Dr. Althea PDRN Reju Creams: 2000, 5000 or 10000 — Which One Should You Choose?

Dr. Althea now has not one, not two, but three PDRN Reju Creams:

PDRN Reju 2000 Cream

PDRN Reju 5000 Cream

PDRN Reju 10000 Cream

At first glance, choosing seems simple:

2000 → beginner

5000 → stronger

10000 → strongest

But that's not really how the collection works.

The numbers indicate different PDRN concentrations, but the creams also differ in PDRN source, supporting ingredients, texture and the skin concerns they're designed to address.

Most importantly:

PDRN Reju 2000 = 2,000 ppm salmon PDRN

PDRN Reju 5000 = 5,000 ppm vegan, fermentation-derived PDRN

PDRN Reju 10000 = 10,000 ppm high-purity salmon PDRN

So the right question isn't simply:

“Which has the most PDRN?”

It's:

“Which Dr. Althea PDRN cream is best for my skin?”

Here's the complete comparison.

Dr. Althea PDRN 2000 vs 5000 vs 10000: Quick Comparison

Dr. Althea describes the 2000 as a lightweight moisturizer for sensitive, oily and combination skin; the 5000 as a layerable cream for dry, dull-looking skin; and the 10000 as the most concentrated PDRN option for intense dryness and skin that looks less firm. 

First: What Does 2000, 5000 and 10000 Actually Mean?

These numbers refer to the concentration of the PDRN ingredient.

PDRN Reju 2000

2,000 ppm = 0.2%

PDRN Reju 5000

5,000 ppm = 0.5%

PDRN Reju 10000

10,000 ppm = 1%

So yes, the 10000 contains five times the PDRN concentration of the 2000.

But that does not automatically mean:

“10000 works five times better.”

Skincare doesn't work like that.

The source of the PDRN, delivery system, supporting ingredients, texture and your actual skin needs all matter.

What Is PDRN?

PDRN stands for polydeoxyribonucleotide.

It refers to DNA-derived fragments that have become enormously popular in Korean beauty, particularly in products focused on:

• Hydration

• Elasticity

• Plumpness

• Skin recovery

• Firmness

• Smoother-looking texture

• Healthy-looking radiance

PDRN has become especially visible through Korean aesthetic treatments, which is one reason topical PDRN skincare is now trending globally.

However, there is an important distinction.

A PDRN cream is not the same thing as an injectable PDRN treatment.

Topical cosmetics have to work from the skin's surface and should not be expected to reproduce the effects of an injectable procedure.

Dr. Althea PDRN Reju 2000 Cream

Best for Everyday PDRN + Sensitive Skin

The PDRN Reju 2000 Cream is the lightest, most everyday-friendly option in the collection.

It contains:

2,000 ppm — or 0.2% — high-purity salmon-derived PDRN.

Dr. Althea specifically positions it for sensitive, oily and combination skin experiencing dryness, visible redness or a tired appearance. Its ointment-to-gel texture transforms as it is applied and finishes lightweight rather than greasy. 

What does PDRN Reju 2000 do?

Think:

CALM + HYDRATE + SUPPORT

rather than intensive anti-aging.

Dr. Althea positions it around:

• Daily hydration

• Soothing stressed-looking skin

• Softer skin

• Skin resilience

• Elasticity support

• Barrier support

• A supple, refreshed appearance

The formula also uses supporting ingredients including panthenol, ectoin, ceramides, madecassoside and hyaluronic-acid-related hydration, according to the brand's current product description. 

Who should choose PDRN 2000?

Choose 2000 if:

• You're new to PDRN skincare

• Your skin is sensitive

• You have combination skin

• You have oily but dehydrated skin

• Heavy creams break you out or feel uncomfortable

• You mainly want hydration and soothing

• Your skin looks tired or stressed

• You want an everyday moisturizer

Think of 2000 as:

The daily recovery cream.

Dr. Althea PDRN Reju 5000 Cream

Best All-Rounder: Vegan PDRN + Centella

The PDRN Reju 5000 Cream is actually the most unusual formula of the three.

Why?

Because its PDRN comes from a completely different source.

Instead of salmon-derived PDRN, Dr. Althea uses:

5,000 ppm probiotic-derived vegan PDRN from five fermented ingredients. 

That equals:

0.5% PDRN

The formula also contains a substantial amount of:

50,000 ppm Centella Asiatica Leaf Water

or:

5% Centella Leaf Water. 

This makes 5000 particularly interesting if your priorities are:

soothing + hydration + glow + firmness.

