RE20 (Re2O) vs CellREDM: How Korea's Two Human-Derived ECM Skin Boosters Compare
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Re2O and CellREDM are both skin boosters made from donated human skin with the cells removed. Their ingredients are almost the same; they differ in particle size, evidence and maker. Re2O suits texture, pores and tone, while CellREDM suits hydration and a plumper, bouncier feel.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Kang Kun Woo, Chief Doctor, Newstar Clinic · Last reviewed: November 2026
Disclosure: Dr. Kang Kun Woo serves as a Medical Advisor for CellREDM. The only published clinical trial on Re2O was led by a researcher who advised on Re2O's development. Newstar Clinic offers both products, and this guide sticks to what the evidence shows.
"Re2O or CellREDM? I heard they're both made from human skin." It is one of the questions we hear most from international patients right now.
Re2O vs CellREDM at a glance
Source: Both use donated human skin with the cells removed (human acellular dermal matrix, hADM), micronized into a powder.
Composition: Re2O – about 89% collagen, 3% elastin, 0.4% GAGs, 7.6% other ECM / CellREDM – 85% collagen, 3.4% elastin, 0.9% GAGs, 10.7% other ECM (manufacturer data)
Particle size: Re2O – 75 µm on average (Re2O Fine for the eye area, 50 µm) / CellREDM – 75 µm or less (CellREDM V for deeper lines and volume, 75–212 µm)
Maker: Re2O – L&C Bio, distributed in Korea by Humedix / CellREDM – Hans Biomed, distributed in Korea by Hugel
Evidence: Re2O – one randomized trial (20 people, 20 weeks) / CellREDM – no peer-reviewed study yet
Best for: Re2O – rough texture, enlarged pores, dull tone, overall density / CellREDM – dehydrated skin, a bouncier feel, soft volume for thin skin
What are Re2O and CellREDM?
Both are injectable skin boosters made from donated human skin. The cells are removed and the skin's structural proteins (the extracellular matrix, or ECM), such as collagen and elastin, are kept and ground into a fine powder. Unlike Rejuran or Juvelook, which prompt your skin to build collagen, they add these structural components directly.
Is it really made from human skin? Is it safe?
Yes. The tissue comes from screened donors and is processed by licensed tissue banks. In Korea, both are regulated as human tissue under the Human Tissue Safety Act, not as drugs or medical devices. Similar dermal matrix materials have long been used in burn and breast reconstruction surgery, but long-term data for cosmetic skin use is still limited. In October 2026, Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) said it is reviewing how these products should be classified.
Are they FDA approved?
No. Neither Re2O nor CellREDM is FDA-approved.
What does the evidence show?
Re2O has one randomized, split-face trial from Yonsei University's Severance team (20 adults, 20 weeks). The Re2O side improved more than the hyaluronic acid booster side in density, elasticity, wrinkles, pore area and hydration, with no serious side effects (International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2026). The study is small, and its lead author advised on Re2O's development. CellREDM has no peer-reviewed study yet, only manufacturer testing.
Which one is right for my skin?
Rough texture, enlarged pores or dull tone: Re2O
Overall density and firmness: Re2O
Dehydrated skin and a bouncier, plumper feel: CellREDM
Soft volume for thin skin: CellREDM (CellREDM V for deeper lines)
Thin skin around the eyes: Re2O Fine
Your doctor checks your skin and chooses one, or combines it with other treatments.
How many sessions, and how long do results last?
Re2O: usually 3 sessions about a month apart. The manufacturer reports results lasting 6 months to over a year after 3 or more sessions.
CellREDM: usually 3 to 5 sessions, 2 to 4 weeks apart, followed by maintenance.
How long results last varies a lot with your skin, age and lifestyle.
What is the downtime?
With both, small bumps, redness and swelling at the injection points usually settle within 1 to 3 days, and bruises can take 1 to 2 weeks. With CellREDM, you may feel slight firmness under the skin for a few weeks. Rarely, lumps or inflammation can occur, so tell us if you have keloid-prone skin, an immune condition, or a past reaction to human tissue products.
How does Newstar Clinic prepare it?
Both come as a powder that is mixed with saline just before treatment. That is why clinics list different amounts, like "5 cc" or "8 cc". The amount you actually receive depends on how many vials are used, not on the cc number. We prepare Re2O following the manufacturer's guide: one 150 mg vial mixed to at least 5 cc.
We open the sealed box in front of you.
Each vial is mixed fresh for one patient and used right away. We never store leftover product or use it for someone else.
We keep the tissue card that comes with every vial, so the product used on you can always be traced.
Can I combine it with Rejuran or lifting?
Yes, you can plan it with other skin boosters or lifting in the same visit. Your doctor decides the combination and order based on your skin and your travel dates.
Before your Re2O or CellREDM consultation
Pick your main concern: texture, pores and tone, hydration and bounce, or the eye area.
Check your flight date. Bumps and swelling usually last 1 to 3 days.
Tell us if you have keloid-prone skin, an immune condition or a past reaction to human tissue products.
Ask how many vials will be used, and ask to see the sealed box opened.
Frequently asked questions
Q. Are RE20 and Re2O the same?
A. Yes. The official name is Re2O (Elravie Re2O), but many people search for it as RE20, with a zero.
Q. Re2O or CellREDM: which is better?
A. Their ingredients are almost the same, so it comes down to your concern. Re2O suits texture, pores and tone, while CellREDM suits dehydrated skin and a bouncier feel.
Q. Is Re2O a filler?
A. No. It does not add instant volume like a filler. It replenishes the skin's structural components to improve skin quality.
Q. Does it hurt?
A. It is an injection, so you will feel some stinging. We apply numbing cream before treatment, and nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is available.
Q. Can I get it on a short trip to Seoul?
A. Yes. Bumps and swelling usually settle in 1 to 3 days, so just avoid booking it right before a photo shoot. Results build over several sessions, so plan your next visit too.
More on skin boosters: CellREDM Explained, What Is PDRN, PN and Rejuran?, Juvelook vs Rejuran and Do Skin Boosters Hurt?
Not sure which one fits your skin? Send us a photo of your face and your Seoul dates on WhatsApp.
