Rituo Skin Booster (Elravie Re2O / BNAJU)
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Rituo Injection Fees
This injection method is ideal for those who want the treatment to be evenly distributed across the entire face.
This is a method in which a doctor identifies the areas of concern and administers the injections.
*Prices shown include all fees, such as anesthesia costs. Since anesthesia is recommended for this procedure, it is standard practice to perform it after administering topical anesthetic cream or local anesthesia.
*All prices include tax.
*Please note that our clinic provides private medical care, and insurance does not apply.
"My skin is losing its firmness."
"My skin is so dry that surface-level care just can't keep up."
"I keep using skin boosters, but I can't seem to notice any change in my skin."
"Everyone's talking about Rituo on social media—but what's actually so good about it?"
Do you have concerns or questions like these?
Hello, this is Smart Skin Clinic, a cosmetic dermatology clinic that performs over 24,000 injections annually.
Conventional skin boosters, so to speak, provide "nutrition" to the skin. Rituo, by contrast, is a treatment that essentially replaces the "framework" of the skin itself. That is precisely why it can be an option for those who have not been satisfied with previous treatments.
In this article, from the perspective of aesthetic dermatology, we thoroughly explain—from a specialist's standpoint—how Rituo works, its effects, downtime, and how it differs from other skin boosters.
Group Chief Director, Smart Skin Clinic Group
Ishii Kota
Career
Graduated from Juntendo University School of Medicine
Worked at Tokyo Women's Medical University Hospital and affiliated facilities
Worked at a major aesthetic clinic in Tokyo
Affiliations / Qualifications
Board-certified specialist, Japan Surgical Society
Board-certified specialist, Japanese Society of Anti-Aging Medicine
What is Rituo (Re2O)? Features of the treatment
Rituo (product name: Elravie Re2O in the Korean version, BNAJU in the Japanese version) is a skin booster formulation developed by Humedix in Korea.
It is characterized by a novel approach and main ingredient never seen before.
[Features of Rituo]
- An approach that supplements the skin's structure
- The main ingredient is hADM
How does it differ from conventional skin boosters? The concept of "directly supplementing"
If you have tried conventional skin boosters but find it hard to feel results, your skin's structure and regenerative capacity may have weakened.
Conventional skin boosters took the approach of injecting PDRN, PDLLA, porcine collagen, and the like to "activate cells and promote the synthesis of the substances that make up the skin."
On the other hand, Rituo is characterized by “an approach that directly replenishes the extracellular matrix (ECM)—the very structure that provides the foundation for lost firmness and elasticity—into the dermis” . Think of it as installing new pillars in a house whose foundation has collapsed. By “rebuilding” the skin’s foundation, the fibroblasts that produce collagen and elastin are activated.
Our bodies are made up of "cells" and "non-cellular components."
The collective term for components found on the “outside” of cells (i.e., the extracellular space) is “ECM (Extracellular Matrix)” . The term “matrix” refers to a “structure” or “foundation.”
The ECM includes, for example, collagen, elastin, hyaluronic acid, and growth factors; it plays a role in signal transmission between cells and provides the foundation for cells to interact with the surrounding tissue.
When the ECM is healthy, the skin can more easily maintain its firmness and elasticity.
Young skin is rich in ECM . Through interaction with fibroblasts, collagen is constantly produced and maintained.
Conversely, it is known that when the ECM becomes disrupted due to aging or UV exposure, collagen fragmentation progresses and fibroblast function tends to decline.
What is the main ingredient "hADM"? A collagen structure derived from human skin
Rituo contains 150 mg of human acellular dermal matrix (hADM) as its main ingredient .
hADM is derived from human skin tissue, from which cells and fatty components that trigger immune reactions have been removed, leaving only the ECM structure. Although it is “human-derived,”it contains no "cells themselves" whatsoever—only the collagen structure—and is therefore considered unlikely to cause a foreign-body reaction or rejection.
