Evidence

Do polynucleotides work? The published studies

The research on polynucleotides is encouraging but young: mostly small studies, some randomised, many without a comparison group. London Polynucleotides summarises the papers most relevant to London patients, under the eyes and on the face, in plain English, with a link to each so you can read the source yourself.

Each summary is London Polynucleotides’ own reading of the paper’s abstract, checked on 30 September 2026. Published results describe groups of patients and do not predict what one course will do for your skin; the practitioner who assesses you is the person to ask about that.

Polynucleotides under the eyes: what the studies found

The under-eye is the most studied use. The trials are small, and most measure skin quality rather than hollows, which matches what the treatment is for.

Comparison of the effects of polynucleotide and hyaluronic acid fillers on periocular rejuvenation: a randomized, double-blind, split-face trial (2022)

Lee YJ, Kim HT, Lee YJ, et al. J Dermatolog Treat

A randomised, double-blind trial in 27 people, each treated three times two weeks apart with polynucleotides on one side of the eyes and a non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid on the other. Overall appearance scores improved similarly on both sides; the polynucleotide side did better on elasticity, hydration, roughness and pore measurements, and no serious side effects were reported.

Read the paper

Prospective Observational Study of Polynucleotide Injections for Periorbital Rhytides (2026)

Ziade G, Keyrouz E, El Maalouf J, et al. J Cosmet Dermatol

An observational study of 42 patients having polynucleotides for under-eye lines, scored with validated patient questionnaires. Lower-eyelid and crow’s-feet scores improved at every follow-up, most at three months after two sessions, with minimal side effects. There was no comparison group, and the authors call for controlled studies.

Read the paper

A Real-World Study of Polynucleotides HPT for Treating Periorbital Hyperpigmentation (2026)

Amado R, Al-Mukhtar Y, Lanza E, et al. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol

An open-label study of 61 people with dark circles, treated in several countries including the UK. Dark circles became significantly less severe overall, most clearly in people whose shadows came from the structure of the area. With no control group and every participant knowing their treatment, it shows promise rather than proof.

Read the paper

Polynucleotides for skin quality, lines and scarring

Effects of Polynucleotide Dermal Filler in the Correction of Crow’s Feet Using an Antera Three-Dimensional Camera (2022)

Kim JH, Kim ES, Kim SW, et al. Aesthetic Plast Surg

Thirty people with crow’s feet were treated and 28 completed the study. At 18 weeks, 3D camera measurements showed improvement in wrinkles, texture, pores and redness, although pigment did not change. The study had no comparison group.

Read the paper

Preliminary Prospective and Randomized Study of Highly Purified Polynucleotide vs Placebo in Treatment of Moderate to Severe Acne Scars (2021)

Araco A, Araco F. Aesthet Surg J

Twenty women with moderate to severe atrophic acne scars were randomised to polynucleotides or a saline placebo, with neither the injector nor the patient knowing which. Only the polynucleotide group improved significantly at one and three months. It is a small, preliminary study.

Read the paper

A Real-Life Assessment of Injectable Polynucleotides High Purification Technology in Aesthetic Medicine for Skin Rejuvenation (2026)

Eliana L, Anna P, Stefania B, et al. J Cosmet Dermatol

Data from 66 patients treated on the face, neck and décolletage in routine practice. Clinicians saw visible improvement in every facial treatment and moderate to significant improvement in most neck and chest treatments; patient satisfaction was 97 to 100% and there were no serious side effects. It is observational, with no comparison group.

Read the paper

Clinical efficacy and safety of polynucleotides highly purified technology (PN-HPT®) and cross-linked hyaluronic acid for moderate to severe nasolabial folds: A prospective, randomized, exploratory study (2023)

Araco A, Araco F, Raichi M. J Cosmet Dermatol

An exploratory study in 20 women with deep nose-to-mouth lines. Polynucleotides on their own improved skin texture within six weeks, and used before a hyaluronic acid filler they appeared to extend the filler’s effect at three and six months. The authors say larger trials are needed.

Read the paper

Reviews of the polynucleotide evidence

Polynucleotides in Aesthetic Medicine: A Review of Current Practices and Perceived Effectiveness (2024)

Lee KWA, Chan KWL, Lee A, et al. Int J Mol Sci

A review of human studies on polynucleotides in aesthetics. It found improvements in texture, wrinkle depth and appearance, with significant gains in elasticity and hydration in some studies and little or no benefit in others, and notes that many studies are small pilots with differing methods.

Read the paper

Hyaluronic Acid Fillers Versus Polynucleotides for Under-Eye Rejuvenation (2026)

Khan RS, Hafeez K. J Clin Med

A UK review comparing the two for the under-eye. It concludes that hyaluronic acid filler remains better for restoring volume, while polynucleotides show consistent improvements in elasticity, hydration and fine lines with a favourable safety profile, and that differences between studies limit firm conclusions.

Read the paper

FAQ

Common
questions

Are polynucleotides worth it?

For thin, crepey or dull skin, especially under the eyes, small studies suggest a course can make a visible difference, and side effects are usually minor. For a hollow or loose skin the evidence says other treatments suit better. London Polynucleotides suggests deciding after an assessment that names the cause first.

How strong is the evidence for polynucleotides under the eyes?

Promising but limited. One randomised split-face trial of 27 people and several observational studies report better skin quality under the eyes, with few side effects, but samples are small and follow-up short. London Polynucleotides summarises each study on this page and links to the source.

Do polynucleotides work better than filler under the eyes?

They do different jobs. A 2026 review found filler better for restoring lost volume and polynucleotides better for elasticity, hydration and fine lines. In a split-face trial, overall appearance improved similarly with both. London Polynucleotides connects you with practitioners who can tell which your under-eyes need.

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