WHAT IS PDRN? THE LATEST SKINCARE INGREDIENT EVERYONE’S TALKING ABOUT
If you’ve been scrolling through TikTok recently and your FYP is full of Korean influencers showing off their glass-like skin (minus the makeup) chances are they’re incorporating the latest ingredient within the K-Beauty sphere: PDRN, otherwise known as salmon sperm. And while yes, it may sound ludicrous to use it onto your complexion, the decades of research behind this trending ingredient's effectiveness is really giving PDRN some credibility.
Now, before we all hurry to add to basket, let’s take a deep dive into what PDRN is, how to use PDRN and which skincare heroes we recommend to start your journey to stronger, plumper, more resilient-looking skin.
In This Article
- What Is PDRN
- What are PDRN's Skincare Benefits
- How To Use PDRN In Your Skincare Routine
- The Best PDRN Skincare
- PDRN FAQs
WHAT IS PDRN
Let’s start with the basics: what is PDRN?
PDRN, short for polydeoxyribonucleotide, is a powerful regenerative ingredient made up of DNA fragments derived from the sperm cells of certain trout — and, more commonly in PDRN skincare, salmon. Yes, technically, that does mean fish sperm. But before you panic, know that salmon DNA is considered the gold standard thanks to its exceptional purity and biocompatibility.
Originally, PDRN gained cult status in medical aesthetics as an injectable treatment, where it was used to accelerate wound healing, stimulating tissue repair and rejuvenating compromised skin. You might recognise it from coveted in-clinic treatments like salmon DNA injections — famed for delivering next-level glow, firmness and skin regeneration.
Now, thanks to advanced formulation technology, PDRN has made its way into topical skincare, making these professional-grade benefits accessible at home. And naturally, K-beauty was first to embrace it, cementing PDRN as a staple ingredient in Korea’s most cutting-edge skin-repair formulas.
To create skincare-grade PDRN, the DNA from the salmon is carefully extracted, purified, filtered and sterilised, removing proteins, peptides and potential irritants. The result? A next-generation ingredient that mimics human DNA structure, meaning your skin instantly recognises it — and knows exactly what to do with it.
WHAT ARE PDRN’S SKINCARE BENEFITS?
In short... a lot.
PDRN skincare works at a cellular level to stimulate collagen and elastin production, helping to visibly improve skin texture, tone and firmness, while softening the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Its magic lies in activating A2A receptors within the skin — key regulators of inflammation, repair and regeneration. Once triggered, these receptors accelerate cell turnover, promote tissue healing and strengthen the skin barrier, resulting in plumper, smoother, brighter and more resilient skin.
But the glow doesn’t stop there. Research also shows that PDRN can inhibit excess melanin production, helping to reduce hyperpigmentation, fade acne scarring and soften sun spots for a clearer, more even complexion.
One of PDRN’s standout strengths is its universality. Gentle yet powerful, it suits all skin types — including sensitive, reactive and post-procedure skin — and layers seamlessly with other actives. From retinol and vitamin C to growth factors, AHAs and BHAs, PDRN boosts results without increasing irritation, making it the ultimate routine amplifier.
HOW TO USE PDRN IN YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE
Wondering how to use PDRN? Easy.
The best way to layer PDRN is to use it last after cleansing, toning, a serum, ampoule or essence. You then apply your preferred PDRN formula, followed by your moisturiser to lock in hydration and activate benefits. Depending on which PDRN serum you use, this can be applied morning, evening or both — especially if your goals include repair, glow, anti-ageing or barrier support.
Thanks to its calming, restorative properties, PDRN fits effortlessly into any routine, whether you’re tackling pigmentation, dehydration, breakouts or early signs of ageing.
The bottom line? If luminous, resilient, next-level skin is the goal, PDRN is the ingredient your routine’s been waiting for.
THE BEST PDRN SKINCARE
£20.00
Blending PDRN-rich salmon sperm DNA with a multi-layer hyalyronic acid complex and low-molecular collagen, Anua’s PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum is the hydrating powerhouse that instantly levels up moisture and boosts skin’s resilience. Supporting your complexions natural repair and regeneration processes, this ultra-light capsule ensures a sustained release of actives deep into the skin. Ideal for everyday use, it boosts hydration, radiance and bounce without leaving skin feeling heavy.
£36.00
Pairing a plant-derived alternative to traditional salmon DNA with a Triple Retinol Complex, INNISFREE’s Retinol Green Tea PDRN Firming Serum helps to support skin from the inside out. Reinforcing the complexion’s natural cell turnover and elasticity, this super serum works in sync with retinol and hyaluronic acid to smooth texture, minimise the look of fine lines and wrinkles and level up hydration.
£14.90
Indulge in a luxurious mid-week spa experience with Biodance’s Caviar PDRN Real Deep Mask. Infused with high concentrations of PDRN and caviar extract, this hydrogel mask deeply nourishes and revives tired and dull complexions. Stimulating skin’s renewal and amplifying the skin’s barrier, this cooling, essence-soaked mask calls on rich caviar complexes and salmon egg extract to deliver protein and nutrients to ensure a smoother, more refined looking complexion.
£34.00
Harnessing vegan PDRN derived from ginseng and a soothing complex of ceramides and hydrating panthenol, VT Cosmetics’ PDRN Essence 100 is the lightweight, glow-booster that works to fortify the skin barrier, activate the skin’s natural repair pathways and promotes skin’s regeneration for a complexion that looks supple, refined and restored.
PDRN FAQs
What is better, retinol or PDRN?
Whether PDRN or retinol is “better” really depends on your skin concerns and goals. Retinol works by accelerating cell turnover, stimulating collagen production, and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. PDRN, on the other hand, works at a deeper, cellular level to activate repair pathways, boost collagen and elastin, calm inflammation and strengthen the skin barrier. It’s gentler and slower-acting, focusing more on repair than resurfacing. The good news? You don’t have to choose — many people layer or alternate PDRN with retinol to enjoy the best of both worlds: potent anti-aging results without compromising skin health.
What do Koreans use instead of retinol?
Within the K-Beauty world, retinol isn’t as dominant an ingredient as it is in the West, because Korean formulas prioritise gentle, multi-layered routines over more aggressive skin resurfacing formulas. So, the alternatives that they most commonly use offer brightening, cell-renewal benefits without the irritation. Most notably, Korean skincare routines call on peptides and growth factors, PDRN, bakuchiol, niacinamide and enzymatic exfoliants like lactic acid.
Do dermatologists recommend PDRN?
Yes, many dermatologists do recommend PDRN because it’s seen as a safe, science-backed regenerative ingredient that is useful at promoting tissue repair, collagen and elastin synthesis and great addition for those with fine lines, damage and dehydration. Because it’s also non-irritating, it’s a universally tolerated ingredient that works with even sensitive skin.
Rina is Cult Beauty’s SEO Content Strategist and Beauty Expert and has always had a passion for beauty and skin care (rich moisturisers are her obsession). What started as a love for The Body Shop and their famed Born Lippy lip balms (in ‘Watermelon’ of course!), she is now more interested in finding products with proven effectiveness instead of broken promises. A loud and proud VIEVE fan, Rina owns nearly every item of the range and recommends the brand to anyone who will listen... When she’s not intently reading ingredient lists, you can find her either immersed in multiple true crime podcasts or a fantasy romance novel, with an *extra* hot cappuccino in hand.
