Every month there's a new K-Beauty launch the internet won't stop talking about — and this month there were three. So we did what we always do before recommending anything: we actually used them. Here's our honest take on the viral drops everyone's adding to cart, what each one does, who it's really for, and whether it lived up to the hype.
Quick answer
We tested three of this month's most-hyped K-Beauty drops. The short version:
| Product | What it does | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| MEDICUBE PDRN Pink Peptide Serum (Ultra Light) | Hydration, bounce & glass-skin glow | Dull, tired, dehydrated skin |
| SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Azelaic Acid 10 Ampoule | Calms redness, evens tone, clears congestion | Blemish-, redness- & texture-prone skin |
| ARENCIA NAD+ Booster Shot | Radiance & energised, healthier-looking skin | Dull, fatigued, ageing-concerned skin |
1. MEDICUBE PDRN Pink Peptide Serum (Ultra Light)
Our rating: ★★★★☆
What it is: A lightweight repair serum built on the viral PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide) trend, paired with peptides. It's designed to boost elasticity, strengthen the skin barrier and bring back a healthy "pink" glow — the glass-skin look the whole PDRN Pink line went viral for.
Why it went viral: PDRN is the ingredient of the moment, and this is the most wearable, everyday way to try it — a fast-absorbing, non-greasy texture that layers under makeup and sunscreen.
What we found: The ultra-light texture is the standout — it sinks in almost instantly and leaves skin plump and dewy rather than sticky, so it suits combination and oily skin as much as dry. Skin looked fresher and more hydrated, with a soft glow. [EDIT: add your tester's note — how many days used, skin type, the result you actually saw]
Best for: dull, tired or dehydrated skin that wants glow and bounce without heaviness. Skip if: you want a rich, occlusive feel — this is deliberately light.
Shop the MEDICUBE PDRN Pink Peptide Serum →
2. SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Azelaic Acid 10 Ampoule
Our rating: ★★★★★
What it is: A treatment ampoule combining 10% azelaic acid with SKIN1004's hero Madagascar Centella. Azelaic acid is the gentle powerhouse for redness, blemishes, uneven tone and post-blemish marks; Centella soothes at the same time.
Why it went viral: Azelaic acid has become the go-to "sensitive-skin active" — it tackles breakouts and redness without the harshness of stronger acids, and pairing it with Centella makes it even more tolerable.
What we found: A comfortable, non-stinging ampoule that layers easily. It's the pick of the three for anyone dealing with redness, congestion or leftover marks — the kind of active you can use regularly without your barrier complaining. [EDIT: add your tester's note — how it performed on redness/blemishes over your test period]
Best for: blemish-prone, redness-prone, rosacea-prone or texture-focused skin. Note: it's an active, so introduce it gradually and always wear SPF the next day.
Shop the SKIN1004 Azelaic Acid 10 Ampoule →
3. ARENCIA NAD+ Booster Shot
Our rating: ★★★★★
What it is: A concentrated "booster shot" built around NAD+, the ingredient crossing over from wellness into skincare. In skin, NAD+ is linked to cellular energy and renewal, so this booster targets tired, dull, ageing-concerned skin — aiming for radiance and a healthier-looking complexion.
Why it went viral: NAD+ is the buzziest longevity ingredient right now, and ARENCIA's slim "shot" format makes it an easy, targeted add-on to any routine.
What we found: A lightweight, fast-absorbing booster that slots neatly after toner. It reads as a "glow and vitality" step rather than a treatment for one specific concern — a nice radiance boost for skin that looks fatigued. [EDIT: add your tester's note — texture, glow, any change you noticed]
Best for: dull, fatigued skin and anyone building an early anti-ageing routine. Skip if: you're after a targeted acne or pigmentation fix — this is about overall radiance.
Shop the ARENCIA NAD+ Booster Shot →
Can you use all three together?
You can — just not all in the same layer, and not all at full intensity from day one. Here's how we'd build them into a routine:
- Morning: cleanse → toner → ARENCIA NAD+ Booster Shot (radiance) → MEDICUBE PDRN Pink Peptide Serum (hydration & glow) → moisturiser → SPF.
- Evening: cleanse → toner → SKIN1004 Azelaic Acid 10 Ampoule (treat redness & congestion) → moisturiser.
- Introduce the azelaic acid slowly — a few nights a week to start — and keep the PDRN serum as your everyday hydrator.
If you only want one: pick by concern — glow & hydration (MEDICUBE PDRN), redness & blemishes (SKIN1004 Azelaic), or overall radiance (ARENCIA NAD+).
The verdict
All three earned their hype, but for different skin. The MEDICUBE PDRN Pink Peptide Serum is the crowd-pleaser for glow, the SKIN1004 Azelaic Acid 10 Ampoule is the smart pick for redness and blemishes, and the ARENCIA NAD+ Booster Shot is the one to watch for radiance and early anti-ageing. [EDIT: add a one-line overall favourite from your team.]
MI in ME is a Swiss online store for authentic Korean skincare and K-Beauty, with CHF pricing and fast delivery within Switzerland.
Shop this month's viral drops →
Frequently asked questions
What is PDRN in skincare?
PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide) is a trending ingredient known for supporting skin repair, elasticity and hydration, giving a plump, dewy, glass-skin finish. The MEDICUBE PDRN Pink Peptide Serum is a lightweight way to try it daily.
Is azelaic acid good for sensitive, acne-prone skin?
Yes. Azelaic acid is a gentle active that helps calm redness, unclog pores and fade post-blemish marks, making it well suited to acne-prone, rosacea-prone and sensitive skin. Introduce it gradually and wear SPF daily.
What does an NAD+ booster do for skin?
NAD+ is linked to cellular energy and renewal, so an NAD+ booster targets tired, dull skin and aims to improve radiance and overall skin vitality. It works as a lightweight glow-and-energy step in a routine.
Can I use a PDRN serum, azelaic acid and an NAD+ booster together?
Yes, if you space them out: use the NAD+ booster and PDRN serum in the morning for radiance and hydration, and the azelaic acid ampoule at night to treat redness and congestion. Introduce the azelaic acid slowly.
Which of these viral drops should I choose first?
Pick by concern: choose the MEDICUBE PDRN Pink Peptide Serum for glow and hydration, the SKIN1004 Azelaic Acid 10 Ampoule for redness and blemishes, or the ARENCIA NAD+ Booster Shot for overall radiance and early anti-ageing.
This article is general skincare guidance, not medical advice, and reflects our own testing experience — individual results vary. Introduce active ingredients gradually and patch test if your skin is sensitive.
