I Tried the Celebrity-Loved Salmon Sperm Facial — Here's My Honest Take

I've never been to Walt Disney World, but I'd go as far as to say that K-beauty capital Seoul, South Korea, is actually the most magical place on earth . . . at least for a skin-care obsessive like me. Over the past few years, I've tried dozens of aesthetic treatments in the city. Some are popular stateside, like radiofrequency microneedling and lasers, while others are more uniquely Korean, such as Aqua Peels (a lighter version of HydraFacials) and skin Botox.

The most eyebrow-raising of the bunch is Rejuran, which has gone viral in the US in part thanks to celebrity plugs from Kim Kardashian, Kesha, and Jennifer Aniston but mainly as a result of its American rebranding as salmon sperm injections. (In conservative South Korea, Rejuran's main ingredient is simply referred to as salmon DNA.)

Ahead, I'm sharing everything worth knowing about salmon sperm injections — including more about its primary ingredient, benefits, and what to expect from the treatment. Plus: my honest Rejuran review.

Experts Featured in This Article

Ethan Wonuk Hwang, MD, is a cosmetic physician and director of Cheongdam Lebelle Clinic in Seoul, South Korea.

Bell Yoo, NP, is a board-certified nurse practitioner and founder of Mimo Aesthetics in West Hollywood.

What Is Rejuran?

Hailing from South Korea, Rejuran (aka Rejuran Healer or Healing Essence) is a popular skin booster treatment that uses polynucleotides (PN) derived from salmon DNA. "It stimulates the skin's natural healing process and promotes collagen production at the cellular level," says cosmetic physician Ethan Wonuk Hwang, MD.

Research shows that polynucleotides not only have "exceptional biocompatibility" with human skin but also offer a wide variety of glow-getting, regenerative benefits.

Salmon Sperm Vials

The Benefits of Salmon Sperm Injections

Per Dr. Hwang, Rejuran is especially effective for improving skin texture, reducing fine lines, enhancing hydration, and restoring skin elasticity over time.

A small 2016 study published in "Dermatologic Therapy" found that PN injections markedly improved pore size and skin thickness in patients in their 30s, while patients in their 40s exhibited notable improvements in skin tone, melanin, wrinkles, and sagging. In addition, per a 2023 survey published in "Skin Research and Technology" of 557 physicians in South Korea who use PN in their practices, 95.8 percent validated their wound-healing and regenerative properties, while 92.2 percent backed up their ability to protect the skin barrier.

Sourcing Rejuran

Now for the million-dollar question: how does Rejuran actually acquire and process salmon sperm for aesthetic use?

According to Bell Yoo, NP, a board-certified nurse practitioner, things aren't as fishy as they sound. In fact, she witnessed the process firsthand at the facility where Rejuran is developed in Gangwon Province, South Korea.

"The DNA is sourced from salmon milt, which is the reproductive fluid released by male salmon during spawning," she says. "It contains the sperm cells that are processed to extract the DNA, which is then carefully extracted and purified to remove proteins and other potentially reactive components."

Yoo assures us that the entire operation is held to strict standards for safety, sterility, and consistency, resulting in a stable, pharmaceutical-grade DNA material.

Numbing Before Treatment

Safety Considerations For Salmon Sperm Injections

Across several studies investigating polynucleotides, there were no serious adverse events. While it's newer in the United States, more providers — including nurse practitioners, dermatologists, and plastic surgeons — are adding Rejuran to their aesthetic menus, whether via topical use (e.g., post-microneedling) or injections in an off-label capacity.

However, it's important to note that Rejuran injections have yet to be approved by the FDA, though they're approved by the FDA's equivalents in South Korea and parts of Europe.

"It has been used for over a decade in Korea with almost no adverse reactions," Yoo reiterates, so it's not exactly the wild west. Nonetheless, if you're game to try it, be sure to find a reputable provider who's well-versed in the treatment. (P.S. We strongly suggest finding a professional with solid skills to minimize pain. More on this later.)

How Often Should You Get Rejuran Injections?

For optimal results, Rejuran is typically recommended in a series — usually three sessions spaced about four weeks apart, followed up with a single booster session every three to six months.

One session should elicit improvements in hydration and texture for a glass-skin glow, says Yoo. By the third, she says you can expect improvements in fine lines, pore size, and skin inflammation. "Long term, patients can expect slowed skin aging from increased dermal thickness and a strengthened skin barrier," she continues.

