PDRN has quickly become one of K-beauty’s most talked-about skincare ingredients, often making headlines as ‘salmon sperm skincare’. But beyond the viral name, what is PDRN and what can it actually do for your skin? From hydration and radiance to smoother-looking skin, we’re breaking down the benefits of PDRN and how to add it to your routine.

What Is PDRN And What Does It Do?

PDRN stands for polydeoxyribonucleotide, a compound made up of small fragments of DNA. Originally used in regenerative medicine, it has since made its way into K-beauty, appearing in serums, toners, creams, masks and eye treatments designed to support hydration, elasticity and radiance.

What Are The Benefits Of PDRN For Skin?

PDRN is a popular addition to routines focused on hydration, radiance and healthier-looking skin.

• Supports hydration and plumpness: PDRN is often paired with hydrating ingredients to help replenish moisture and leave skin looking plumper.

• Promotes smoother-looking skin: PDRN formulas can help support a softer, more refined-looking complexion.

• Supports firmness and elasticity: PDRN is commonly used in skincare targeting elasticity, fine lines and firmer-looking skin.

• Supports radiance and the skin barrier: PDRN formulas can help dull, stressed-looking skin appear fresher while supporting a healthy-looking skin barrier.

Is PDRN Good For Acne?

PDRN is not an acne treatment, but hydrating and barrier-supporting formulas may be useful within a routine for skin that also experiences blemishes. If acne is your main concern, look for proven acne-focused ingredients and choose lightweight, non-comedogenic PDRN formulas where possible.

Is PDRN Good For Dark Spots?

PDRN is mainly used for hydration, radiance and smoother-looking skin rather than directly treating pigmentation. Some PDRN products also contain ingredients such as Niacinamide that may help improve the appearance of uneven tone and dark spots.

Is PDRN Made From Salmon Sperm - And Is There Vegan PDRN?

In many cases, yes - traditional PDRN is extracted and purified from the reproductive cells of salmon or trout, which is where the viral ‘salmon sperm skincare’ nickname comes from. The ingredient used in skincare is purified DNA fragments rather than raw salmon sperm.

However, not all PDRN is animal-derived. Plant-based alternatives are becoming increasingly common, with the Axis-Y 6+1+1 Triple PDRN Gel Toner using plant-derived PDRN, the Haruharu Wonder Rose PDRN Peptide Glowy Balm featuring vegan Rose PDRN and the Abib PDRN Retinal Eye Patch Glow Jelly containing plant-derived PDRN.

Research into plant-derived PDRN is still developing, so it shouldn’t necessarily be considered a like-for-like alternative to traditional salmon-derived PDRN.

Is PDRN Good For Every Skin Type?

PDRN can work across a range of skin types, but the best formula will depend on your individual skin needs and the other ingredients included.

• Dry or dehydrated skin: Look for PDRN paired with ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid and Peptides to help replenish hydration and support plumper-looking skin.

• Dull or mature skin: PDRN formulas focused on radiance, firmness and elasticity can help support smoother, healthier-looking skin.

• Sensitive skin: Choose gentle, barrier-supporting formulas. The Dr. Althea PDRN Reju 5000 Cream combines PDRN with Panthenol, Centella Asiatica and Hyaluronic Acid.

• Combination or oily skin: Lightweight serums, toners and gels can be easier to layer. The Axis-Y 6+1+1 Triple PDRN Gel Toner offers a lightweight, cooling texture without feeling heavy.

Does PDRN Skincare Actually Work?

PDRN has an established research background in regenerative medicine, where it has been studied for its role in tissue repair and skin regeneration. Research into everyday topical PDRN skincare is still developing, so serums, creams and toners shouldn’t be expected to deliver the same results as injectable PDRN or polynucleotide treatments.

Topical PDRN can, however, be a useful addition to routines focused on hydration, radiance and smoother, healthier-looking skin.

PDRN For Beginners: How Do You Start Using It?

If you’re new to PDRN, start with one product rather than introducing several at once. A serum, toner or moisturiser is an easy place to begin, depending on your preferred texture and skincare needs.

How often you use PDRN depends on the individual formula. Some PDRN skincare can be used morning and evening, while treatments such as masks may be used less frequently. Follow the product instructions and see how your skin responds before adding more PDRN products.

How To Build A PDRN Skincare Routine

Adding PDRN to your routine doesn’t need to be complicated. Choose the format that works for you and layer it alongside your usual skincare.

Morning Routine

• Cleanse to refresh the skin.

• PDRN toner to hydrate and prep, such as the Numbuzin No. 9 NAD+ PDRN Glow Boosting Toner.

• PDRN serum to support hydration, radiance and firmer-looking skin. Try the Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum.

• Eye cream if needed, such as the Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Eye Cream.

• Moisturiser to lock in hydration.

• SPF to help protect your skin throughout the day.

Evening Routine

• Cleanse to remove makeup, SPF and daily build-up.

• PDRN toner and serum to hydrate and support smoother-looking skin.

• Eye treatment if needed.

• Moisturiser to support the skin barrier overnight.

• PDRN mask when your skin needs an extra hydration boost, such as the Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Gel Mask or Biodance Rejuvenating Caviar PDRN Real Deep Mask.

What Can You Use With PDRN?

PDRN works well alongside many popular skincare ingredients, making it easy to introduce into an existing routine.

