If you’ve been researching skin rejuvenation treatments, you’ve probably come across Profhilo® and SuneKOS®. Both are injectable skin boosters designed to improve skin quality rather than add volume, making them popular choices for people wanting healthier, firmer and more radiant skin.
Although they share the goal of rejuvenating ageing skin, they work in very different ways. Understanding these differences is essential when deciding which treatment is best suited to your skin concerns.
At Coull Aesthetics, our experienced nurse prescriber will assess your skin, discuss your goals and recommend the treatment that will achieve the safest and most natural-looking results.
What Is Profhilo®?
Profhilo® is an injectable skin remodelling treatment that uses one of the highest concentrations of pure hyaluronic acid (HA) available. Unlike traditional dermal fillers, it doesn’t add volume or reshape facial features. Instead, it spreads beneath the skin to deeply hydrate and stimulate natural collagen and elastin production, improving overall skin quality.
It is particularly effective for treating skin laxity, dull and crepey skin, making it an excellent option for patients noticing early to moderate signs of ageing.
What Makes Profhilo® Different?
Profhilo® contains 64mg of pure hyaluronic acid using patented NAHYCO® Hybrid Technology, combining:
- High molecular weight hyaluronic acid (H-HA)
- Low molecular weight hyaluronic acid (L-HA)
These hybrid cooperative complexes are produced without chemical cross-linking agents, what this means is it allows the product to spread evenly beneath the skin while maintaining excellent biocompatibility to work naturally.
Rather than acting as a filler, Profhilo® works as a bioremodelling treatment, improving skin quality from within.
How Does Profhilo® Work?
After injection, Profhilo® stimulates several important skin cells, including:
- Fibroblasts (stimulates collagen)
- Keratinocytes (which maintain healthy skin structure)
- Adipocytes (fat cells that help support youthful facial contours)
This stimulation encourages the production of Collagen Types I and III alongside elastin, helping improve skin firmness, elasticity and hydration over time.
Because the product diffuses through the tissues, relatively few injection points are needed compared with many other injectable skin boosters.
Profhilo® has been around for quite some time and has paved the way for many skin boosters, shifting the focus from simply replacing volume to improving skin quality and hydration.
Profhilo® Benefits
Profhilo® may help to:
- Improve skin hydration
- Stimulate collagen and elastin production
- Improve skin firmness and elasticity
- Reduce crepey skin
- Improve overall skin texture
- Restore a healthy glow
- Soften fine lines
- Improve mild skin laxity
Treatment is commonly used on the:
- Face
- Neck
- Décolletage
- Hands
- Arms
- Abdomen
- Knees
What Is SuneKOS®?
SuneKOS® is an injectable skin regeneration treatment that combines low molecular weight hyaluronic acid with a patented blend of six amino acids.
Rather than focusing mainly on hydration, SuneKOS® stimulates the skin to rebuild its own extracellular matrix, improving elasticity, firmness and overall skin quality.
It is particularly well suited for delicate areas such as around the eyes, where traditional skin boosters may not always be appropriate.
What Makes SuneKOS® Different?
The patented combination of hyaluronic acid and amino acids provides the essential building blocks required for more collagen and elastin production. Unlike treatments that rely mainly on hydration, SuneKOS® takes a step further to actively encourage skin regeneration by stimulating the body’s own repair processes.
How Does SUNEKOS® Work?
The amino acid complex stimulates fibroblasts to produce several important structural proteins, including:
- Collagen Type I
- Collagen Type III
- Collagen Type IV
- Collagen Type VII
- Elastin
- Fibronectin
Together these proteins strengthen the skin’s extracellular matrix, improving elasticity, firmness and skin quality while maintaining natural facial movement.
SuneKOS® 1200 is used first and contains a high molecular weight Hyaluronic Acid. It’s designed to “prime” the skin or provide the scaffolding, with antioxidant protection to neutralise free radicals, and essentially protect the skin cell matrix from further degradation. It helps reduce a process known as inflammaging—the chronic, low-grade inflammation that accelerates biological skin ageing over time. This is then followed by SuneKOS Performa – a low molecular weight formula of complex amino acids.
