Recently, board-certified dermatologists confirmed that newly ubiquitious skin care ingredient PDRN — also known as the DNA fragment polydeoxyribonucleotide — has been shown to accelerate the repair of damaged skin, promote new tissue growth, boost collagen production and intensely hydrate. It was easy to add PDRN-filled serums and creams to my beauty routine, but I found it especially exciting to find this Korean lip mask with a distinctive jelly texture and a heavy dose of PDRN.
I bought the Abib PDRN collagen lip jelly mask in the hopes that it would minimize the appearance of my lip lines, make my pout look more plump and, above all, stave off my chronic dryness — especially around the corners of my mouth where regular retinol use can make it go flaky.
I was bolstered in my buying decision after seeing many users claiming that this thick and nourishing lip gel “was the best product” they had ever used and worked miraculously on wrinkled, aging lips.
When I tried it for myself, I found it instantly moisturizing and soothing, and now, after regular use, my lips are less dry in general and much smoother-looking, even when I didn’t have any lip product on. My lips also look more flattering under matte lipstick formulas because my dryness-related lines are less defined.
Not quite a balm and not quite a gloss, but somewhere in a delightful jammy middle, the Abib treatment feels cushiony and velvet-like on the lips and not at all sticky. Because of this, it’s much more comfortable to wear as an overnight lip mask and I love waking up with noticeably softer lips.
It’s not just overnight that I wear the lip jelly either. I often swipe it on before I leave the house because I love the glazed sheen it leaves behind.
In addition to PDRN, it contains collagen amino acids and hyaluronic acid, a popular humectant that draws moisture in and acts as a barrier to prevent hydration loss.
Unbeknownst to me at the time of purchasing, many people had drawn comparisons between the Abib lip mask and a luxury version by the Japanese-inspired brand Tatcha. Priced at nearly $15 more than the Abib, the Tatcha Kissu lip mask also promises to hydrate, soften and seal in moisture using a blend of squalane, peach extracts and Japanese camellia oil. And though I can’t personally speak to how similarly the two formulas perform, the Abib contains that coveted inclusion of PDRN, giving it an edge in my opinion. In terms of weight, texture and feel, reviewers say the Abib is slightly less thick than Tatcha’s, but no less hydrating.
See what other impressive things reviewers have to say about this $15 lip jelly that I attribute to jucier, healther and better-looking lips.
Promising Amazon reviews:
“I’m 69 years old. I have problems with dry wrinkled lips. But not any more! This is miraculous! It feels like a soft silky smooth gel with no stickiness. I feels great! Your lips plump and are soft smooth and perfect! If it works on my old lips.. I’ll bet it works for you. It’s Fantastic!!!!!” — Nina Mulé Lyons
“I love this night lip treatment. It’s very slick and not sticky. I actually find myself wearing everyday and night. After using for a few weeks now my lips look more hydrated and less wrinkled.” — Amazon customer
“Just started using but so far love this product. I’ve been looking for a dupe for the tatcha lip mask and this is it. Very hydrating for my lips and it has a nice light almost vanilla scent. Its not as thick as tatcha’s but its pretty much half the price so I’ll take it!!!!” — Hannah Klovek
“The best lip product I have ever used. It’s perfect. My search for the perfect lip mask is over! I love love love this stuff. I love it so much I immediately ordered a second one for my bathroom. I love the way this stuff feels on my lips. Rich, nourishing, not sticky, not smelly, no taste, just perfect. I also love the beautiful container it comes in with the little spatula to use taking a small amount of product out to use instead of using your finger. I also bought some for my sister for Christmas along with some other collagen face products and I know she is going to love this lip mask as much as I do. Don’t hesitate to get this. The search for the perfect lip mask ends here!” — GingerRenee
If you want to shop for more ultra-hydrating lip treatments, take a look at a few options from previous coverage below:
A lanolin-infused multi-balm that heals extreme dryness
The Lanolips 101 Ointment is one of my most reached-for lip care products that I use not just to hydrate and soften my pout, but also restore cracked skin on my hands, post-retinol flaking and peeling cuticles. This multi-purpose salve is bursting with the benefits of lanolin, a natural ingredient that has the ability to penetrate the lips’ moisture barrier and its high fat content, both of which contribute to its lasting hydrating properties. I like the formula because it actually stays on my lips for at least a couple of hours, so I’m not constantly reapplying, and the finish is the perfect level of glossy, without feeling sticky or looking too obnoxious.
The cult-favorite Laneige Korean lip mask
You may not know this, but the brand behind this cult-favorite lip mask is Korean, and it's adored for its cushiony formula and intensely moisturizing capacity. It's a great way to smooth parched, flaky lips and minimize the appearance of dry, exaggerated lip lines. Available in several scents like gummy bear (my favorite), mixed berry, or peach iced tea, the Laneige lip mask uses a berry mix complex to boost moisture and deliver antioxidant benefits while you sleep, while a blend of shea and seed butters nourishes lips.
An editor-favorite Youthfull Lip Replenisher that smoothes the look of lip lines
My former colleague Janie Campbell swears by this Revision Skincare lip treatment. She was intrigued by the fact that it’s rich in peptides, including palmitoyl tripeptide-1 and palmitoyl tripeptide-38, along with other well-researched ingredients like vitamins E and C, green tea and hydrating ingredients like shea butter. After one overnight application, she could see the difference the next morning. It’s a game-changer for anyone who wants to improve the appearance of their lips without going under the needle, and is a nice, juicy option for the dry fall and winter months.