South Korea’s ‘Corpse Skin’ Injection: A Beauty Trend That’s Stirring Debate
A radical new anti-aging treatment is causing a stir in South Korea’s burgeoning aesthetics market, sparking intense ethical and safety debates worldwide. The injectable, known as Elravie Re2O — an acronym for “return to your 20s” — is a product of South Korean biotech firm L&C Bio. It utilizes collagen-rich material derived from donated human cadaver skin, earning it the chilling moniker, the “corpse skin injection.”
The primary component of this product is an acellular dermal matrix (ECM), a regenerative tissue produced by removing all cellular components from donated skin, leaving behind structural proteins like collagen and elastin. Touted as a solution for restoring youthful skin and reversing visible signs of aging, the treatment has quickly gained traction since its introduction in November 2024. Social media influencers have been vocal in their praise for the smoother, more elastic complexion it delivers.
Despite its popularity, the treatment is yet to receive approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In South Korea, it exists in a regulatory grey zone — classified as “human tissue” rather than a medical device, it hasn’t been subjected to the same clinical trial requirements as other injectable skin boosters. Competing products such as Rejuran (salmon-derived PDRN) and Juvelook (synthetic polymer) underwent formal clinical testing before hitting the market. L&C Bio has announced plans to seek official U.S. market entry in 2027. As this trend continues to gain global attention, critics and medical experts are advocating for more stringent oversight.
Source: Dim Sum Daily — ‘Corpse Skin Injection’ Trend Sparks Ethical and Safety Concerns in South Korea