If you’ve heard about people putting salmon sperm on their faces, your ears are not deceiving you. PDRN is the latest buzzy skin care ingredient, and yes, it’s commonly harvested from salmon DNA. So, what’s all the fuss about? Studies have shown its powerful potential to slow down signs of skin aging.
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In this article: REJURAN Turnover Ampoule (c-PDRN), VT COSMETICS PDRN 100 Essence and Medicube Jelly Gel Mask with Salmon DNA PDRN Pink Collagen
PDRN, or polydeoxyribonucleotide, is an ingredient made from DNA fragments that are typically extracted from salmon sperm, though some brands now offer plant-based or lab-created vegan versions. It has long been a staple in Korean skin care, but it’s now more popular than ever. PDRN has drawn attention for its ability to help boost elasticity, soothe irritation and reinforce the skin barrier without the use of aggressive actives.
Salmon-derived PDRN remains the most widely studied and is valued for its skin-repairing and regeneration properties, which may help improve texture, firmness and overall skin quality. However, it isn't suitable for vegans, and some people with very sensitive skin may find plant-based alternatives gentler.
Vegan PDRN, often sourced from botanicals such as wild ginseng or rose or created in a lab, is designed to mimic the effects of salmon PDRN without any animal-derived ingredients. Although these formulas show promising benefits for hydration, firmness and barrier support, they've generally been studied less extensively than traditional salmon-derived PDRN.
Research suggests PDRN “can potentially improve skin quality, slow down aging, and improve dermal regeneration,” though further studies are needed to fully understand the breadth of its benefits. PDRN was also shown to support collagen synthesis, accelerate tissue repair, and have anti-inflammatory properties. Its ability to promote cell turnover and strengthen the skin’s barrier can contribute to a plumper, more resilient complexion while helping calm redness and irritation.
Many PDRN products also combine the ingredient with complementary actives that enhance its effects. Hyaluronic acid helps attract moisture and plump the appearance of fine lines, while ceramides reinforce the skin barrier to prevent moisture loss. Peptides support collagen production for firmer-looking skin, and ingredients such as niacinamide, adenosine and centella asiatica can further brighten, smooth and soothe the complexion. Together, these combinations make PDRN especially appealing for people looking to address multiple signs of aging while supporting overall skin health.
Abib PDRN Collagen Overnight Face Mask
Use this overnight mask, formulated with plant-based PDRN, as a slugging cream two to three times per week as a final step in your nighttime skin care routine. It seals in hydration to promote a smoother complexion when you wake.
Abib PDRN Vegan Collagen Lip Mask
Plant-based PDRN and vegan collagen help hydrate and firm your pout in this overnight lip mask that promotes soft, supple lips.
Collagen and hyaluronic acid boost the benefits of these drops formulated with PDRN from banana sugar. It helps restore skin firmness.
This cream is designed as a second step to use after the Bano PDRN 500 Ampoule. In addition to banana sugar-derived PDRN, it contains bakuchiol to promote skin elasticity and hydrating sodium hyaluronate.
The final step in Bano's PDRN product trio is this overnight sheet mask, which deeply hydrates the skin while promoting firmness and smoothness.
Powered by 99% pure low-molecular PDRN and plant-derived EGF, this serum is designed to visibly tighten pores and smooth skin texture, resulting in a glass skin-like glow.
DEAR DAHLIA Daily PDRN BB Cream
This skin care-makeup hybrid hydrates the skin while providing buildable medium coverage. Choose from 10 shades.
Dr. Reju-All Advanced PDRN Rejuvenating Cream
Formulated with 99% pure salmon DNA, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, this gel cream has earned rave reviews from BestReviews Executive Editor Maria Guido: “It goes on with a thick, luxurious feel, but absorbs quickly, leaving your skin feeling immediately more hydrated and supple.”
Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Glow Jelly Serum
“I’ve been using this serum in conjunction with the Medicube Age-R Booster Pro, and my pores are visibly refined after just a few weeks of daily use,” says Guido.
REJURAN Turnover Ampoule (c-PDRN)
Formulated with salmon-derived PDRN, this product is designed to support skin regeneration. It targets uneven tone, rough texture and early signs of aging, while also delivering lasting hydration and barrier support.
For those who prefer a vegan product, this plant-based PDRN serum features an impressive 100,000 ppm concentration of PHYTO PDRN extracted from wild ginseng.
“The skin under my eyes feels immediately hydrated,” says Guido on using these de-puffing undereye patches. “They’re also super delicate and feel amazing while I wear them.”
Medicube Jelly Gel Mask with Salmon DNA PDRN Pink Collagen
In the past month alone, 30,000 Amazon shoppers have snagged these plumping and firming sheet masks enriched with collagen.
Medicube Capsule Cream with Salmon DNA PDRN Pink Collagen
Tiny capsules help preserve the full firming and hydrating effects of PDRN. Once applied, they melt seamlessly into the skin.
Innisfree Green Tea Retinol PDRN Firming Serum
Combining 56% green tea PDRN with 1% retinol, this lightweight serum refines skin texture, firms the skin and smooths the appearance of fine lines.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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