My fellow beauty editor Kaitlyn McLintock and I never shut up about Korean skincare. Our chats regularly turn to our latest favorites, and recently, I gave one a go that I know will be our next fixation. Korean skincare is known for being innovative and affordable, and many brands in the space set skincare trends at the drop of a hat. That said, Anua's latest innovation, the Collagen PDRN Melting Patch ($20), just might be the next big thing.
While sheet masks and patches are nothing new in the world of Korean skincare, this melting option takes the tech usually contained in these products a step further. It disappears into the skin within minutes of applying it—the ultimate magic trick. If you like instant results, you definitely don't want to miss out on trying this soon-to-be-viral product. I got my hands on some to test, and let me tell you they don't disappoint. For all my thoughts and more on how these work, keep reading below.
Anua Collagen PDRN Melting Patch
It seems Korean skincare keeps advancing when it comes to sheet masks and patches. While many of these types of products are meant to be left on until they turn clear, Anua's melting patches represent a new generation of "disappearing" products. This formula actually melts instantly into the skin as soon as you put it on. The brand is really tapped in, and its cofounder, Seonhyeong Yi, spoke to exactly why the team created this formula. "People are increasingly looking for skincare that combines visible results with innovative delivery systems, and we’re seeing strong interest in products inspired by advanced Korean skincare technologies," he said. "Rather than adding another step to a routine, dissolving patches offer a targeted, convenient way to deliver high-concentration ingredients exactly where they’re needed. We believe this format reflects where skincare is headed: more precise, ingredient-focused, and designed to maximize efficacy while fitting seamlessly into everyday routines."
The Ingredients
These melting patches are infused with star skin-healing ingredients:
- PDRN: Improves skin texture and radiance, stimulates cell regeneration, accelerates tissue repair
- Collagen: Firms the skin, improves fine lines, creates a more youthful, lifted appearance
PDRN is Korean skincare's hottest ingredient right now, and collagen is a tried-and-true favorite for healthier, baby-soft skin. Yi also shared a little bit more about the product's unique technology that makes it melt on contact. "The PDRN Melting Patch is inspired by advanced Korean skincare innovations that deliver ingredients precisely where they’re needed," he explained. "Unlike a traditional hydrogel patch, the melting patch is made from a patented mesh film containing high levels of skin-beneficial ingredients, including PDRN from salmon DNA and hydrating actives, that gradually dissolve into the skin upon contact. This allows the formula to deliver targeted hydration and care exactly where the patch is applied, making it ideal for areas prone to dryness, fine lines, or loss of firmness."
He also shared that the patch is engineered with a water-soluble structure that responds to the skin's natural moisture. "As it comes into contact with the skin, the high-concentration ingredients, enabled by nano-technology, begin dissolving immediately upon contact, allowing the active ingredients to absorb directly into the skin rather than remaining on a backing material. The result is a seamless, comfortable application and an innovative delivery system that leaves no residue behind."
My Review
It was pretty much a no-brainer that I would love these because I'm already a huge fan of Anua's other products. PDRN has done a lot for my barrier-damaged skin, so I know there's merit to this ingredient. These patches are perfect to use around my nose and smile lines because those are my most sensitive, damaged areas. It is really cool to watch these patches dissolve before your eyes. They just seep right into the skin and impart that "glass skin" effect within minutes.
Depending on where you use them, they really plump and hydrate the skin, leaving it smoother than ever with improved texture. I love that these are so easy to apply and that they provide target support for more damaged or sensitive areas. I love them so much, though, that I wish the formula came in a sheet mask for the entire face. I'll admit it's weird sometimes to have a megawatt glow only on certain areas of the face. That's why I usually stick to using these at night before the rest of my skincare routine. I haven't been using these patches long (a few weeks), and I only use them a few nights a week, but I think with consistency, they just might repair the skin barrier in one of my most stubbornly dehydrated areas.
Like the rest of Anua's products, these are also pretty affordable at just $20. They're easy to incorporate into your routine and great any time you need extra support in certain areas or you have a special event.
More Anua Products I Love
These gentle exfoliating pads are great for even my hypersensitive skin. They never irritate or cause barrier damage, and they can be used every day.
This milky toner provides a luminous glow.
Heartleaf is a star calming ingredient in a lot of Anua's formulas. This cleansing oil works wonders for removing makeup and decongesting the skin.
This plumping PDRN serum is the perfect companion to these melting patches.
This serum is so hydrating on the skin and pairs perfectly with the brand's moisturizer.
This cream is rich, hydrating, and calming without being heavy.