SuneKOS® Treatment Protocol
Treatment is typically carried out in a Three Staged Protocol:
- Repair – SuneKOS® 1200 & SuneKOS are both used in initial appointment
- Rebuild Protocol- SuneKOS® Performa alone is used for following appointments (usually 2-3 further sessions).
- Maintenance Protocol- Top-up treatments at 6 months help maintain collagen production and long-term results.
Benefits of SuneKOS®
SuneKOS® may help to:
- Improve skin elasticity
- Stimulate natural collagen production
- Improve skin hydration
- Reduce fine lines
- Improve skin texture
- Brighten tired-looking skin
- Improve delicate under-eye skin
- Restore a healthier, more youthful appearance
Common treatment areas include:
- Under-eye area
- Face
- Neck
- Décolletage
- Hands
SuneKOS® vs Profhilo®: The Key Differences
1. How They Work
Profhilo® uses one of the highest concentrations of pure high hyaluronic acid available, to deeply hydrate the skin while stimulating collagen and elastin production through a process known as bioremodelling.
SUNEKOS® combines hyaluronic acid with an added patented blend of six amino acids, providing the building blocks needed to stimulate collagen, elastin and other structural proteins within the skin.
In simple terms, Profhilo® is generally more hydration and skin laxity-focused, while SuneKOS® is more so considered for skin regeneration and fine lines, particularly in delicate areas such as around the eyes.
2. Best For Skin Concerns
Profhilo® may suit you if your main concerns are:
- Dehydrated-looking skin, mainly lower face
- Mild sagging or skin laxity
- Loss of glow
- General skin ageing
- Crepey neck skin
SuneKOS® may suit you if your main concerns are:
- Fine lines
- Thin or crepey skin
- Loss of elasticity in areas including the forehead
- Tired-looking under-eye area or dark circles
- Changes in skin texture
- Early signs of ageing
3. Treatment Areas
Profhilo® is commonly used on:
- Lower Face
- Neck
- Décolletage
- Hands
- Knees & Arms (using Profhilo® Body)
SuneKOS® can also be used on all of the above areas. In addition, SuneKOS® Performa has been specifically developed for delicate areas such as around the eyes, where clinically appropriate.
Because Profhilo® has a thicker consistency, it is generally not recommended directly around the under-eye area, as it can risk prolonged swelling (periorbital oedema). It’s also worth noting that Profhilo® is also not suitable for forehead lines, given its thicker consistency, however SuneKOS Performa® works well here.
4. Results
Both treatments work gradually by stimulating your body's own collagen & elastin production.
Profhilo® often produces an early improvement in skin hydration and radiance, followed by increased firmness over the following weeks. Most patients begin noticing visible improvements after three to six weeks, with the best results typically seen around four weeks after the second treatment. Results generally last around six months before maintenance is recommended.
SuneKOS® creates a more gradual improvement in skin texture, elasticity and fine lines. Most patients benefit from a course of three to four treatments approximately two weeks apart, allowing collagen regeneration to build progressively over time.
Neither treatment should make you look "done". The aim is healthier, fresher-looking skin with subtle, natural-looking results.
What to Expect: Profhilo® vs SuneKOS® Appointments
At Coull Aesthetics, every treatment begins with a comprehensive consultation with Orla Coull, Nurse Practitioner and Independent Nurse Prescriber, ensuring your treatment plan is tailored to your individual skin concerns and aesthetic goals.
Both treatments take approximately 30 minutes. Your appointment for all skin boosters begins with cleansing the skin using Clinisept®, followed by the application of topical anaesthetic cream to maximise comfort.
Profhilo®
Profhilo® is administered using five carefully selected Bio Aesthetic Points (BAP) on each side of the face. As the product spreads beneath the skin, relatively few injections are required.
Because Profhilo® has a thicker consistency, you may notice small, raised bumps at the injection sites for up to 24-48 hours. These settle naturally as the product disperses.
SuneKOS®
SuneKOS® is administered using a series of small, precise injections tailored to the protocols and your treatment areas. As more injection points are required, there may be a slightly higher chance of minor bruising compared with Profhilo®, although any bruising with either is usually minimal and easily concealed.
