What Is PDRN Serum? The 'Salmon DNA' Trend Explained

PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide) is a mix of DNA fragments, usually extracted from salmon or trout. In skincare it’s marketed as a “repair” ingredient that helps skin look smoother, plumper and calmer. It became famous through Korean in-clinic treatments and is now one of the fastest-growing serum trends in the US.

Where PDRN comes from

PDRN started in medicine, not cosmetics. It’s a registered drug used for tissue repair, and researchers believe it works mainly by activating adenosine A2A receptors, which are involved in healing and inflammation (Squadrito et al., 2017). In a randomized, placebo-controlled trial in people with hard-to-heal diabetic foot ulcers, 37.3% of PDRN-treated patients healed completely versus 18.9% on placebo (Squadrito et al., 2014). In Korea, injectable treatments based on salmon-derived DNA became popular in dermatology clinics as “skin boosters,” which is why you’ll often see PDRN called “salmon sperm facial” or “salmon DNA.”

Skincare brands then put PDRN into serums, ampoules, toners and masks, so people could get a (much gentler) version at home.

What PDRN is supposed to do

Brands typically claim PDRN serums:

• support the skin barrier and help it recover from irritation
• improve hydration and “bounce”
• soften the look of fine lines over time
• calm redness after treatments like microneedling or peels

PDRN vs. PN vs. “vegan PDRN”

Name	What it is	Notes
PDRN	Shorter DNA fragments, usually from salmon or trout	The most common label on serums
PN (polynucleotides)	Longer DNA chains from the same sources	Mostly seen in injectables
“Vegan” or plant PDRN	DNA-like extracts from plants or other non-fish sources	Marketed as an alternative; evidence is even more limited

How to use a PDRN serum

1. Cleanse, then apply toner or a hydrating mist if you use one.
2. Apply 2–3 drops of PDRN serum to slightly damp skin.
3. Follow with your other serums (thinnest first) and moisturizer.
4. In the morning, finish with sunscreen.

PDRN is generally considered gentle and can be used morning or night. It’s popular after microneedling or professional treatments, but follow your provider’s aftercare instructions first.

Not sure where it fits with your other products? Use our Routine Builder.

Can you use PDRN with retinol, vitamin C or acids?

Generally, yes. PDRN isn’t known to conflict with common actives, and brands often pair it with peptides, hyaluronic acid or niacinamide. If you’re adding several new products, introduce them one at a time so you can tell what’s working (or irritating).

Is PDRN safe?

Topical PDRN is well tolerated by most people. A few things to keep in mind:

• Fish allergy: most PDRN is fish-derived. If you have a fish allergy, check the source or choose a non-fish alternative, and ask your doctor.
• Patch test: try a new serum on a small area for a few days first.
• Pregnancy or a skin condition: check with your doctor or dermatologist.

The bottom line

PDRN serum is a gentle, hydrating “repair” serum with a strong medical backstory. The injectable evidence is promising; the topical evidence is still catching up. If your skin is dry, stressed or recovering from treatments, it’s a reasonable thing to try. Just don’t expect clinic results from a bottle.

Sources

1. Squadrito F, et al. Pharmacological Activity and Clinical Use of PDRN. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2017. PubMed 28491036
2. Squadrito F, et al. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of PDRN in diabetic foot ulcers. J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 2014. PubMed 24483158
3. The Effectiveness of Polynucleotides in Esthetic Medicine: A Systematic Review. 2024. PubMed 39645667