Every once in a while, the world of skincare is turned upside down by an incredibly promising new ingredient with a difficult-to-pronounce name: that’s what’s currently happening with PDRN, or Polydeoxyribonucleotide. Extracted from salmon cells, PDRN is a DNA extract that appears to be quite promising in terms of its anti-aging properties–but does anyone actually know how it works, or what it does? Let’s find out!
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What is PDRN?
PDRN, or Polydeoxyribonucleotide, is a DNA extract derived from salmon or trout.
Widely recognized for its regenerative properties, PDRN has been used to treat radiation-induced tissue damage and to promote wound healing in various types of injuries, including diabetic wounds. According to a 2025 study, PDRN works mainly by stimulating collagen production, promoting angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels), and reducing inflammation.
How PDRN benefits the skin
If you’re wondering whether PDRN would be good for your skin, you’re not alone: in recent years, researchers have turned to the potential uses of PDRN in dermatology, investigating how its regenerative properties may be able to correct signs of aging, repair the skin, minimize acne scars, dark spots, or hyperpigmentation, and even help manage hair loss.
According to a 2024 study, “clinical studies have shown that when PDRN is administered intradermally, it accelerates wound healing, improves skin elasticity, reduces wrinkles, and even supports hair regrowth.” Other studies have found that PDRN can help with collagen synthesis, anti-inflammation, and hyperpigmentation treatment, referring to the ingredient as “a promising skin anti-aging agent”.
PDRN injectables vs PDRN skincare
Did you catch that detail above, “when PDRN is administered intradermally”? That’s right. PDRN injectables are popular in countries like Singapore and South Korea, and that’s where most of the evidence for the benefits of PDRN comes from.
As for its topical use–aka application in serums and creams–we don’t have quite as much evidence. Plus, there are concerns among researchers that the PDRN molecule might be too large to pass through the skin barrier, which could limit its ability to deliver benefits to deeper layers of the skin. Researchers are currently looking into how best to work with “nanoformulated PDRN”, essentially a version of the ingredient with a very low molecular weight that might be able to solve this issue.
What about vegan PDRN?
If you look through the PDRN skincare products currently on the market, you’ll probably come across K-Beauty products with vegan PDRN, or “phyto PDRN”–meaning, DNA extracts from plants that aim to provide similar effects to the DNA extracted from salmon. Depending on the brand, you might see PDRN extracted from ginseng, Centella asiatica, rice, or green tea, all ingredients that are commonly used in Korean skincare.
At this point, there’s no saying whether vegan PDRN is as effective as salmon PDRN. That makes sense, of course, based on what we’ve seen above: most of the evidence we currently have on the effectiveness of PDRN comes from studies with injectable salmon PDRN. Evidence for topical PDRN (not to mention topical vegan PDRN!) is still scarce.
It’s worth remembering, however, that the effectiveness of a product depends on its formula, and PDRN is rarely used on its own–it’s often combined with peptides, niacinamide, or other active ingredients. If a vegan PDRN product catches your eye, try it and see how your skin reacts! All things considered, the formula might actually end up being a good fit for you.
PDRN skincare you can try right now
More and more brands are exploring skincare formulations with PDRN–below, we’ll share you some of our favorite products, and why you may want to try them in your skincare routine.
Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum
If you love the glass skin look, you may want to try the Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum. Formulated with salmon PDRN, hyaluronic acid, and collagen, this serum has been especially designed to deliver long-lasting hydration to the skin, with a plumping, smoothing effect and a dewy, radiant finish.
The lightweight texture of this serum makes it quite versatile, so you can use it on its own, under makeup for a perfectly even base, or even as a sleeping mask in the evening, for in-depth overnight hydration.
Dermagius Exocare PDRN Serum
The Dermagius Exocare PDRN Serum is a regenerating and rejuvenating serum formulated with salmon PDRN, plant-derived exosomes, and Centella asiatica. The intensive formula helps stimulate collagen synthesis, promote skin firmness, and even out the texture and appearance of the skin.
Due to its powerful regenerating action, this serum can be used everyday as part of your anti-aging routine; it’s also an ideal complement to aesthetic procedures, as it helps repair and strengthen the skin barrier.
Eqqualberry Purple PDRN Pore Minimizing Serum
Formulated with a combination of rice PDRN, niacinamide, and PHAs, the Eqqualberry Purple PDRN Pore Minimizing Serum aims to restore elasticity and brightness to the skin, all the while tightening pores for a more refined skin texture.
The fluid formula instantly absorbs into the skin, making it ideal for oily and acne-prone skin.
Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum
The Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum is the ideal product for anyone looking for an anti-aging cocktail.
Formulated with PDRN, an exclusive Peptide Complex, and niacinamide, this collagen-boosting serum works overtime to improve fine lines, promote skin elasticity and firmness, and minimize the appearance of uneven spots or patches. The result is glowing, radiant skin that looks and feels incredibly smooth.
Interested in PDRN for its anti-aging benefits? Then be sure to check out our selection of anti-aging skincare products in the shop–there’s something for everyone!
