What is PDRN? The Salmon Skincare Trend Explained.

I tried PDRN (or salmon DNA)—the latest K-beauty obsession for skin repair and anti-aging, but is it worth the hype? Learn about its benefits, why it's trending, and the best PDRN-infused products to try.

There are some skincare ingredients that make perfect sense—like hyaluronic acid for hydration or vitamin C for brightening. And then there are those that leave you staring at the label, questioning all your life choices. Enter PDRN—or polydeoxyribonucleotide, if you like your skincare ingredients to also be tongue twisters.

During my recent visit to Seoul, I saw this ingredient popping up in all the best-selling Korean skincare products. It got me wondering: What exactly is PDRN, and does it live up to the hype? The answer may surprise you.

What Exactly Is PDRN?

Ok, if you’re squeamish about your skincare, then I suggest you stop reading here, because PDRN consists of DNA fragments mainly derived from the sperm cells of salmon or trout. That’s right. Fish sperm DNA. In your skincare. And you thought snail mucin was the weirdest ingredient in your K-beauty products.

However, if you can get over what’s in PDRN, it actually does have some serious science behind it. PDRN was already being used in medical treatments for wound healing and skin regeneration. Doctors have applied it for burns, scars, and even post-surgical recovery. So, despite its rather unusual source, it does have very legit credentials.

How PDRN Took Over Korean Skincare

While PDRN started out as a post-surgical treatment, it quickly made it’s way into skincare once the beauty gurus in Korea found out about it.

The brand Rejuran was the first to popularize PDRN in the form of skin boosters—dermal injections that dermatologists used to improve skin elasticity, repair damage, and reduce fine lines. These treatments, though invasive, are incredibly popular in Korea even today, with many skincare lovers and influencers traveling all the way to Seoul to try it for themselves.

As the buzz around PDRN injectables grew, beauty brands saw an opportunity to bring these benefits to a wider audience—minus the needles. This led to the development of topical PDRN treatments, from serums and ampoules to creams and sheet masks. While topical versions may not penetrate as deeply as injections, they still provide some great skin benefits.

And of course, the social media hype hasn’t hurt either. With influencers showcasing their “glass skin” results, PDRN has quickly gone from a niche ingredient to a must-try trend.

The Benefits of PDRN

So, what exactly does slathering on salmon DNA do for your skin? Here’s what the research—and social media—says:

• Boosts Skin Regeneration – PDRN encourages cell turnover, helping with wound healing, acne scars, and overall skin texture.

• Stimulates Collagen Production – More collagen means plumper, firmer, and more youthful-looking skin over time.

• Reduces Inflammation and Repairs Damaged Skin – If you struggle with redness, sensitivity, or irritation, PDRN has soothing properties that can help calm things down and repair your skin.

Does it work? My Experience with PDRN

As the saying goes, ‘When in Korea, do as the Koreans do’. And so I did just that, and picked up a whole bunch of PDRN containing skincare products. I haven’t incorporated them all in my routine yet (the theme of this blog being skinimalism and all), but I have tried one of the PDRN ampoules from the OG, Rejuran. I’ve incorporated it into my night time routine, after my active. So, my current routine looks something like this:

• Start with a double cleanse

• Follow with my active (retinoid on alternative nights, VT reedle shot on other nights)

• Calm the skin with the Rejuran PDRN ampoule

• Finish off with a moisturizer

This particular ampoule is lightweight, yet feels very nourishing—perfect for my oily, acne-prone skin. And before you ask, no, it doesn’t smell like fish either. It actually doesn’t have any scent at all, which I love!

I have to say that in just a couple of weeks, I’ve noticed a difference in my skin. I find that it’s plumper and more rejuvenated in the mornings, rather than feeling tight like it used to, especially after retinoid nights. I used to feel like I needed to follow up my night time actives with a lot of hydrating, calming and barrier repairing products, but the PDRN ampoule was able to replace all the others without my skin feeling dry or irritated. I’m not quite sure about the anti-aging benefits yet, but that’s more of a long game anyway.

In short, if you can get past where the ingredient comes from, I would highly recommend a PDRN product to anyone with dehydrated, damaged, or aging skin.

Best PDRN Skincare Products to Try

If you’re curious about giving PDRN a shot (without, you know, actually getting shots), here are some of the products that the Korean girls are loving:

Best Overall: Rejuran Moisture Treatment Ampoule

The OG brand, the one that started it all with their healer injections, Rejuran’s PDRN products are all the rage for a reason. While they have PDRN in many forms, including nourishing essences, creams and even 3 different types of ampoules, I’m loving this lightweight hydrating ampoule, perfect for all skin types IMO. It was soothing and nourishing on my oily, acne-prone skin, without feeling too heavy. It also claims to boost elasticity and refine skin texture.

Best Vegan Alternative: VT Cosmetics PDRN 100 Essence

Good news, there is a vegan alternative to the salmon sperm DNA! The VT cosmetics essence uses PDRN derived from ginseng to provide many of the same benefits, including hydration and skin renewal. Keep in mind that the research around vegan PDRN is far more limited than that around salmon-derived PDRN, so it may not work quite as well. But if you’re interested in the benefits of this ingredient, but don’t want to support an animal-derived product, then the VT essence is well worth a try.

Best for Sensitive Skin: Heveblue Salmon Caring Centella Cream

If you really want to amp up the calming and soothing effects of your PDRN product, replace your moisturizer with this cream that combines salmon-derived PDRN with skincare powerhouses like Centella Asiatica, Madecassoside, and Green Tea extract. Making it ideal for hydrating and repairing sensitive or compromised skin.

Best for Anti-Aging: Medicube Pink Peptide PDRN Serum

While PDRN on its own is meant to provide some anti-aging benefits, this serum takes that to the next level by combining salmon-derived PDRN with 5 different types of Peptides to provide additional anti-aging firepower. A good concentration of Niacinamide also helps to even out the skin tone, giving you glowing skin in return.

Final Thoughts: Is PDRN Worth the Hype?

So, is PDRN the next big skincare breakthrough, or just another fleeting trend? Honestly, it depends on what you’re looking for.

If you want long-term skin repair, nourishing and barrier-strengthening benefits, PDRN is a solid ingredient backed by medical science. However, if your main concern is acne, excess oil, or you’re looking for immediate results, you might be better off with other active ingredients. At the end of the day, PDRN is just one piece of the skincare puzzle. It’s not magic, but if you’re in the market for a skin-repairing powerhouse, it might just be worth a try.

About The Skinimalist

Hi, I’m Mal, a 30-something recovering skincare addict, and this is my blog. A space where I attempt to de-influence you from chasing trends and buying more skincare products you may not need.

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