The medicube Salmon DNA PDRN Mask is on a rare Amazon sale
I've lost count of how many Korean skincare brands I've tested over the years. From cult classics to niche launches that barely make it beyond the Seoul underground, I've tried everything: ampoules, essences, toners, serums — you name it, I've put it on my face.
Of all the brands I've reviewed, medicube has been one of the few I keep coming back to. So when I saw its Salmon DNA PDRN Pink Collagen Jelly Gel Mask (four of them!) for less than $20 on Amazon, I didn't hesitate.
At first, I thought it was a listing error. This mask is sold in a four-pack, which means each treatment comes out to under $5. That's practically unheard of for something packed with PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide) and low-molecular-weight collagen: two powerhouse ingredients usually reserved for spa-level treatments or professional skincare lines. But no, the price was real, and naturally, I added it to my cart instantly.
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I already had high expectations. I've reviewed nearly everything medicube has released — from its Zero Pore Pads to the Deep Vita C Capsule Cream — and I know the brand doesn't mess around when it comes to formulation. But even then, I wasn't expecting this mask to be this good.
The texture alone made me pause. It's not your standard paper-thin sheet mask. This is a jelly gel mask that's cool to the touch, slightly plush and absolutely saturated in a thick, milky serum. It clings to the face just enough to stay put, but it's still best used while lying down.
What caught me by surprise was how the color began to shift. The mask starts out an opaque pink but fades to almost clear as the ingredients absorb. I didn't even know I wanted a visual cue like that, but it was oddly satisfying to see it work in real time. And, once I took it off, my skin looked smoother, calmer and noticeably more hydrated. That post-mask glow wasn't just a trick of the light, and I was impressed.
I could feel the difference the next morning, too. My skin felt firmer and bouncier, like I'd gotten a solid eight hours of sleep (I hadn't). It reminded me of the feeling I get after using medicube's Collagen Jelly Cream ($20), which I've raved about before. But this mask felt even more potent, a little more concentrated and certainly more luxurious.
I know marketing claims can be hit or miss, but medicube actually backs theirs its numbers. Its internal tests reported over 79% immediate hydration improvement, with skin maintaining nearly 40% more moisture after 24 hours. The brand even measured improvements in fine lines, elasticity and skin texture. While I can't speak to the lab data personally, I can say my own results lined up, especially around my eyes and forehead, where I usually see the first signs of dullness when I'm tired or dehydrated.
The Final Verdict
While I love a good skin 'treat' (naturally), this mask has become more than that for me. It has become a regular part of my regular routine, especially on days when my skin is tired, dry or just feeling a little dull. It delivers real results, and it feels good while doing it.
If you're deep into Korean skincare like I am — or even just starting out and want something that performs like a high-end product without the high-end price tag — this mask is a smart bet.
For less than $5 per use, I get firmer, more hydrated, visibly refreshed skin. That's a result I'll happily pay for again and again.
This article was written by Victoria Giardina, 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.
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