Because it retains the three-dimensional structure of the ECM intact, after injection your own fibroblasts can readily use this scaffold, creating an environment in which they can easily produce collagen.
Rituo is a treatment designed to improve skin texture while reinforcing the foundation that supports the skin's structure.
Attracting attention in Korea! The "5th-generation" skin booster following Rejuran and Juvelook?
In South Korea in recent years, Lituo has been described as the “5th-generation skin booster”.
This is a metaphor used to clearly convey that it is attracting attention as a “new wave” following Rejuran and Jubelook. In fact, since its launch in November 2024, Lituo has been rapidly gaining traction in South Korea; according to South Korean media reports, as of August 2025, it had expanded to approximately 1,000 business partners.
There is one point to note here.
There is no official or academic standard for this “Xth-generation” terminology. Since the classification and definitions vary depending on the media outlet, clinic, or manufacturer, we recommend treating this as merely a “marketing term.”
In fact, some clinics classify Lituo as “4th generation,” while others classify it as “5th generation.”
Therefore, rather than simply viewing Rituo as “5th generation,” we believe it is more accurate to understand it as a new category of product focused on ECM (extracellular matrix) and hADM (acellular allogeneic dermis).
The following is one example of a convenient classification used in the Korean aesthetic medicine market, and is not an academically unified generational classification.
Non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid type (HA formulations used in Water Light Injection)
Main approach
Immediate water retention and hydration
Rejuran, Lizne, etc.
Main approach
PN (polynucleotide) formulations supporting repair and regeneration
Juvelook, Tolen, etc.
Main approach
Stimulation of collagen neogenesis by PDLLA (poly-D,L-lactic acid)
Exosome / secretome type, etc.
Main approach
Regeneration support using extracellular vesicles and related bioactive factors
Rituo, Celldiem, JuvacellhADM / ECM type
Main approach
An approach oriented toward reconstructing the skin's structure using ECM components derived from hADM (human acellular dermis)
Effects you can expect from Rituo|Changing the skin from its foundation
Rituo is a treatment that focuses on the skin's foundation to address age-related loss of firmness, uneven texture, dryness, and more.
- Improvement of pores and texture
- Improvement of firmness
- Improvement of dry skin
- Improvement of redness
- Improvement of dark spots and dullness
Improvement of open pores and texture
The causes of pore concerns are not only sebum; loss of firmness and uneven texture also play a major role.
As collagen density in the dermis recovers, the structure supporting the pores is strengthened, resulting in a more even skin texture. By reflecting light evenly, you can achieve a look where pores appear less noticeable.
Restoration of firmness and elasticity
As ECM is replenished, it acts as a support structure, activating fibroblasts. As a result, the production of collagen and elastin is promoted , restoring elasticity that seems to push back from within.
Because the dermis is rebuilt over a period of weeks to months, the change is natural.
Improvement of dry skin
The ECM also contains proteoglycans, which improve the water-retention environment of the dermis.
Unlike hyaluronic acid, which “moisturizes the surface,” this product restores the skin’s ability to retain moisture from within, helping to improve dry skin.
As a result of the improved texture and moisture, many people also feel a sense of clarity and a brighter tone.
Improvement of redness
Redness has multiple contributing factors, including inflammation, weakened barrier function, visible capillaries, and friction.
hADM is known to act as a scaffold involved in wound healing and collagen formation, and it is anticipated to help improve post-inflammatory redness.
It is one of the effects that also holds promise for those troubled by chronic redness or the redness of acne scars.
However, because the factors behind redness vary, it is necessary to determine whether the treatment is suitable.
Furthermore, a randomized, split-face, double-blind study published in February 2026 compared skin conditions in 20 subjects, injecting a test formulation containing phADM on one side and a non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid formulation on the other, over a period of 20 weeks. The test side showed greater improvement than the control side in skin density, volume, elasticity, wrinkles, pores, moisture level, barrier function, and pigmentation/redness indices.
