These days, Korean “K-beauty” dominates the skin care world. But don’t worry, you don’t have to travel to try out the luxurious products and techniques for yourself. While there are so many great products to choose from, TikTok users and HuffPost readers alike go particularly wild for the Bio-PDRN Caffeine Face Shot serum, a vegan alternative to a typically salmon-derived product, from the Korean brand Iope.
Some users report that it’s essentially “Botox in a bottle.” Older users say that it helps dryness “caused by aging,” and one in particular notes that this serum has made them look “15 years younger than my age.” And while it usually goes for $50, you can currently snag it for 30% off at Amazon, the lowest price it’s been in months. Sales on this caffeine-fueled smoothing serum shot never last long, so grab one while you can.
The secret is in the entirely plant-based formula.
TikToker and self-proclaimed K-beauty enthusiast, Ashley Mixon, calls the serum “filler in a bottle,” “lifting,” and a “hero product” that’s hard to top.
In addition to Mixon, many reviewers say this serum has made their skin smoother, helped improve acne, reduced the appearance of fine lines and even become a replacement for Botox. (Of course, dermatologists say no at-home treatment will be as effective as Botox, but if you hate needles, this serum could be a solid option.)
Mixon and the brand attribute these kinds of results to an ingredient called PDRN, an anti-inflammatory, tissue-repairing proprietary drug that works to improve your skin’s overall appearance and firmness. While traditional PDRN is extracted from the sperm cells of salmon (and sometimes injected into the skin), Iope’s topical version is developed from plants, meaning no needles or fish fluids needed.
In addition to plant-powered PDRN, the serum contains a recognizable combination of ingredients. You’ll see niacinamide, a versatile antioxidant that many swear by for everything from brightening skin to managing redness, and probiotics, an unlikely ingredient that dermatologists have previously told HuffPost can do wonders for keeping skin healthy and strong.
(Note: HuffPost reached out to Mixon and found she does not receive compensation directly from the brand, but does from her affiliate link.)
Wondering what caffeine is doing in your skin care and not your latte?
There is some evidence to support that topical applications of caffeine may aid in reducing the appearance of wrinkles caused by sun damage, thanks to its antioxidant properties.
“[This serum] contains 20,000 ppm (parts per million) of caffeine, which is one-eighteenth the size of collagen,” Mixon told HuffPost via email. “So yes, it does penetrate into the skin!”
To use the serum, the brand says to apply three to four drops after your toner and before creams and moisturizers. Mixon adds that it can be used day or night and doesn’t interfere with other products or other active ingredients that you might be using.
Ready to try this serum for yourself, for the best price of the year? Grab one on Amazon to see what all the hype is about for yourself.
Read more promising reviews of Amazon’s beloved anti-aging serum and grab one for yourself at the best price of the year.
“I started with the moisturizer, and within two weeks, I saw a dramatic difference. So I started to collect all the other skin care products this company makes. Adding the serum, made a huge difference. I saw a difference in the tone and tightness of my skin almost immediately. I’m 71, and I am trying to figure out how to add a picture of myself, because I am told that I look a good 15 years younger than my age. I attribute this to beginning a good skin care regiment in my early thirties. Over the years, I’ve bought most high end brands, paying sometimes triple the cost of this line. This beats every brand I’ve ever tried. I’m thrilled to have found it, It will be my forever skin care line.” — Maria Christina Marsh
“I love this PDRN by IOPE. I have been using this for over a year now, and I love the fact that this Bio-PDRN is powered by plants instead of salmon, making it vegan. There is no scent and it does not leave a sticky residue on my skin. I am 54 and it helps with dryness caused by aging. My skin soaks this serum up and I will continue purchasing.” — amy currie
“Amazing serum. Botox in a bottle.” — salvatore J praino
“This product works! It hydrates your skin and it tones, lift your skin without a tightness feeling. The caffeine helps fine lines and crow lines disappear. underneath your eyes you will see them tone, lifted and hydrated. This serum is effective I have purchased it twice and I will continue to purchase it again. My skin is toned and lifted and I am very happy with the results.” — novrain96
A mandelic acid serum for hyperpigmentation and brighter skin
It’s possible that you’ve seen Naturium skin care products at your local Target, but you may not know that some board-certified dermatologists recommend these affordable formulas, like Dr. Adeline Kikam, who previously suggested Naturium’s 12% mandelic topical acid serum. She told HuffPost, “It is gently formulated with azelaic acid at 10% and allantoin at .3% for extra moisture.” It can help soothe and calm irritated skin and help to reduce the appearance of redness. It’s also formulated with micro-fine green color particles that can help to mask the look of existing redness as well, acting almost like a color corrector.