Hyaluronic Acid: Pair PDRN with Hyaluronic Acid for added hydration and plumper-looking skin. You’ll find both in the Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum.

Peptides: PDRN and Peptides work well in routines focused on firmness, elasticity and smoother-looking skin.

Niacinamide: Pairing PDRN with Niacinamide can support the skin barrier while helping improve radiance and the appearance of uneven tone.

Retinol or Retinal: PDRN can also be used alongside Retinoids in routines targeting fine lines and texture. The Abib PDRN Retinal Eye Patch Glow Jelly combines plant-derived PDRN with Retinal, vegan Collagen and Caffeine. As Retinoids can be potent, introduce them gradually and consider the complete formula.

PDRN Vs Retinol Vs Hyaluronic Acid

These ingredients serve different purposes, so one is not necessarily better than another.

PDRN Vs Retinol

PDRN is generally used to support hydration, radiance, elasticity and smoother-looking skin. Retinol works differently by increasing skin cell turnover and is commonly used for fine lines, texture and blemishes.

They can be used within the same routine, but Retinoids are more likely to cause dryness or irritation and should be introduced gradually.

PDRN Vs Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic Acid primarily helps attract and retain moisture, making it a go-to ingredient for hydration and plumpness. PDRN is used more broadly in formulas focused on hydration, elasticity and skin regeneration.

The two ingredients are often paired rather than treated as alternatives.

How Much PDRN Is Effective?

There is currently no universally established percentage of topical PDRN that guarantees better results, and brands may describe PDRN concentrations in different ways.

Rather than choosing a product based only on the number shown on the label, consider the complete formula, the type of PDRN used and supporting ingredients such as Peptides, Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides or Niacinamide. Follow the product directions rather than assuming a higher concentration is automatically better.

The Best PDRN Skincare Products To Try

From glow-boosting serums to hydrating masks, PDRN comes in plenty of different formats. Here are some of our top picks.

Best PDRN Serum: Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum

A great introduction to PDRN, this lightweight serum combines Salmon PDRN with Peptides, Hyaluronic Acid and Salmon Collagen to hydrate, brighten and support firmer, smoother-looking skin.

Best PDRN Toner For Glow: Numbuzin No. 9 NAD+ PDRN Glow Boosting Toner

Combining Salmon PDRN with NAD+, Peptides and Ceramides, this nourishing toner helps support elasticity while leaving skin looking plumper, dewier and more radiant.

Best Plant-Derived PDRN Toner: Axis-Y 6+1+1 Triple PDRN Gel Toner

This vegan-friendly toner combines plant-derived Triple Berry PDRN with Astaxanthin, Collagen and Peptides in a lightweight cooling gel designed to hydrate and soothe without heaviness.

Best PDRN Cream: Dr. Althea PDRN Reju 5000 Cream

Combining Biome PDRN with Panthenol, Centella Asiatica Leaf Water and Hyaluronic Acid, this lightweight moisturiser helps soothe, hydrate and support the skin barrier.

Best PDRN Mask: Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Gel Mask

This viral cooling hydrogel mask pairs Salmon PDRN with Hydrolysed Collagen and Peptides to leave skin looking plumper and smoother. Wear it for 3-4 hours or until the mask turns transparent, or leave it on overnight for an intensive hydration and glow boost.

Best PDRN Eye Treatment: Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Eye Cream

Salmon PDRN, Peptides, Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid come together in this lightweight eye cream to target hydration, fine lines, dullness and the appearance of dark circles.

PDRN FAQs

Is PDRN Salmon Sperm?

Traditional PDRN is commonly derived from purified DNA extracted from salmon or trout reproductive cells, which is where the term ‘salmon sperm skincare’ comes from. The PDRN used in skincare is purified DNA fragments rather than raw salmon sperm.

Is PDRN Vegan?

Not always. Salmon-derived PDRN is not vegan, but some skincare products now use plant-derived PDRN instead. Always check the individual formula if a vegan product is important to you.

Can You Use PDRN Every Day?

Many topical PDRN products are suitable for daily use, including morning and evening, but this depends on the individual formula. Always follow the product instructions and introduce new skincare gradually.

How Long Does PDRN Take To Work?

There is no fixed timeframe because results depend on the formula, your skin and what you are trying to improve. Hydrating effects may be noticeable sooner, while changes in radiance, texture or firmness may require more consistent use over several weeks.

Can You Use PDRN With Retinol?

Yes, PDRN can be used alongside retinol or retinal. However, Retinoids can sometimes cause dryness or sensitivity, so introduce them gradually and consider the complete product formula.

Is PDRN The Same As Polynucleotides?

PDRN and polynucleotides are closely related DNA-derived ingredients, but they are not exactly the same. Most importantly, topical PDRN skincare should not be confused with injectable polynucleotide treatments used in aesthetic clinics.

Does PDRN Have Side Effects?

Topical PDRN is generally used in formulas designed to be well tolerated, but reactions can depend on the complete product formula and your individual skin. Patch test new skincare and introduce it gradually, particularly if you have sensitive skin.

Discover PDRN Skincare At Justmylook

From glow-boosting serums and hydrating toners to nourishing creams, masks and eye treatments, discover PDRN skincare to suit every step of your routine. Shop the full PDRN range at Justmylook and find your new skincare favourite.