What Does PDRN Reju 5000 Do?

Dr. Althea currently positions it for dry, dull-looking skin that lacks softness and bounce.

Its primary benefits are:

• Moisture

• Softer-looking texture

• Healthy-looking glow

• Soothing

• Firmness

• Elasticity support

• Barrier support

The current INCI also includes panthenol, three forms of hyaluronic acid, tocopherol and sh-Oligopeptide-1, alongside Centella and Sodium DNA. 

Is Dr. Althea PDRN 5000 vegan?

According to Dr. Althea, the PDRN used in this formula is probiotic-derived vegan PDRN produced from five fermented ingredients.

This is an important difference.

If you specifically want to avoid fish-derived PDRN:

choose 5000—not 2000 or 10000.

Who Should Choose PDRN 5000?

Choose 5000 if:

• Your skin is dry

• Your complexion looks dull

• Your skin lacks bounce

• You want more nourishment than 2000

• You want PDRN + Centella

• You want soothing and firming in one product

• You prefer vegan PDRN

• You want an all-round PDRN moisturizer

Think of 5000 as:

The balanced recovery + glow cream.

And for many people who aren't sure which one to buy, 5000 is probably the easiest middle-ground formula to understand.

Dr. Althea PDRN Reju 10000 Cream

Best for Intensive Firming + Dry Skin

Then we get to the most concentrated product:

PDRN Reju 10000 Cream.

It contains:

10,000 ppm = 1% high-purity salmon-derived PDRN.

Dr. Althea identifies it as the most concentrated PDRN option in the range. 

The brand's more detailed product description specifies 95% high-purity salmon PDRN and positions the formula as an intensive firming cream for skin experiencing dryness and loss of elasticity. 

What Does PDRN Reju 10000 Do?

Think:

NOURISH + PLUMP + FIRM

Dr. Althea primarily positions 10000 around:

• Intensive moisture

• Firmness

• Elasticity

• Smoother-looking texture

• Supple-looking skin

• Dryness

• Tired-looking skin

• More noticeable signs of aging

It has an ointment-style gel cream texture, giving it more cushioning moisture while the brand says it still finishes without a heavy or sticky residue. 

The brand also highlights additional ingredients/technologies including EGF, Bio-NAD, quercetin and glycyrrhetinic acid, alongside its delivery system. 

Who Should Choose PDRN 10000?

Choose 10000 if:

• Your skin is very dry

• Loss of firmness is a major concern

• Your skin looks less plump than before

• Fine lines are becoming more noticeable

• You're building an aging-focused routine

• You want the highest PDRN concentration in the range

• You prefer a more nourishing moisturizer

• Your skin needs more than basic hydration

Think of 10000 as:

The intensive firming PDRN cream.

2000 vs 5000: What's the Difference?

This isn't simply:

0.2% vs 0.5%.

The PDRN itself is different.

PDRN 2000

Salmon PDRN

• lightweight hydration

• soothing

• barrier support

• sensitive/oily/combination skin

PDRN 5000

Vegan fermentation-derived PDRN

• 5% Centella Leaf Water

• panthenol

• hyaluronic acids

• soothing

• glow

• firmness

If you're oily or want the lightest daily formula:

2000

If you're dry/dull and want more nourishment:

5000

If being vegan is important:

5000

5000 vs 10000: What's the Difference?

This is probably the most interesting comparison.

PDRN 5000

0.5% vegan PDRN

Focus:

soothing + hydration + glow + elasticity

PDRN 10000

1% salmon PDRN

Focus:

intensive hydration + firmness + supple-looking volume

Dr. Althea describes 5000 as lightweight and layerable, whereas 10000 has a richer ointment-style gel texture. 

So:

Sensitive/dull/dry → 5000

Dry/mature/firmness-focused → 10000

2000 vs 10000: Do You Need the Strongest One?

Not necessarily.

This is the mistake I would specifically address in the article.

If you're 22 with combination skin that becomes dehydrated occasionally, you probably don't need to buy 10000 just because:

10,000 > 2,000.

The 2000 was specifically developed as a lightweight daily moisturizer for sensitive, oily and combination skin. 

Likewise, someone with very dry, mature-looking skin may find the richer 10000 formula much more satisfying.

Choose based on skin condition, not the biggest number.

Which Dr. Althea PDRN Cream Is Best for Sensitive Skin?

Start with:

PDRN Reju 2000

Dr. Althea specifically identifies sensitive skin among its intended skin types, and its lightweight formula focuses heavily on daily comfort and hydration. 