Who Rituo is recommended for
Rituo is recommended for those with concerns such as the following:
- Those concerned about fine crepey lines, loss of firmness, and open pores
- Those with persistent dryness who feel that surface-level care has reached its limits
- Those who want a natural finish and dislike the "overfilled" look of hyaluronic acid
- Those who have tried skin boosters but feel they were not enough
Comparison|Rituo, Rejuran, and Juvelook
We have compared the differences with representative skin boosters in a table.
| Item | Lituo | Rejuran | Juvelook |
| Main ingredient | hADM (human-derived acellular dermis) | PN (salmon-derived polynucleotide) | PDLLA (polylactic acid derivative) |
| Approach | Replenishes the ECM scaffold to reinforce the foundation and activate fibroblasts | DNA fragments promote skin regeneration | Stimulates and increases collagen production |
| Duration | 6–12 months | More than 12 months | 12–24 months |
| Main indications | Pores, dark spots and dullness, texture | Sagging, fine lines around the eyes, dark circles | Acne scars, pores |
It is also possible to combine multiple formulations. For details, please consult us during your counseling.
The difference from Rejuran (PN formulation): "creating" versus "replenishing" the structure
Rejuran is a formulation that “stimulates” collagen production by directly acting on fibroblasts through the injection of DNA fragments (PN: polynucleotides). While it is useful in terms of signaling to cells, its effectiveness is limited when the “site” or “scaffold” where collagen is produced is depleted.
Because Rituo replenishes that "scaffold" itself, it is complementary to Rejuran.
This combination—using Rejuran to activate cells while using Lituo to prepare the ECM foundation—is expected to produce synergistic effects.
In addition, Rejuran has a distinctive viscosity, which makes it more likely to cause pain during injection. Rituo is one option for those who are concerned about the pain associated with Rejuran.
The difference from Juvelook (PDLLA): immediate results and a natural sense of volume
Jubelook is a formulation primarily composed of PDLLA (a polylactic acid derivative) that combines the immediate firming effect of hyaluronic acid with the long-acting stimulation of collagen production provided by PDLLA. It offers long-lasting results and is well-suited for addressing sagging and loss of volume.
There are differences between “ECM Replenishment (Rituo)” and “Collagen Production Stimulation (Jubeluck),” so it’s best to choose the one that suits your symptoms and goals .
Which layer is it injected into?

Injectable formulations differ in both ingredients and purpose from one product to the next. That is why choosing the formulation best suited to each one"layer"and"amount"It is important to administer it in this way to achieve the desired effect.
In the case of Rituo, the main injection layer is "from the superficial to the deep dermis (the full thickness of the dermis)."
The skin is structured in layers, starting from the surface: the "epidermis," the "dermis" (comprising the superficial, middle, and deep layers), the "subcutaneous fat layer," and the "muscle layer," each of which plays a distinct role. From the superficial to the deep dermis is the region responsible for the skin's various functions, from the texture and firmness of the skin's surface to structural support deep within.
The entire dermis is the appropriate treatment area for Lituo’s ingredients and intended purpose, and our clinic administers injections within this area.
How to think about pain and anesthesia during the procedure
Rituo is not as painful as Rejuran, but there is some pain from the needle insertion during the procedure.
To relieve discomfort, we use topical anesthesia (cream anesthesia), leaving it for 20 to 30 minutes to take effect before the procedure. In addition, we take measures to minimize discomfort during treatment through cooling, the use of fine needles, and control of the injection speed.
Downtime, side effects, and risks
How long do redness, swelling, bruising, and unevenness last?
The main downtime symptoms and their estimated durations are as follows:
- Redness and swelling: from the day of treatment to about 2 days
- Unevenness and bumps at the injection site: naturally flatten out within about 1 to 3 days
- Bruising: approximately 1-2 weeks
There are individual differences, but in most cases you can work and wear makeup from the next day. However, some bruising may remain in areas with thin skin, such as under the eyes. If you have an important event coming up, we recommend allowing plenty of time before scheduling your treatment.
