By Catia Zaki, Clinic Manager, Hydrofacial and Laser Lead. Reviewed by Arman Zaki, GMC-registered Physician Associate (Ref A8131967). Published 25 July 2026.
Both are injectable biostimulators, both improve skin quality without adding volume, and both suit darker skin well. But polynucleotides and skin boosters work in different ways, and the right choice depends on what you are trying to improve.
Polynucleotides
Repair and regenerate
- Salmon DNA (PDRN) based, supports tissue repair
- Best for under-eyes, thin, crepey or tired skin
- Delivered as a course, usually three sessions
- Low pigmentation risk on darker skin
Skin boosters
Hydrate and remodel
- Hyaluronic acid based, including Profhilo
- Best for dehydration, dullness and loss of firmness
- Profhilo is two sessions, other boosters a course of three
- Low pigmentation risk on darker skin
Polynucleotides, in plain terms
Polynucleotides such as Nucleofill use fragments of purified salmon DNA to support the skin's own repair processes. They are a popular choice for the under-eye area and for skin that looks thin or crepey, because the goal is to improve skin quality and resilience rather than to hydrate alone. We sell them as a course because the published protocol calls for a series of sessions.
Skin boosters, in plain terms
Skin boosters and Profhilo deliver stabilised hyaluronic acid to draw in water and support elasticity and firmness, a process often described as bio-remodelling. They are ideal when the main issue is dehydration, dullness or a general loss of glow. The manufacturer of Profhilo is clear that it is a bio-remodelling treatment, not a dermal filler.
How to choose
If your concern is under-eye quality or thin, tired skin, polynucleotides are often the better starting point. If it is hydration and glow across the face, a skin booster is. They can also be combined across a plan. A consultation maps the right sequence for your skin and your Fitzpatrick type.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between polynucleotides and skin boosters? Polynucleotides are salmon DNA based biostimulators that support tissue repair and skin quality, and are often used for under-eyes and thin, crepey skin. Skin boosters and Profhilo are hyaluronic acid biostimulators focused on hydration and bio-remodelling. Both improve skin quality without adding volume, but through different mechanisms.
Which is better for under-eye skin? Polynucleotides (Nucleofill) are frequently chosen for the under-eye area because they support skin quality and texture in delicate skin. The right option depends on your skin and goal, confirmed at consultation. Individual results vary.
Are polynucleotides and skin boosters safe for darker skin? Both are injected biostimulators that work without heavy surface trauma, so they carry a low risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation on Fitzpatrick IV to VI skin. Every plan begins with a Fitzpatrick assessment.
Profhilo vs polynucleotides: which is better? Profhilo is a hyaluronic acid bio-remodelling skin booster that hydrates and improves firmness across the face, given as two sessions. Polynucleotides (Nucleofill) are salmon DNA (PDRN) biostimulators that support repair and skin quality, often chosen for under-eyes and thin, crepey skin, given as a course of three. Neither is universally better: Profhilo suits dehydration, dullness and loss of firmness, polynucleotides suit under-eye quality and tired, thin skin, and the two can be combined across a plan. Both carry a low pigmentation risk on Fitzpatrick IV to VI skin. Individual results vary.
This guide is general information, not individual medical advice. Every plan begins with a consultation and a Fitzpatrick assessment. Individual results vary and are not guaranteed.