Following treatment, you may experience mild redness for approximately 6 hours (this is due to the amnio acid complex), small bumps also occur which usually settle within 12-24 hours.
After either treatment, you’ll receive personalised aftercare advice. For the first 24 hours we recommend avoiding strenuous exercise, excessive heat (including saunas and steam rooms), alcohol and applying make-up to the treated area.
So Which Is Better: SuneKOS® Or Profhilo®?
They both aim to improve skin quality and both sit firmly within the “natural-looking results” category of injectable treatments. Naturally, patients often ask which one is better.
The honest answer is it depends on your skin, your concerns and what you want the treatment to achieve. There is no universal “better” option.
If your main concern is crepey under-eye skin, fine lines including the forehead, thin skin or tired-looking eyes, SUNEKOS® is often the stronger option because it is specifically suited to fragile, delicate skin. Other treatments, such as polynucleotides, may also be considered for the under-eye area where appropriate.
If your skin feels dry, dull or lacking firmness, Profhilo® may be the better choice. It typically involves just two appointments spaced four weeks apart and provides excellent improvements in hydration and skin quality.
For some patients, the most effective approach is a personalised treatment plan that combines both treatments at different stages or in different treatment areas.
Who Might Prefer Profhilo®?
Profhilo® may be a good fit if you:
- Want a fresh, hydrated look
- Have mild skin laxity
- Do not want facial volume
- Are noticing dullness or loss of firmness
- Want an injectable treatment with subtle, natural-looking results
It is often popular with people who feel their skin no longer looks as plump or luminous as it used to.
Who Might Prefer SuneKOS®?
SuneKOS® may be a good fit if you:
- Have fine lines rather than deeper folds
- Want to improve crepey skin
- Are concerned about skin texture
- Want a gradual, natural-looking result
- Are researching options for delicate areas
It may appeal to people who want overall skin health improvement.
Can You Have SuneKOS® And Profhilo® Together?
Some patients may benefit from using different skin boosters at different stages of their treatment journey.
For example, if your skin is thin and lacking elasticity, I often begin with SUNEKOS® to strengthen and regenerate the skin. Some patients then choose to have a course of Profhilo® afterwards, particularly before a big event such as a wedding, to provide an additional boost of hydration and radiance.
We may also combine treatments by using SUNEKOS® for delicate under-eye rejuvenation and Profhilo® for the lower face, neck or other areas affected by skin laxity.
This should always be discussed during your consultation. A good practitioner will assess your skin, explain your options clearly and recommend the treatments that are most appropriate for your individual concerns.
Common Mistakes When Choosing Between SuneKOS® And Profhilo®
Choosing Based On Trends
A treatment being popular does not mean it is right for your skin.
Expecting Filler-Like Results
Skin boosters improve skin quality. They do not replace lost volume in the way dermal fillers can.
Ignoring Skin Health
If your skin barrier, pigmentation, acne, rosacea or sun damage needs support, injectable treatments may work best alongside a wider skin plan.
Choosing On Price Alone
Injectable treatments should be chosen based on suitability, safety and practitioner expertise, not just cost.
Safety Considerations Before Any Injectable Skin Treatment
Before having SuneKOS®, Profhilo® or any injectable treatment, you should feel confident that your practitioner:
- Is appropriately trained
- Understands facial anatomy
- Uses genuine products
- Explains risks and aftercare
- Takes a medical history
- Gives you time to decide
- Can manage complications
You should never feel rushed, pressured or confused during a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SuneKOS® The Same As Profhilo®?
Does Profhilo® Add Volume?
Does SuneKOS® Help Fine Lines?
Which Looks More Natural?
Which Is Better For Under Eyes?
How Do I Know Which Treatment I Need?
The Best Next Step If You Are Unsure
If you are comparing SuneKOS® vs Profhilo®, the most helpful next step is not to choose a product first, but to understand what your skin truly needs.
A consultation can help clarify whether your main concern is hydration, laxity, fine lines, collagen loss, skin texture or something else entirely.
At Coull Aesthetics, the focus is on natural-looking results, safe treatment planning and honest advice. You can explore suitable options or speak with Orla about which approach is right for your skin.