Risks such as allergy, inflammation, and lumps
In rare cases, the following risks may arise:
- Prolonged inflammation and swelling at the injection site
- Formation of lumps (nodules)
- Allergic reaction
Rituo has the cells and fatty components that cause immune reactions removed. In addition, human-derived preparations are said to be less likely to cause immune reactions than animal-derived preparations.
Downtime symptoms usually ease over time. If you notice increased pain, itching, or redness, there may be an infection or an allergic reaction. Treatment may be necessary, so please contact the clinic promptly.
Regarding safety
Rituo is an injectable formulation composed of human-derived ingredients and uses no synthetic ingredients.
Of course, because it is a human tissue-derived preparation, the risk of infection cannot be said to be zero; however, Rituo's hADM uses raw material processed at an FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)-approved facility and has also obtained approval from the MFDS (Ministry of Food and Drug Safety of Korea).
That said, it is not a pharmaceutical approved by Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. Because it is a human tissue-derived preparation, please check in advance with your physician or the Japanese Red Cross Society regarding whether you can donate blood after the procedure.
Those who require special caution
If any of the following apply to you, please consult the physician in advance:
- Those with an autoimmune disease (SLE, scleroderma, etc.)
- Those who have had an allergic reaction to an injection or aesthetic treatment in the past
- Those with a keloid-prone constitution
- Those with a blood coagulation abnormality, or taking anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs
Those who are not eligible for the treatment
- Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Those with an infection or inflammation at the treatment site
Aftercare and daily-life precautions following the procedure
Here are some tips on how to spend your time so as not to worsen redness or swelling.
- Makeup: possible from the day after the procedure
- Strenuous exercise, sauna, and hot stone baths: please avoid for about one week after the procedure
- Alcohol: avoid on the day of the procedure, and keep it moderate on the following days as well
- Sun protection: because the skin is sensitive after the procedure, it is important to use sunscreen and avoid UV exposure
- Skincare: moisturize thoroughly to support the skin's regeneration
To reduce swelling and bruising, avoiding irritation and applying cooling and rest are effective.
Please do not rub the injection site firmly on the day of treatment or the following day.
Wash your face gently, and refrain from harsh cosmetics, scrubs, and peels for about a week.
When do the effects start? How many sessions are needed? How long do they last?
- Immediately after: a certain degree of firmness
- 2 to 4 weeks after the procedure: collagen production from ECM reconstruction
- Peak: 1 to 2 months after completing one course (3 sessions)
- Duration: approximately 6 to 12 months
- Maintenance interval: every 3 to 6 months
Recovery process
- Immediately after: a physical sense of fullness from the injection
- After 3 to 5 days: improved blood circulation, and improved skin barrier function and thickness
- After 1 to 2 weeks: improvement of pores, texture, and redness, reduction of fine lines, and collagen regeneration
- After 3 to 4 weeks: improvement of dark spots and dullness, and improved firmness
Rituo's effects appear gradually over a period of 2 to 4 weeks.
Using the injected hADM as a scaffold, fibroblasts are activated and new collagen and elastin are formed, from which results can be expected.
The ideal way to receive treatment: why 3 sessions (one course) every 3 to 4 weeks are recommended
In line with the cell-reconstruction cycle, Rituo treats three sessions every 3 to 4 weeks as "one course."
Some people notice a difference even after just one session, butreceiving multiple sessions makes it possible to repeatedly promote the three steps of ECM replenishment, fibroblast activation, and collagen production,As a result, we can expect more stable changes.
Maintenance interval for keeping results lasting
After completing one course of treatment, we recommend undergoing maintenance treatments every 3 to 6 months to maintain the results.
ECM naturally decreases with age. By continuing to replenish it with Rituo, you can help maintain your skin’s foundation.
