Few ingredients are searched for as often right now as PDRN – often called “salmon DNA”. It became famous through treatments at Korean skin clinics and is now found in serums, creams and masks. Here you’ll find an honest look at what PDRN is, what a serum can (and can’t) do, how to spot PDRN on an ingredient list – and which products are worth it.
In a nutshell
PDRN consists of DNA fragments, usually derived from salmon or trout. In clinics it is injected; in skincare it comes in serums and creams and mainly provides hydration and a smoother, calmer-feeling complexion. On the ingredient list it usually appears as “Sodium DNA”.
What is PDRN?
PDRN stands for polydeoxyribonucleotide. It isn’t a single molecule but a mixture of short DNA fragments. It is usually obtained from the germ-cell DNA of salmon or trout – hence the nicknames “salmon DNA” or “Lachs-DNA”. There are also variants produced biotechnologically or derived from plants.
PDRN has been used in medicine for some time, for example to support wound healing. The beauty hype came from Korea, where treatments with injected polynucleotides (known, for example, under the brand name Rejuran) are very popular.
Injection or serum: what’s the difference?
An honest look is worthwhile here. The impressive results you often read about come mainly from studies on injections – where the active ingredient reaches deeper layers of the skin directly. A serum or cream, on the other hand, works on the skin’s surface.
That doesn’t mean PDRN skincare does nothing. Good PDRN products combine the ingredient with humectants like hyaluronic acid, with niacinamide or peptides. The result is well-hydrated, plump and calm-looking skin – but not a substitute for a treatment by a dermatologist.
How to spot PDRN on the ingredient list
- “Sodium DNA” – the most common name for PDRN in cosmetics. Sometimes also “Hydrolyzed DNA”.
- “Salmon Egg Extract” is not the same as PDRN, but an additional extract from salmon roe.
- Vegan variants are often marketed as “Phyto-PDRN”. Whether a product is vegan is stated by the manufacturer – check if in doubt.
- If “PDRN” is printed in big letters on the packaging, “Sodium DNA” should also appear in the list.
Our PDRN products compared
| What’s inside | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum | PDRN (Sodium DNA), 5 peptides, niacinamide | €18.49 |
| Anua PDRN Capsule 100 Serum | PDRN, many types of hyaluronic acid, light and watery | €22.99 |
| Medicube PDRN Capsule Cream | PDRN, 5% niacinamide, gel cream with capsules | €21.99 |
| VT PDRN Essence 100 | Ginseng, ceramides, vegan according to the manufacturer | €28.49 |
The starter pick
Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum 30 ml
PDRN plus five peptides and niacinamide – our most affordable way into the trend.
Discover from €18.49
For hydration
Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum
A watery, lightweight serum with PDRN and hyaluronic acid – ideal for combination and sensitive skin.
Discover from €22.99
As a cream
Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Capsule Cream 55 g
A gel cream with pink capsules, PDRN and 5% niacinamide – as the final step of your routine.
Discover from €21.99
Vegan according to the manufacturer
VT Cosmetics PDRN Essence 100
A nourishing essence with ginseng extract and ceramides – lovely for dry and mature skin.
Discover from €28.49How to use PDRN correctly
- Cleanse your face and apply toner.
- Gently pat in a few drops of PDRN serum.
- Finish with a cream – a PDRN cream works nicely for extra care.
- Always use sun protection in the morning.
PDRN is gentle and pairs well with other ingredients – with vitamin C, retinol or acids. With retinol, the usual rule applies: increase slowly and listen to your skin.
Frequently asked questions
Is PDRN really made from salmon sperm?
Yes, classic PDRN is obtained from the germ-cell DNA of salmon or trout. But there are also variants produced biotechnologically or from plants.
Does a PDRN serum work like a treatment at the doctor’s?
No. Injections work in deeper layers of the skin. A serum cares for the skin’s surface – mainly with hydration and a smoother skin feel.
Is PDRN vegan?
Classic PDRN isn’t, as it comes from fish. Some brands offer vegan variants – this will be stated on the product.
I have a fish allergy – can I use PDRN?
If in doubt, talk to your doctor and choose a product labelled as vegan instead.
When will I see results?
You’ll often feel more hydrated right away. For an overall smoother, calmer-looking complexion, give a new product about 4 weeks.
Read more: Collagen sleeping masks, How to combine active ingredients and A Korean routine for mature skin.
All products are 100% authentic, shipped from Germany within 2–5 business days. Shipping €1.99, free from €29. Not sure what suits your skin? Ask our free AI skin advisor at juveamiel.com.