During My Salmon Sperm Treatment

My Rejuran Injection Experience

Following an initial consultation with Dr. Hwang, his team began the treatment with some aromatherapy, facial cleansing, and a layer of numbing cream. I'd gotten Rejuran done a few times before, but always in tandem with other treatments, so I'd never fully gauged how well it works on their own. What I did remember, however, was how freaking painful they were — as in, each time I got the injections I seriously considered sprinting out of the room and giving up on all beauty treatments for good — and I'm certain that my pain tolerance is higher than most. Rejuran's notoriety is attributed not only to the salmon sperminess of it all, but also the fresh hell that most people experience from manual injections. Some providers also offer Rejuran via a stamping infusion device, which is more tolerable.

By the time Dr. Hwang started my injections, I braced myself for the worst but was shocked that by five or so shots in, I'd barely registered that he even started. He explained that he invests in smaller needles that help to reduce pain, yet discomfort will also vary based on the injector's expertise, including their pace and knowing exactly where to place the needle. Naturally, this was a relief as I was in for up to 1,000 injections, which skews on the higher end, but Dr. Hwang prefers more for a built-in microneedling effect.

Post-Treatment Aftercare

Once Dr. Hwang finished injecting 4 CCs of Rejuran across my entire face, including undereyes, he proceeded to inject 1 CC of Rejuvenex: an ampoule consisting of polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN), a cousin of sorts to Rejuran's PN, as the former has a lower molecular weight and shorter nucleotide chains. "Rejuvenex has a lighter, more spreadable formulation compared to Rejuran and offers a mild boost in skin recovery, hydration, and overall skin vitality with minimal downtimes," he says.

All of the injections took about 30 minutes to complete. My aftercare consisted of an Insonic LDM massage and a cooling modeling mask to expedite recovery.

Rejuran's trademark embossing marks (i.e., small bumps) lasted for about two days, so I planned in advance to hibernate with calming sheet masks. I was pretty much in the clear by day three, though I began to experience some mild itchiness in its place for about 36 hours. Within a week's time, my skin was noticeably brighter and more glass-like. I'm also convinced that it felt more supple to the touch. Even after a flight on day eight, I had to do a double-take as my glow and moisture survived the desert-dry cabin air.

My Skin Before Salmon Sperm Injections, on Day 7, and Day 10 Post-Treatment

Is Rejuran Worth It?

While I was previously on the fence about Rejuran, I've definitely warmed up to it more — in no small part given Dr. Hwang's magic touch and warm bedside manner. I'd rate my previous pain level with Rejuran at a nine out of 10 (saving that one final point only in respect of those who have birthed a child), while Dr. Hwang's technique lowered that threshold to a very tolerable two or three. Of course, I'm a fan of its fast-acting glow and hydration, but I'd consider Rejuran to be just one part of my larger aesthetic regimen rather than place all my bets on it for my (admittedly many) skin concerns.

The initial monthly upkeep — followed by quarterly or even biannual visits — is also a big investment for most. Costs vary widely. In South Korea, I've seen 4 CCs range from 220,000 KRW to 540,000 KRW, or $160 to $392. In the United States, expect to pay at least double that, give or take.

Plus, if you're seeking major quick fixes, you'll want to look elsewhere. "Rejuran is not a treatment that creates dramatic changes right away," says Dr. Hwang. Despite some initial perks like the ones I witnessed firsthand, he emphasizes that Rejuran is more of a long-term, regenerative treatment. Yoo agrees, noting that it reflects part of a Korean philosophy focused on prevention, maintenance, and slow aging, rather than commonly sought-after Western routes of correction and instant gratification.

Both Dr. Hwang and Yoo consider consistent Rejuran treatments to be a pro-aging goldmine of sorts, as well as an investment that yields significant returns over time. I've had the good fortune to have been told all my adult life that I look younger than my age, and Rejuran will remain in my lineup for the sake of keeping that up.

Michele Ross is a freelance writer specializing in wellness, culture, and beauty. Her work has appeared in Well+Good, Coveteur, Editorialist, GQ, Vice, and Teen Vogue, with brand clients including Peloton, Moon Juice, and Hum Nutrition. She's grateful to cover her many interests — including but not limited to self-care, self-development, skin care, coffee, travel, and Korean culture.