Combination with other treatments
Supplementing your skin's structure with Rituo may enhance your skin's response to subsequent treatments. Your doctor will determine whether these treatments can be combined and in what order, so please let them know your preferences during your consultation.
For example, the following combinations are possible:
Photo Facial *Available only at the Jimbocho location*
It improves surface dark spots, dullness, and redness of the skin, aiming to enhance skin quality and firmness.
A photofacial is a device that emits a special light called IPL (Intense Pulsed Light).
It acts on melanin to make dark spots less noticeable and targets the small blood vessels that cause redness. Furthermore, it acts on the dermis to promote the production of collagen and elastin, which can help improve skin firmness and elasticity.
XERF (radiofrequency)
This is a combination that improves the skin's internal structure and promotes collagen production.
Zahf is a radiofrequency treatment that delivers thermal energy in three dimensions, from the dermis to the subcutaneous fat layer. It is expected to simultaneously address multiple skin concerns, including a double chin, sagging along the jawline, nasolabial folds and marionette lines, as well as improving skin firmness, radiance, and pore tightening.
Usage guidelines
- Injection volume: 1 to 2 vials for the entire face
- Injection areas: entire face / under the eyes / nasolabial folds / cheeks / temples / neck / around the mouth
Rituo is packaged in units of “1 vial,” and each vial contains a high concentration of 150 mg of hADM (human-derived acellular dermis). This single vial is dissolved to the specified concentration and injected so that it is evenly distributed across the entire face.
As a rule, the injection is administered evenly across the entire face, but it can be arranged depending on your desired result.
This formulation is effective not only for improving the skin texture of the entire cheek area but can also be used on areas where signs of aging are particularly noticeable, such as under the eyes, on the neck, and around the mouth.
If you're unsure about where to have the injections or how much to use, the doctor will explain this to you during your consultation.
Treatment Flow
You can easily book from your smartphone.
A smart, effortless check-in: just give your name and our clinic IT system completes reception right away.
During your consultation, please feel free to ask us about anything that concerns you. After listening to your concerns, we will explain the details of the treatment.
After applying topical anesthesia, we carry out the injection while checking in with you along the way.
We will provide detailed explanations regarding aftercare for the treated area and precautions to take in your daily life. We also explain home care routines—including oral medications and skincare products that can help alleviate your concerns—from the perspective of prevention and maintenance.
Smart Skin Clinic Pricing
Rituo Injection Fees
This injection method is ideal for those who want the treatment to be evenly distributed across the entire face.
This is a method in which a doctor identifies the areas of concern and administers the injections.
*Prices shown include all fees, such as anesthesia costs. Since anesthesia is recommended for this procedure, it is standard practice to perform it after administering topical anesthetic cream or local anesthesia.
*All prices include tax.
*Please note that our clinic provides private medical care, and insurance does not apply.
FAQ
- Can I receive treatment while pregnant or breastfeeding?
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Because the safety of treatment for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding has not been established, our clinic does not perform the procedure in these cases. Please feel free to consult us after childbirth or once you have finished breastfeeding.
- Are there any points to be aware of because it is a human-derived preparation?
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Rituo has its cellular components removed under strict quality control. However, because it is a human tissue-derived preparation, the risk of infection is theoretically not zero.
- Can I receive it if I have sensitive skin?
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Sensitive skin in itself is not an absolute contraindication. However, depending on the cause of any existing redness or inflammation, it may be better to prioritize skincare treatment or topical treatment first. Please consult the physician in advance.
- Does it help with dark circles under the eyes?
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It may be suitable for concerns involving thinness and loss of firmness in the skin under the eyes. However, because dark circles have different causes—such as blue, brown, and shadow-type circles—suitability needs to be determined through an examination.
- Can I donate blood?
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Because this is a human tissue-derived preparation, whether you can donate blood after the procedure will be determined by the criteria of the Japanese Red Cross Society. For details, please check with your physician or the Japanese Red Cross Society.
- Can I have it on the same day as other treatments?
