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2026.08.19

Re2O is a collagen supplement from South Korea! A doctor explains the differences and features between Re2O and Bunaju

南 寿美
Supervising Physician
Board Certified Cosmetic Surgeon, Japanese Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (JSAS) Sumi Minami

Engaged in both aspects of cosmetic dermatology and cosmetic surgery, he is an all-rounder doctor who pursues natural and elegant beauty with "the best interest of the patient" as his first priority. He is also a board-certified cosmetic surgeon by the Japanese Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (JSAS). He specializes in hyaluronic acid injections, thread lifts, and facial surgery, and is a competent KOL (Key Opinion Leader) for ARTEMISLIFT and Hydro Rejuran. He is always sensitive to the latest trends and is always exploring knowledge and techniques.

リトゥオは韓国発のコラーゲン製剤!Re2O・ブナジュの違いをBIANCA CLINICが解説

 

Re2O is a collagen preparation composed primarily of human acellular dermal matrix (hADM) that replenishes the ECM components that form the skin’s foundation. It is marketed as Re2O in South Korea and as BNAJU in Japan.

 

When people think of cosmetic medicine, many may picture treatments that “fill in what’s missing” using hyaluronic acid and similar substances. On the other hand, in recent years, Korean beauty trends have seen growing interest in skin boosters and collagen formulations that improve the skin’s overall condition. One such product is Re2O (Bunaju).

 

Some of you may be wondering, “Is the Lituo treatment in South Korea different from the Bunaju treatment in Japan?” or “What ingredients are used?”

 

BIANCA CLINIC has also introduced Lituo, and our doctors perform the treatment manually while monitoring the condition of your skin. In this article, we’ll explain the treatment’s name in South Korea, its characteristics as a skin-nurturing therapy, and key points to keep in mind when receiving Lituo treatment in Japan.

What kind of treatment is Re2O in South Korea?

Rituo is a collagen preparation marketed in South Korea under the name Re2O. Its primary purpose is not to add volume to the skin, but rather to replenish the components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and strengthen the skin’s foundation.

"Re2O" in South Korea, "BNAJU" in Japan

Re2O and BNAJU are not separate treatments. While the product is marketed as "Re2O" in South Korea and "BNAJU" in Japan—and although the names and packaging differ—they refer to the same formulation.

 

Since there are multiple ways to spell it on the internet and social media—such as “Re2O,” “Rituo,” “BNAJU,” and “Bunaju”—some people may mistake it for a different skin-rejuvenation injection. If you learned about Rituo in South Korea and are looking for a clinic in Japan that offers the treatment, it will help to understand these differences in naming first.

Moving Beyond “Additive Beauty” to “Beauty That Nurtures the Skin”

In Korean beauty, the range of options is expanding to include not only treatments that refine facial contours and add volume, but also skin boosters and collagen products that target the skin’s texture itself.

 

2026年の美容医療は、足す注入治療から育てる施術へトレンドが変化を解説する図

 

Rituo is not simply a treatment designed to add volume and reshape the face. It is an injectable treatment based on the concept of improving skin condition from the foundation up by focusing on the ECM (extracellular matrix)—which supports the skin’s firmness and elasticity—and directly replenishing its constituent components.

 

Rather than “adding something to change its shape,” it’s more about “refining the skin as it is.” I believe this philosophy is what sets Rituo apart.

What makes Lituo, which is all the rage in South Korea, different from traditional skin-rejuvenating injections?

A key feature of Rituo is that it directly replenishes the skin with ECM components—such as collagen—contained in hADM.

 

The main ingredient in Rituo is “human acellular dermal matrix (hADM),” which is purified by removing cellular components from human tissue. It is designed to replenish the skin with components that make up the extracellular matrix (ECM), including Type I and Type III collagen, which support the skin’s structure.

 

Some conventional skin-rejuvenation treatments utilize chemical stimulation to support the body’s own collagen production. In contrast, Rituo is a formulation based on the concept of directly “replenishing” the components that form the skin’s foundation, rather than relying solely on “stimulating” collagen production.

Its purpose is different from that of hyaluronic acid injections

Hyaluronic acid injections are sometimes used to add volume to hollows and creases or to sculpt facial contours.

 

Rituo is not a treatment designed primarily to create such three-dimensional volume. Instead, it addresses skin concerns such as fine lines around the eyes, the forehead and between the eyebrows, the area around the nasolabial folds, loss of firmness, pores, and skin texture, aiming for natural-looking results. Therefore, the treatment you choose will depend on whether you want to “make a significant change to your appearance” or “improve the condition of your skin itself.”

 

If you'd like to learn more about Rituo's ingredients, how it works, and the benefits you can expect, What Is Lituo Re2O (Bunaju)? An Easy-to-Understand Explanation of Its Expected Effects, Benefits, and Drawbacks Please see the following as well.