Another excellent option is:

PDRN Reju 5000

especially when sensitivity occurs alongside dryness.

Its formula combines PDRN with Centella Leaf Water and panthenol. 

Sensitive skin is individual, however, so patch testing a new formula remains sensible.

Which Is Best for Oily Skin?

PDRN Reju 2000.

It is the obvious starting point because Dr. Althea specifically recommends it for oily and combination skin and gives it a lightweight, non-greasy ointment-to-gel texture. 

Which Is Best for Combination Skin?

PDRN Reju 2000.

Especially if your skin is oily through the T-zone but dehydrated elsewhere.

Which Is Best for Dry Skin?

I'd divide this into two levels:

Moderately dry + dull → 5000

Very dry + less firm → 10000

The 5000 gives you layerable moisture without a heavy feel, while 10000 is specifically positioned for intense dryness. 

Which Is Best for Mature Skin?

PDRN Reju 10000 is the most logical choice.

It has the highest PDRN concentration and is the formula most directly positioned around firmness, supple-looking fullness and intensive moisture.

That doesn't mean you have to be a certain age to use it.

Choose according to skin needs rather than your birthday.

Which Is Best for Fine Lines?

For dehydration-related fine lines:

5000 or 10000

For more established aging concerns:

10000

Remember that a moisturizer can make fine lines look softer by improving hydration and plumpness, but topical PDRN should not be presented as an injectable wrinkle treatment.

Which Is Best for a Damaged Skin Barrier?

I'd look at:

2000 → sensitive/lightweight recovery

or

5000 → dry/barrier-stressed recovery

The 2000 emphasizes panthenol, ectoin, ceramides and madecassoside in the brand's description, while the 5000 combines Centella Leaf Water, panthenol and hydration-supporting ingredients. 

Which Is Best for Glass Skin?

All three can contribute to a hydrated, smoother-looking complexion.

But I'd choose:

5000

for the classic:

hydration + bounce + healthy-looking glow

combination.

Which Is Best Under Makeup?

2000 is probably the easiest choice because of its lighter ointment-to-gel texture.

For dry skin, however, 5000 may create a more comfortable hydrated base.

Which Is Best for Canadian Winter?

This is where I'd move up the range.

Combination skin

2000 or 5000

Normal-to-dry skin

5000

Very dry skin

10000

Cold outdoor air combined with indoor heating can make skin feel significantly drier, so someone who loves 2000 in July may prefer 5000 or 10000 in January.

Which Is Best for Canadian Summer?

PDRN Reju 2000.

Its lighter finish makes it particularly appealing in warm, humid weather.

Combination and oily skin may not need the additional richness of 10000 during summer.

Salmon PDRN vs Vegan PDRN: Which Is Better?

This deserves its own section because 5000 isn't simply halfway between 2000 and 10000.

Salmon-derived

Used in:

PDRN 2000

PDRN 10000

Vegan fermentation-derived

Used in:

PDRN 5000

Dr. Althea describes the 5000's PDRN as probiotic-derived from five fermented ingredients. 

There isn't enough independent evidence to conclude that one of these finished cosmetic creams will universally produce better results simply because of the PDRN source.

The better choice depends on your priorities and the complete formula.

Is PDRN 10000 Twice as Effective as 5000?

No such conclusion can be made.

It contains twice the stated PDRN concentration:

5,000 ppm → 10,000 ppm

But that does not prove twice the cosmetic effect.

They're different formulations using different PDRN sources.

That's why we would not rank them purely by concentration.

Can You Use PDRN 2000 and 5000 Together?

You could, but there's little reason to layer two moisturizers over the entire face.

A more useful strategy would be:

2000 all over → 5000 on particularly dry areas

or use them seasonally.

Can You Use PDRN 5000 and 10000 Together?

Again, technically possible, but unnecessary for most people.

You could instead use:

5000 → daytime

10000 → nighttime

or:

5000 → warmer months

10000 → winter

Can You Use Dr. Althea PDRN Cream With Retinol?

A PDRN moisturizer can fit nicely into a retinoid routine.

For example:

Cleanser → Retinol/Retinal → PDRN Reju Cream

The moisturizer can help provide hydration and comfort alongside a retinoid routine.

If you're experiencing significant retinoid irritation, however, don't simply cover it with more skincare—reduce the irritating active and allow your barrier to recover.

Can You Use Dr. Althea PDRN Cream With Vitamin C?

Yes, depending on your overall routine and tolerance.