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Whether treatments can be combined depends on the details of the procedure, the area, and the skin's condition. At our clinic, the physician makes this decision based on the treatments planned for that day, so please share your wishes at the time of your counseling.
- When will I start to notice the effects?
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Many people feel a slight tightening immediately after the treatment, but the true effects of ECM reconstruction become apparent over the course of 2 to 4 weeks following the treatment. Many people begin to notice changes 1 to 2 months after completing one course of treatment (3 sessions).
About Injection Methods
Because Rituo is a formulation that is used by dissolving a powder, it requires appropriate concentration adjustment and a uniform injection technique that avoids lumps. At our clinic, a physician who is thoroughly familiar with the delicate characteristics of this formulation performs the injection by hand.
Drawing on our experience with over 24,000 injections per year, we adjust the injection depth, volume, and angle to ensure that active ingredients are distributed into the dermis in a manner tailored to the skin’s thickness and structure in each specific area.
In addition, we regularly review information on various skin boosters, including Lituo, and are continually refining our treatment protocols.
After the doctor assesses your skin condition and discusses your preferences, they will explain the treatment details.
For Rituo, come to Smart Skin Clinic
Rituo is not merely about adding moisture; it is an injectable treatment that focuses on the skin's foundation.
Unlike conventional injectables, it rebuilds the entire scaffold that produces collagen and elastin, taking a foundation-focused approach to multifaceted skin concerns such as firmness, elasticity, pores, dryness, and fine crepey lines.
If you are troubled by firmness lost with age or by skin quality that has not improved no matter what you try, Rituo may be one option for you.
Please do come and consult us at a free counseling session.
Details
| Treatment Time | Approximately 30 minutes (consultation not included) |
| Recommended Number & Frequency of Treatments | ・It is recommended to undergo a series of three treatments at intervals of 3 to 4 weeks ・After that, maintenance treatments are recommended approximately once every 3 to 6 months |
| Downtime | About 24 hours |
| Treatment on the day of counseling | Available |
| Makeup | Possible from the next day |
| Skincare | Possible immediately after the procedure (done gently) |
| Shower | Possible from the same day |
| Pain | A slight pricking sensation when the needle is inserted. |
*Results vary from person to person.
Legal Notices
Rituo (Re2O / BNAJU) treatment includes procedures using pharmaceuticals or medical devices that are not approved in Japan. The pharmaceuticals and devices used in the treatment have been obtained through personal import procedures based on the judgment of our physicians.
Please refer to this page for information on medications and similar items that require caution in personal importation.
Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, "Medications and Similar Items That Require Caution in Personal Importation."
Reference
Physician Who Supervised This Page

Smart Skin Clinic, Chief Medical Director / Physician
Kota Ishii
We oversee treatment policies across the entire group, tailored to the skin condition of each individual patient. The content on this page has been reviewed and approved in line with our clinic's treatment policies.
Interview with Director Kota Ishii
Kota Ishii, our Chief Medical Director, shares our clinic's approach to patient care.
Clinic List
Jimbocho Clinic
〒101-0054
3-16-1 Kanda Nishiki-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, EX Kanda Nishiki-cho Building 8F (general reception) / 7F
Hours: Mon–Fri 11:00–20:00 / Sat & Sun 10:00–19:00
Yokohama Clinic
〒221-0835
TS Plaza Building 2F, 2-23-2 Tsuruya-cho, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa
Hours: 10:00–19:00
Hatchobori Clinic
104-0032
2nd Floor, Tokyo NS Building, 2-29-4 Hatchobori, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 10:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. (Closed from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.) / Closed: Mondays and Thursdays
About the physician supervision of this site
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This page was produced in accordance with the Medical Advertising Guidelines Medical Advertising Guidelines revised and enforced in June 2018, under which we produce and provide this information.
- Scope of supervision: treatment descriptions, risks and side effects, price display
- Last Reviewed: August 1, 2026
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