Take the exam in South Korea? Or in Japan? Key Considerations When Choosing Rituo

When considering Lituo, it’s important to look beyond just whether the treatment is performed in South Korea or Japan and also check the specific formulation used, the injection method, and the post-treatment follow-up care.

 

Some fans of Korean beauty might wonder, “Since I’m going to Korea anyway, shouldn’t I get a Rituo treatment there?”

 

However, the results of injection treatments are not determined by the product alone. Even with the same Rituo product, the treatment plan varies depending on the injection site, the amount injected, and the depth of injection. Furthermore, a single Rituo treatment is not necessarily enough.

 

At Bianca Clinic, we may recommend starting with about three sessions, spaced one month apart, followed by maintenance treatments about once every six months, depending on the condition of your skin. Considering the possibility of continuing treatment over the long term, it’s important to choose a clinic not only based on price but also on factors such as how easy it is to consult with the doctor and whether they can consistently monitor changes in your skin after each treatment.

At Bianca Clinic, doctors administer injections by hand while examining the patient's skin.

With Lituo, “how to administer the injection” is just as important as “which formulation to use.”

 

リトゥオ(ブナジュ)の施術を行うBIANCA CLINIC南寿美医師

 

At Bianca Clinic, our doctors administer injections by hand while carefully assessing your skin condition and the treatment area, adjusting the volume, depth, and placement as needed. We also use microcannulas with thin, rounded tips to minimize pain and bruising during the procedure. Upon request, we can use the VISIA® skin analysis system to assess your current skin condition.

 

Don’t decide on a treatment just because it’s trending in South Korea or because you saw it on social media; first, take the time to figure out exactly what you want to improve. This is a point I always emphasize during my consultations.

 

Depending on the situation—such as when you want to effectively lift sagging skin, in which case a thread lift may be appropriate, or when there is significant volume loss, in which case hyaluronic acid may be a better option—different treatments may be more suitable.

Let's also review the downtime and precautions associated with Rituo.

Rituo, an injectable treatment, may cause redness, swelling, puffiness, or bruising after the procedure. You may take a shower on the same day, but you should wait until the following day or later to take a bath. You may apply makeup on the same day, as long as you avoid the treated area.

 

Additionally, because this product is derived from human skin tissue, you will not be able to donate blood after the procedure. This is an important precaution you should be aware of before undergoing the procedure.

 

For more details on the downtime,Article: "How Many Days Is the Downtime for Re2O?"Here, I provide an explanation along with photos taken from immediately after the procedure through the 7th day.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rituo and South Korea

ビアンカクリニックの日本美容外科学会(JSAS)認定 美容外科専門医の南 寿美医師によるカウンセリングの様子

Q. What is the Korean name for Litou?

A. In South Korea, it is marketed under the name Re2O (Rituo). In Japan, the name BNAJU (Bunaju) is widely used.

Q. Are Re2O and Bunaju different formulations?

A. Although Re2O and BNAJU (Bunaju) have different names, they are the same formulation.

Q. When will I start to feel the effects of Rituo?

A. Litou is not a treatment designed to produce significant changes in volume immediately after injection. While some people may notice changes in their skin texture over the course of several weeks, the timing and extent of these changes vary from person to person.

Q. Does the Rituo treatment hurt?

A. You may feel some discomfort or pressure from the needle during the injection. At Bianca Clinic, we use topical anesthesia and microcannulas to minimize any discomfort during the procedure.

Q. If I'm unsure whether to take the Lituo exam in South Korea or Japan, what should I check?

A. Be sure to check not only the specific product used, but also the injection volume, the method of administration, the number of sessions required, and whether there is a system in place for follow-up consultations after treatment. Since Rituo treatments may require ongoing sessions, it’s a good idea to consider the convenience of getting to the clinic as well.

Rituo is all the rage in South Korea. Don’t just follow trends—choose a product based on whether it works for your skin.

Rituo (Re2O·Bunaju) is a collagen preparation whose main ingredient is hADM and which is designed to directly replenish the ECM components that form the foundation of the skin.

 

Although the treatment is known as “Re2O” in South Korea and “BNAJU” in Japan, they are not separate procedures. With an increasing number of skin care treatment options available today, it’s important to determine whether the characteristics of a particular treatment align with the specific concerns you wish to address.

 

At BIANCA CLINIC, our doctors will assess whether Rituo is right for you by evaluating your skin condition, facial structure, and previous treatment history. If you’ve “heard about it in Korea and are curious” or “aren’t sure how it differs from other skin-rejuvenating injections,” please feel free to discuss your concerns during your consultation.

 

Detailed Information on Rituo Re2O (Bunaju)
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