For morning:

Vitamin C serum → PDRN Reju Cream → Sunscreen

is a straightforward combination.

Can You Use PDRN With Peptides?

Yes.

In fact, peptide/PDRN combinations are increasingly common in Korean skincare.

The two ingredient categories are frequently incorporated into formulas targeting hydration, elasticity, firmness and overall skin quality.

Can You Use PDRN With Niacinamide?

Generally, yes.

There's no need to separate them solely because you're using PDRN.

How to Use Dr. Althea PDRN Reju Cream

Dr. Althea recommends using the creams after serum.

A basic routine is:

Cleanser → Toner → Serum → PDRN Reju Cream

During the day:

Cleanser → Toner/Serum → PDRN Reju Cream → Sunscreen

The brand says you can adjust the amount according to your moisture needs and apply extra to dry areas. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Dr. Althea PDRN 2000, 5000 and 10000?

The three creams differ in PDRN concentration, source, texture and skincare focus.

2000: 0.2% salmon PDRN; lightweight daily soothing.

5000: 0.5% vegan fermentation-derived PDRN; soothing, hydration and glow.

10000: 1% salmon PDRN; intensive moisture and firmness. 

What percentage is Dr. Althea PDRN 2000?

2,000 ppm = 0.2%.

Dr. Althea confirms 0.2% salmon-derived PDRN. 

What percentage is Dr. Althea PDRN 5000?

5,000 ppm = 0.5%.

It uses probiotic/fermentation-derived vegan PDRN. 

What percentage is Dr. Althea PDRN 10000?

10,000 ppm = 1%.

It is the highest PDRN concentration in the current range. 

Is Dr. Althea PDRN vegan?

It depends on the cream.

PDRN 5000 → vegan PDRN

PDRN 2000 → salmon-derived

PDRN 10000 → salmon-derived 

Which Dr. Althea PDRN is strongest?

PDRN Reju 10000 has the highest stated PDRN concentration at 10,000 ppm or 1%. 

That doesn't automatically make it the best choice for every skin type.

Which is best for beginners?

PDRN Reju 2000 is the easiest starting point, particularly for combination, oily or sensitive skin.

Which is best for dry skin?

5000 for regular dryness and dullness.

10000 for more intense dryness and loss of firmness.

Which is best for oily skin?

2000.

Which is best for sensitive skin?

2000 is a strong starting option.

For dry sensitive skin, consider 5000.

Which is best for anti-aging?

10000 is the most aging/firmness-focused of the three.

Which is best for glow?

5000 is particularly attractive for dull, dry skin needing bounce and radiance.

Does more PDRN mean better results?

Not necessarily.

PDRN concentration is only one part of a finished cosmetic formula.

Can I use Dr. Althea PDRN every day?

The three creams are positioned as moisturizers and can be incorporated into a daily routine according to skin tolerance and product directions. 

Can I use PDRN morning and night?

Yes, if the finished product works well for your skin.

Follow with sunscreen during the daytime.

Final Verdict: Dr. Althea PDRN 2000, 5000 or 10000?

Here's the simplest way to choose:

🟢 PDRN REJU 2000

CALM + HYDRATE

Choose it for:

Sensitive skin
Oily skin
Combination skin
Daily hydration
Lightweight moisture
PDRN beginners

PDRN: 0.2% salmon-derived

🟡 PDRN REJU 5000

SOOTHE + GLOW + FIRM

Choose it for:

Dry skin
Dullness
Loss of bounce
Barrier support
Centella lovers
Anyone wanting vegan PDRN

PDRN: 0.5% fermentation-derived vegan PDRN

🔴 PDRN REJU 10000

NOURISH + PLUMP + FIRM

Choose it for:

Very dry skin
Mature-looking skin
Loss of firmness
Fine-line-focused routines
More intensive nourishment
Higher-concentration PDRN skincare

PDRN: 1% salmon-derived

The key takeaway?

2000, 5000 and 10000 aren't simply “good, better, best.”

They're three different approaches to PDRN skincare.

For everyday sensitive or combination skin → 2000

For the most balanced hydration/glow formula → 5000

For intensive dry-skin and firmness care → 10000

Choose according to what your skin actually needs—not whichever tube has the biggest number.

Where to Buy Dr. Althea PDRN Reju Cream in Canada

Shop Dr. Althea products, including Dr. Althea PDRN Reju Creams: 2000, 5000 or 10000 at THEKSHOP.CA - your trusted source of authentic Korean skincare in Canada.