Polynucleotides aren’t fillers. They’re not HA boosters. They’re biostimulants — extracted from fish DNA — that repair damaged skin, stimulate collagen, and help your fibroblasts wake the hell up.
They’re not instant, not reversible, and not for the panicked bride 4 days before her wedding. But when used right? Total game changer for skin quality, scars, and even hair loss (should try it on my ever-receding hairline).
Let’s compare the top brands dominating UK clinics right now:
Plinest by Mastelli
The OG of fish DNA injectables. Solid Italian science behind it.
- Deep hydration
- Improves skin texture
- Stimulates collagen production
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
- Protocol: 2–3 treatments initially, then every 6–12 months
- Downtime: Minimal (mild swelling or redness)
Good for: Ageing skin with dull texture. Works best in full-face protocols or under-eyes in thinner skin types. Be patient results don’t show up for at least 6–8 weeks.
Ameela Skin
Marketed as a “regeneration serum” but with nice results in elastic and thin skin areas.
- Enhances skin elasticity
- Improves texture
- Deep hydration
- Reduces fine lines
- Downtime: Minimal (some redness/swelling)
This one’s particularly useful for delicate areas. Under-eyes and forehead in early ageing patients? Yes. Lip lines in ex smokers? Also yes. Don’t expect volume — expect bounce.
PhilArt by Croma
The one that came dressed for marketing. But don’t let the branding fool you — the Hair version is actually solid.
- Improves elasticity
- Enhances hydration
- Promotes youthful appearance
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
- Variant: PhilArt Hair (for follicle stimulation and growth)
Nice choice if you’re looking to dip your toes in the polynucleotide pool. Bonus: You can cross-sell it with microneedling or PRP for hair restoration without a hard upsell.
Crystal PDRN
The “regeneration specialist.” Slightly more clinical in positioning — less gloss, more graft.
- Promotes skin regeneration
- Improves elasticity
- Enhances skin health
- Reduces signs of ageing
Often used in post-laser protocols or for scar correction. If your clinic does
acne scarring or post-surgical skin repair — this is your tool.
TL;DR: What’s the Point?
- These are not interchangeable.
- None of them give overnight results.
- They won’t fix your patient’s dating profile in 7 days
Pick based on:
- Area (face, neck, hands, hair, or for under-eyes)
- Skin type (thin vs mature vs acne-damaged)
- Downtime (they're all minimal, but don’t promise zero)
If you’re just injecting whatever’s on offer at your next training day, you’re not
using polynucleotides — you’re gambling with fish juice.