PDRN

What is PDRN?

PDRN – short for polydeoxyribonucleotide – consists of short DNA fragments. Traditionally they are obtained from salmon, hence the nickname “salmon DNA”. There are now also plant-based versions, for example from algae, ginseng or centella, often called phyto-PDRN.

PDRN became known in Korea through treatments in aesthetic clinics, where it is injected into the skin. The cosmetics industry picked up the trend: today PDRN is found in serums, toners, creams and masks – no needles required. On the INCI list you will find it as Sodium DNA or Hydrolyzed DNA, for example.

How does PDRN work on the skin?

• Regeneration: PDRN provides building blocks that cells can use for repair and renewal.
• Hydration: Skin looks plumper and feels suppler.
• Elasticity: Used regularly, PDRN supports firmer, smoother-looking skin.
• Soothing: PDRN is considered gentle and also suits stressed skin, for example after sun exposure or peels.
• Glow: Many users describe a fresh, “healthy” complexion – one of the reasons for the hype.

Which skin types is PDRN suitable for?

PDRN is very well tolerated and suits all skin types, especially:

• mature skin that is losing firmness – see Anti-ageing skincare
• tired, dull skin that needs glow – see Glow skincare
• stressed skin after retinol, peels or cosmetic treatments
• dry skin that needs hydration and regeneration

How to use PDRN

1. Cleanse your face and apply a PDRN toner or toner pads.
2. Work in a PDRN serum or ampoule – this is usually where the concentration is highest.
3. Finish with a cream, and in the morning with sunscreen.

You can use PDRN morning and evening. First effects on hydration and glow often appear after two to four weeks.

What can you combine PDRN with?

PDRN is an easy team player:

• Peptides and collagen for an anti-ageing routine focused on firmness
• Hyaluronic acid for extra hydration
• Centella Asiatica for sensitive, reddened skin
• Niacinamide for an even complexion
• Retinol – PDRN can support the skin while it gets used to retinol

PDRN in Korean skincare

PDRN is one of the biggest K-beauty trends of recent years. It was popularised by REJURAN – the brand behind the clinic treatment “Rejuran Healer”, which now also offers skincare for home use. Other favourites include the PDRN Pink Collection from medicube, Anua’s PDRN Hyaluronic Acid line and the PDRN and Reedle Shot products from VT. PDRN is often combined with collagen, peptides or NAD+. Our Korean PDRN skincare collection has more than 160 products.

What does the research say?

In medicine, PDRN has mainly been studied for wound healing. A review describes how PDRN can stimulate repair and renewal processes in tissue via the so-called adenosine A2A receptor (Squadrito et al., Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2017). For topical cosmetics, the evidence is still thinner than for injections. PDRN is therefore above all a gentle, caring addition – not a substitute for a clinic treatment.