NCTF 135HA vs Rejuran: Hydration Booster or Polynucleotide?

NCTF 135HA and Rejuran are two of the most requested skin boosters in Malaysia, yet they work in different ways. NCTF 135HA combines hyaluronic acid with vitamins and amino acids to hydrate the skin. Rejuran, by contrast, uses polynucleotides (PN) purified from salmon DNA to support skin repair. This guide compares how each works, what the evidence shows and which skin concerns suit each one. If you would like a doctor to recommend the right option, contact CLEO Clinic.

NCTF 135HA vs Rejuran at a Glance

What Is NCTF 135HA?

NCTF 135HA is made by FILLMED, a French laboratory. According to FILLMED’s NCTF 135HA page, the formula contains 60 ingredients, including 5 mg/mL of free hyaluronic acid, vitamins, amino acids, minerals and glutathione. Because the hyaluronic acid is not cross-linked, it attracts water and is used for hydration rather than volume. As a result, the skin looks fresher, smoother and more radiant. For a full overview, read our NCTF 135HA treatment page.

What Is Rejuran?

Rejuran is a polynucleotide (PN) skin booster. Polynucleotides are long DNA chains purified from salmon, and they form a gel-like, water-binding structure in the skin. In theory, this structure acts as a temporary scaffold that supports fibroblasts, the cells that make collagen. Rejuran comes in several types, for example Healer for general skin quality, HB with a built-in local anaesthetic, S for scars and I for the eye area. To learn more, see our Rejuran treatment page and our guide to Rejuran Healer vs HB.

How They Work Differently

Hydration First vs Repair First

NCTF 135HA focuses on hydration. First, the free hyaluronic acid draws and holds water in the upper skin. Then, the vitamins and amino acids are included to support the skin’s environment. Meanwhile, Rejuran is designed around repair. The polynucleotides are thought to support cell activity and the skin’s own recovery, which is why they are often chosen for thin or tired skin.

The Role of the Extra Ingredients

Both treatments are described as supporting skin quality, but the added ingredients are different. First, NCTF 135HA adds vitamins, amino acids, minerals and antioxidants to its hyaluronic acid. Second, Rejuran relies on the polynucleotides themselves. For a deeper explanation of salmon-DNA ingredients, read salmon DNA (PN) vs PDRN.

What the Evidence Shows

NCTF 135HA

A 2026 randomised trial in Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology tested NCTF 135HA on neck lines in 188 adults. It found that NCTF 135HA performed about as well as another non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid product, with mostly mild bruising and swelling (Jiang et al., 2026). However, the study was sponsored by the manufacturer and had no placebo group. Likewise, much of the other evidence comes from small studies reported by the manufacturer, so firmness claims should be treated as possible rather than certain.

Rejuran and Polynucleotides

A 2026 expert review of polynucleotides in the same journal concluded that much of the evidence comes from small studies and clinical experience, and that larger trials are needed (Rho et al., 2026). Notably, several of its authors have links to industry. Consequently, polynucleotide results are promising but not yet confirmed by large independent trials.

What This Means for You

In short, neither treatment has strong, independent, long-term evidence behind it. For this reason, it is wise to choose based on your skin concern and your doctor’s experience rather than on marketing claims.

Which Skin Concerns Suit Each One?

Choose NCTF 135HA If

NCTF 135HA suits dull, dehydrated or tired-looking skin, rough texture and very fine lines. In addition, it can be used on the neck and chest, as explained in our guide to NCTF 135HA for neck and décolletage. Still, it is a reasonable choice if you want a glow before an event, although you should plan around bumps and bruises.

Choose Rejuran If

Rejuran is often chosen for thin, crepey or fragile-looking skin, fine lines and overall skin quality. Moreover, specific types are used under the eyes and for shallow acne scars, which our guide to Rejuran S for acne scars explains. Additionally, skin that looks stressed after procedures may be a reason to consider it, although your doctor decides what is suitable.

What Neither Treatment Does

Importantly, neither booster lifts sagging skin, adds volume or treats pigmentation. For dark patches, a doctor may suggest options on our pigmentation treatment page. Similarly, deeper wrinkles and volume loss usually need fillers or other treatments, as our guide to skin boosters vs dermal fillers explains.

Sessions, Results and Timeline

The manufacturer of NCTF 135HA recommends a course of three sessions about three weeks apart, followed by maintenance at least twice a year. Rejuran is also given as a course of several sessions spaced a few weeks apart, although the exact plan depends on the product type and your doctor. In practice, results build gradually over several weeks with either treatment, and they are not permanent. For a realistic timeline for polynucleotides, read Rejuran before and after results.

Safety and Side Effects

Both treatments are injected into the skin, so similar short-term effects are common. These include redness, small bumps, mild swelling, itching and occasional bruising, which usually settle within a few days. Rarely, infection, nodules or allergic reactions can occur with either one. Granulomas and nodules had not been described in the published polynucleotide literature at the time of the 2026 review, but long-term data are still limited. For detailed aftercare, read NCTF 135HA side effects and aftercare and Rejuran side effects and aftercare.

Who Should Avoid Them

Neither treatment is suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, for people under 18 or where there is an active skin infection in the treatment area. Because Rejuran is made from salmon DNA, people with a fish or salmon allergy should avoid it. Meanwhile, NCTF 135HA should be avoided if you are allergic to any of its ingredients, and the manufacturer lists autoimmune disease and immunotherapy as contraindications. Tell your doctor about blood thinners, cold sores and any previous reaction to injectables.

Can You Combine NCTF 135HA and Rejuran?

Doctors sometimes plan more than one booster for different goals over time, for example hydration with one and repair with another. However, there is no single standard protocol, and the order and timing depend on your skin. Therefore, a doctor should plan any combination after an assessment rather than you mixing treatments on your own. If you are also weighing other options, our comparisons of NCTF 135HA vs Profhilo and Profhilo vs Rejuran may help, as does our overview of all skin booster treatments.

How to Choose a Safe Clinic and Genuine Product

Choose a clinic where a registered doctor assesses your skin and performs the injections. You can check a doctor’s registration with the Malaysian Medical Council. In addition, injectable medical devices should be registered with the Medical Device Authority (MDA), so it is reasonable to ask about registration. Finally, ask to see the sealed box, batch number and expiry date before treatment.

Which Is Right for You?

The right choice depends on your skin concern, skin type and goals. In general, NCTF 135HA may suit you if your main aim is hydration and glow, or if you want to treat the neck and chest. On the other hand, Rejuran may suit you if your skin is thin, tired or you want a repair-focused approach. In practice, a doctor will assess your skin and explain which option is more realistic for you. To arrange an assessment, book a consultation with CLEO Clinic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is NCTF 135HA better than Rejuran?

Neither is better overall. NCTF 135HA focuses on hydration and glow, whereas Rejuran focuses on repair and skin quality, so the better choice depends on your concern.

Is Rejuran the same as NCTF 135HA?

No. Rejuran uses polynucleotides from salmon DNA, while NCTF 135HA uses hyaluronic acid with vitamins, amino acids and minerals.

Which one is better for dull, dehydrated skin?

NCTF 135HA is designed mainly for hydration and glow. Even so, your doctor will assess whether another approach suits your skin better.

Which one is better for thin or crepey skin?

Rejuran is often chosen for thin, crepey skin. However, results vary, and neither treatment lifts sagging skin.

Can I have both?

A doctor may plan both over time for different goals. The order and timing should be decided after an assessment.