Profhilo vs polynucleotides: how they differ, what they cost and what to ask
Both are sold as skin boosters, and both are injected as a course into skin rather than under it. Which one earns its place depends on whether the problem is dehydration or thin, crepey tissue, and on where on the face it sits.
In The Ageless Blueprint, Dr Leah rates Profhilo for the face and neck and polynucleotides for five separate concerns, all out of 10, and names the one concern Dr Leah usually declines to treat with polynucleotides. This page covers the facts you need before either consultation.Side by side
| Profhilo | Polynucleotides | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A high-concentration hyaluronic acid injected at set points to hydrate the skin and give mild plumping | Fragments of purified DNA, usually fish-derived, injected into the skin to improve its quality gradually |
| Generally used for | Dehydrated, dull or crepey skin on the mid and lower face and the neck | Thin, crepey under-eye skin, dark circles linked to thin skin, selected scars and general skin quality |
| Areas treated | Mid and lower face, neck; not the upper face, lips or smoker’s lines | Under-eyes, scars on the face or body, the full face |
| Results | Subtle hydration and surface plumping, typically lasting around six months; very subtle if skin is already well hydrated | Gradual gains in hydration, texture and fine lines over the course; no filling of hollows |
| Sessions | Two initial sessions a month apart, then a repeat course when the effect fades | Two or three initial sessions, with maintenance planned around the result |
| Downtime | Small bumps at the injection points for a few hours; possible bruising | Swelling, bruising and raised injection points, most noticeable around the eyes, for a few days |
| Discomfort | Stings; more painful than lidocaine-containing boosters | Stings on injection; no local anaesthetic in the product |
| Typical UK price | £350 to £550 per session for the face, £700 to £1,100 for the initial two; £700 to £1,100 for two neck sessions | £200 to £450 per session, with two or three sessions to start |
| Main risks | Bruising, swelling, tenderness, infection, nodules and rare vascular complications | Swelling, bruising, temporary lumps and infection; can make existing under-eye puffiness look worse; fish allergy must be declared |
The practical differences
Profhilo in brief
- Hydration first: the visible change is fresher, plumper-looking skin, not a change in facial shape
- Five injection points each side of the face, so it is quick but suits broad areas rather than a single line
- Needs two sessions a month apart before the result can be judged
- Little or no lifting benefit, and no replacement of lost volume
Polynucleotides in brief
- Skin quality over time: best known for thin, lined under-eye skin where filler would add bulk
- Also used on surgical and acne scars, usually alongside microneedling or laser
- A large area needs a lot of product across several appointments, which adds up
- Fish-derived, so the practitioner should ask about allergy and check the exact product instructions
Five things to ask before you book either
- Is my skin dehydrated, or is it thin and crepey? Which of those are you treating, and why does that point to this product?
- If my concern is under my eyes, do I have any puffiness or bags that polynucleotides could make more obvious?
- Which exact product and formulation will you use, and is it licensed for injection in that area?
- What is the cost of the full initial course, and how often will I need to repeat it?
- If I see almost no change after the course, what would you suggest next and would I pay again?
Dr Leah’s verdict on both is in the guide
Chapter 5 of The Ageless Blueprint rates Profhilo for the face and for the neck out of 10 alongside Skinvive and Redensity 1, with Dr Leah’s notes on pain, product volume and value. Chapter 4 rates polynucleotides for five concerns, from under-eye lines to eye bags, and explains why Dr Leah uses them more often than tear-trough filler for some patients and declines them for others. Ten pages, with illustrations.
This page gives general information and does not replace a consultation with a qualified practitioner who can assess your face, skin and medical history. Prices are typical UK ranges, accurate as of September 2026, and vary between clinics. For adults aged 18 and over.
Common questions
They do different jobs. Profhilo is a hyaluronic acid product that hydrates and gives a little surface plumping; polynucleotides are DNA fragments intended to improve the quality of thin or damaged skin over time. Dr Leah’s rating for each, by area, is in the guide.
Yes, and the under-eye area is where they are most often used in UK practice, with eye-specific formulations such as Plinest Eye and Nucleofill eye. Profhilo is generally used on the mid and lower face and the neck rather than under the eyes.
Both sting on injection, because neither contains a local anaesthetic, unlike boosters such as Skinvive. Practitioners usually apply numbing cream first. Expect small raised points at the injection sites for a few hours.