Sephora
An SPF sunscreen, moisturizer and makeup primer
For double board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology, Dr. Brendan Camp (and any dermatologist for that matter), sun protection is a non-negotiable, and one sunscreen he previously recommended is the Ultra Violette Supreme Screen, an SPF 50 facial sunscreen that triples as a moisturizer and makeup primer. This all-in-one broad-spectrum cream features moisture-loading hydrators like glycerin, barrier-restoring squalane and plant-based pentavitin for dewy and bouncy hydration.
Amazon
A collagen-boosting serum great for targeting crepey skin
Dr. Elaine F. Kung, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Future Bright Dermatology in New York, previously recommended this supercharged collagen-boosting serum, formulated to make complexions dewy and plump, so lines appear less obvious and skin feels less dry. It uses a brand-exclusive 10% peptide complex as well as soothing aloe, collagen and hyaluronic acid, a tried-and-true humectant that helps to draw moisture into the skin to keep it hydrated.
Dermstore
A nourishing balm-to-milk cleanser
“This transformative cleansing option goes from a balm to an oil and rinses off as a milk, helping to eliminate makeup, dirt and sunscreen without leaving the skin feeling dry or irritated. It also contains evening primrose oil, jojoba seed oil and pear fruit and together helps to balance and nourish the skin,” board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick previously said of this paraben-free cleansing balm meant to be suitable for all skin types. A blend of antioxidants inside this formula helps aid in protecting skin from damaging free radicals and provides skin-conditioning properties.
Amazon
An antioxidant moisturizer
“Skincare Junkie’s Megadose face moisturizer combines antioxidant, anti-pollution, and anti-aging benefits into a silky lightweight moisturizer that won’t clog pores,” board-certified dermatologist Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose previously said of this dermatologist-developed cream. She explained that it contains a blend of coenzyme Q10, resveratrol, green tea and vitamin C — all of which work together to protect skin from premature skin aging and support collagen production.
“Ceramides and hyaluronic acid in a seven-molecular-weight blend hydrate and plump [skin],” she added. Murphy-Rose recommends using this every morning as a daily moisturizer, along with sunscreen.
Sephora
A retinol-alternative serum-balm for sensitive skin
Dr. Lauren Penzi, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York, previously considered one of Skinfix’s barrier-repair products one of her favorite options for healing over-exfoliated skin. The brand also has this serum-balm featuring an alternative to retinol, an anti-aging ingredient that has the potential to be very irritating. The intensive repair formula features growth factor peptides for supporting the skin’s elasticity, along with an exo-bitoic to help renew dull and troubled skin, and a potent complex of soothing ingredients that help with skin recovery.
Amazon
A regenerative eye cream to soften lines
When asked about effective products to address crow’s feet, Dr. Nava Greenfield, a board-certified dermatologist with Schweiger Dermatology Group, said: “I recommend Grown Alchemist Regenerating eye cream because it is a natural, clean, luxurious product that has polypeptides, green tea, and caffeine that smooth and hydrate fine lines around the eyes.” According to her, the formula can plump and hydrate the skin when it is dry, preventing the appearance of crow’s feet.
The Real Deal: We use deal trackers and commerce experience to sift through “fake” hike-and-drop deals and other deceptive sales tactics. Products will usually be rated at least 4 stars with a minimum 15% discount. (And when there’s an exception, we’ll tell you why.)
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