We Binge-Used ANUA PDRN Hyaluronic Capsule 100 Serum—Did Our Skin Love It? Review

Who should use this serum? Matching the formulation to the right skin type

The ANUA PDRN Hyaluronic Capsule 100 Serum promises deep hydration, improved elasticity, and an overall boost in skin health—but does it deliver the same benefits to all skin types? A product can be packed with impressive ingredients, but if it doesn’t cater to your skin’s specific needs, it may not be the miracle worker the marketing suggests. Whether you have dry, oily, combination, or sensitive skin, let’s break down how this serum fits into different skincare routines.

Dry skin savior or not hydrating enough?

For those with perpetually parched skin, not all hydration is created equal. We need more than a temporary plumping effect—we need moisture-retaining ingredients that actually help our skin hold onto hydration instead of letting it evaporate into thin air.

Does ANUA deliver enough hydration for severely dry skin?

At first glance, this serum seems like a dream come true for dry skin. It’s packed with hyaluronic acid, which we know is excellent at drawing water into the skin. But here’s the thing: HA is a humectant, meaning it pulls moisture in—but doesn’t necessarily lock it in. For those dealing with skincare for dehydrated skin, a humectant-heavy serum alone won’t cut it. You need occlusive agents (such as ceramides or plant oils) to prevent water loss, and unfortunately, ANUA’s formula lacks those crucial sealing ingredients.

So what does this mean for someone with severely dry skin? This serum can definitely be a valuable part of your routine, but it won’t be a standalone solution. If you want to maximize hydration, it needs to be followed up with a richer moisturizer or facial oil. Otherwise, you might find yourself asking: does hyaluronic acid work for very dry skin, or does it just evaporate before it can do its job?

How to choose a serum for dry skin: Is ANUA the right pick?

When selecting the best serum for dry skin, the key is looking for ingredients that not only provide hydration but also prevent moisture loss. While this formula excels at the first part, it’s missing the second. However, if paired correctly with a lipid-rich moisturizer, it can still work wonders for thirsty skin. Our verdict? Great for layering, but don’t expect it to be a one-and-done solution if your skin is extremely dry.

Oily and combination skin: A hydrating serum that won’t clog pores?

If you have oily skin, the last thing you want is a serum that leaves behind a greasy film or triggers breakouts. Hydration is still essential (yes, even oily skin needs it), but it has to come from a non-comedogenic skincare formula that won’t suffocate your pores.

Does ANUA’s formula work for oily skin types?

One of the biggest selling points of this serum is its lightweight texture. Unlike thicker, gel-based hydrating serums, this one absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave behind that dreaded sticky residue. For those who want hydration without heaviness, this could be one of the best lightweight serums for oily skin.

However, the real test is in the ingredients. Does hyaluronic acid clog pores? No, hyaluronic acid itself is non-comedogenic. But skincare is about more than just one ingredient, and we have to look at the full picture. The good news? This serum doesn’t contain silicones, heavy oils, or waxes that can trap excess sebum and lead to congestion. For acne-friendly serums, that’s a major plus.

Could this serum cause breakouts?

While the serum is free of most known pore-clogging ingredients, some people with acne-prone skin may still experience reactions. The issue? Multiple forms of hyaluronic acid. For some individuals, especially those with ultra-sensitive or reactive skin, certain molecular weights of HA can trigger irritation or even exacerbate breakouts.

So, if you have oily, combination, or acne-prone skin, this serum is generally a safe bet. But if you’ve ever noticed that HA-based products make you break out, it’s worth patch-testing first before committing to full-face application.

Is it truly safe for sensitive and rosacea-prone skin?

Sensitive skin is like a moody best friend—one wrong move, and it lets you know loud and clear. Finding skincare for sensitive skin requires more than just avoiding obvious irritants like alcohol and fragrance. It means digging deeper into how every ingredient interacts with reactive skin barriers.

Does ANUA’s serum contain hidden irritants?

