Shop the medicube PDRN Collagen mask for 38% off on Amazon

All hail the Queen of Face Masks — the shiniest bauble on your skincare charm bracelet.

I’ve been using the medicube Salmon DNA PDRN Pink Collagen Jelly Gel Mask for months — and after a trip to Seoul to soak up all the latest in K‑beauty trends, I can confidently say it lives up to much of the hype. Back in Korea, I witnessed firsthand how seriously people take “glass skin” (that smooth, dewy, luminous complexion every K‑beauty fan chases). This mask, with its unique jelly texture and scientifically framed ingredient list, felt like a direct pass from Seoul’s trendiest skincare shelves to my vanity.

What caught my attention first was the name: “Salmon DNA.” That refers to PDRN — polydeoxyribonucleotide — a DNA extract derived from salmon. These small DNA fragments may help reinforce the skin’s natural barrier, supporting cell repair and regeneration, which could improve elasticity and contribute to a more even tone.

Beyond PDRN, this mask is powered by a strong blend of skin‑beneficial ingredients. It includes low-molecular hydrolyzed collagen, which is meant to penetrate deeply and help firm up skin while smoothing fine lines. Hydrolyzed collagen in the mask helps give skin more bounce and firmness, which is ideal if you want that youthful, more plump look.

Also in the mix is niacinamide, a staple in many K‑beauty formulas. Niacinamide can brighten dull skin, help even out skin tone, and soothe irritated or sensitive skin while also supporting the skin barrier.

On top of that, the formula includes a variety of peptides (small chains of amino acids), which are often used in skincare to signal skin cells to produce more collagen or to help improve skin structure over time.

The texture and experience with the mask also earn points. Instead of the typical thin sheet mask, it’s a jelly-style mask. When you apply it, you’ll feel a cool, soothing sensation as the mask settles, in many ways more akin to a spa treatment than a standard sheet mask.

Another fun touch is that the mask is said to change color from pink to transparent as it absorbs into your skin. That serves as a visual cue that the mask is working.

How to apply

To apply, start with clean, freshly washed skin. After cleansing (and optionally toning or applying a serum), remove the mask from its pouch; be gentle, as jelly masks can tear easily. Then, smooth it evenly over your face. The makers suggest leaving the mask on for about 3 to 4 hours, or even overnight if you prefer (especially at the end of your evening routine).

Once the mask has turned transparent, you gently remove it. The idea is that by then the active ingredients — PDRN, collagen, niacinamide, peptides — have had enough time to sink in, leaving your skin hydrated, plumped, and soothed.

Of course, like any skincare product, results can vary depending on your skin type and sensitivity. Because the formula includes fragrance and emulsifiers, people with very reactive or acne-prone skin may want to patch‑test first.

The bottom line

What I love about this mask is how it feels like a slice of Seoul‑inspired skincare luxury that’s easily integrated at home. If you’re curious about K‑beauty’s signature “glass skin,” this jelly mask offers a compelling first step: hydration, barrier support, improved elasticity and that luminous, fresh‑faced glow.

This article was written by Victoria McDonnell, New York Post Commerce Journalist & Content Strategist, who has spent countless hours researching, testing hundreds of products and comparing the latest makeup, skincare, hair and beauty items and trends to determine what’s truly worth your hard-earned cash. She evaluates formulas, textures, ingredients and more, in addition to consulting medical and industry experts. Some of Victoria’s latest conquests include testing the best vitamin C serums on the market, and a rinse-and-repeat review of the best shampoos of 2025. Victoria, who received a beauty industry essentials certification from the Fashion Institute of Technology, has been creating shopping guides for the New York Post since 2021 and previously held positions at Insider Reviews and CNN Underscored.