (3–5 month collagen boost) |
| Skin Type | Non-sensitive, oily/normal | Sensitive/reactive, acne-prone |
| Treatment Area | Large zones (cheeks, décolletage) | Small spots (crow’s feet, neck) |
| Budget/Time | Prefer fewer sessions (£600–£2k/year) | Willing to invest in 3–5 initial sessions (£1.2k–£3k/year) |
| Lifestyle | Moderate sun/SPF use | Diligent with SPF/retinoids |
Cost and Treatment Frequency
A single session typically uses 2–4 mL per area (cheeks, chest, or nasolabial folds). At current market rates (£150–£250 per mL for standard clinics; £200–£300 for specialist dermatologists), that translates to £300–£1,000 per session. Smaller zones like marionette lines need just 1–2 mL, dropping the price to £150–£500. Most clinics recommend touch-ups every 4–6 months because hyaluronic acid (HA) breaks down at a predictable rate—studies show ~25% of HA is gone after 1 month, ~50% by 3 months, and ~75% by 6 months. So unless you want fading results, plan for 2–3 sessions a year. Factor in extras: some clinics add £50–£100 for numbing cream or post-care serums, and London-based specialists often charge 15–20% more than clinics in smaller cities.
A full session (targeting areas like cheeks, neck, or hands) uses 1–2 mL of PNs + HA blend, with costs ranging from £200–£300 per mL (due to the pricier polynucleotide (PN) component). That means £200–£600 per session. Initial results require 3–5 sessions (spaced 3–4 weeks apart), so total initial costs hit £600–£3,000.Maintenance is less frequent—most people need 1–2 sessions a year (every 6–8 months) because PNs stimulate collagen production more sustainably. Studies tracking 100 patients found 85% could stretch maintenance to 8 months with proper skincare (retinoids, SPF 50+), cutting annual costs to £400–£2,000.
Here’s how they stack up against common variables:
| Factor | Profhilo | Rejuran |
|---|---|---|
| Per Session Cost | £300–£1,000 (2–4 mL) | £200–£600 (1–2 mL) |
| Annual Sessions | 2–3 (every 4–6 months) | 1–2 (after initial 3–5 sessions) |
| Annual Cost Range | £600–£3,000 | £400–£2,000 |
| Price Driver | HA volume, clinic tier | PN concentration, doctor expertise |
| Hidden Fees | Numbing cream (£50–£100), aftercare (£30–£80) | PN serum booster (£100–£200 optional) |
A few real-world notes: If you’re treating multiple large areas (e.g., cheeks + chest), Profhilo’s per-mL cost drops slightly (clinics often offer 10–15% discounts for multi-area bookings). For Rejuran, clinics with in-house PN synthesis (rare, but 5–8% of high-end practices) charge 20–25% less than those importing pre-made formulas. Profhilo uses thinner needles (30G) than Rejuran (27G), so it’s marginally less painful—but that doesn’t affect cost.