On paper, this serum looks like a great fit for sensitive skin. It’s free of artificial fragrance, parabens, sulfates, and drying alcohols. But that doesn’t mean it’s automatically a perfect match for those dealing with rosacea or hyper-reactivity.

A common issue with HA-based serums is that they can sometimes cause a tightening effect, which, for sensitive skin, can feel more irritating than soothing. Additionally, the inclusion of PDRN is a bit of a wildcard. While it’s praised for its regenerative properties, there’s limited data on how it affects those with severely compromised skin barriers.

Does hyaluronic acid cause irritation in sensitive skin?

For most people, hyaluronic acid is a gentle, hydrating ingredient. But in some cases, it can draw too much moisture from the deeper layers of the skin, leading to increased dryness and irritation. Those with rosacea often find that HA serums work best when applied to damp skin and sealed with a moisturizer immediately after.

If you have rosacea-prone skin, this serum could work—but it’s not guaranteed. We’ve seen mixed feedback from users, with some experiencing smooth, hydrated skin and others noticing mild irritation. When in doubt, always start slow and patch-test.

Skincare tips for rosacea-prone skin: Should you use this serum?

If you’re on the hunt for the best serum for rosacea, you’ll want to ensure it doesn’t contain any aggressive actives that could further inflame the skin. While ANUA’s formula is relatively gentle, the presence of multiple hyaluronic acid variants and PDRN means it’s not a guaranteed fit for everyone with rosacea.

Where does this leave us? If your skin leans sensitive but isn’t easily irritated by humectants, this could be a solid hydrating addition. But if your skin reacts negatively to new products, it may be best to proceed with caution and stick to a gentle skincare product with a simpler ingredient list.

Dermatologist’s Insight: ANUA PDRN Hyaluronic Capsule 100 Serum

Many skincare brands love to throw around scientific-sounding ingredients, and PDRN is one of them. But does it actually do what it claims? Dr. Jaimie Glick, a board-certified dermatologist at New York Dermatology Group, weighs in on whether the ANUA PDRN Hyaluronic Capsule 100 Serum is worth the hype or just another trendy product with a well-marketed formula.

“PDRN is an interesting ingredient,” says Dr. Glick. “It’s derived from salmon DNA and is often used in regenerative medicine. But here’s the thing—most of the studies that show real skin benefits involve injectable PDRN, not topical formulations.” She notes that while PDRN does have anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties, there’s little conclusive evidence that it penetrates deeply enough when simply applied to the skin. “That doesn’t mean it’s completely useless,” she adds, “but consumers should manage their expectations. It’s unlikely to provide dramatic skin renewal in the way brands sometimes suggest.”

So, what about hyaluronic acid—the other star of this serum? “Hyaluronic acid is fantastic for hydration,” Dr. Glick confirms. “It binds water to the skin, giving it a plumper, more hydrated look.” But she’s quick to caution against over-reliance on HA-based serums. “People think that hyaluronic acid alone is enough for moisture, but without an occlusive ingredient to seal it in, it can actually have the opposite effect—pulling moisture from the deeper layers of your skin into the air, especially in dry climates.”

She also addresses one of the most common concerns about this serum: its scent. “PDRN is known to have a slightly fishy odor, which some brands try to mask with fragrance,” she explains. “ANUA left it fragrance-free, which is great for sensitive skin, but it does mean some people might notice an unusual smell.”

And what about suitability for acne-prone and sensitive skin? “Hyaluronic acid is generally well-tolerated,” she says, “but some people find that certain molecular weights of HA can trigger irritation. If you have rosacea or ultra-sensitive skin, patch-testing is always a good idea.”

Dr. Glick’s final take? “If you’re looking for a lightweight hydrating serum, this is a solid option, especially if you don’t like thick or sticky formulas. But if you’re expecting major anti-aging benefits from the PDRN, don’t hold your breath—there’s not enough evidence to back up those claims just yet.”