What Is PDRN, and Should You Add It to Your Skincare Routine? Experts Weigh In

Original Article

First, Jennifer Aniston spoke of a “salmon sperm facial.” Then, the Kardashians discussed receiving the same treatment. It sounds about as kooky as a viral beauty treatment can get, right? Well, enter an ingredient called PDRN: a trending skincare ingredient that's popular in K-Beauty (as with pretty much any trending beauty treatment these days, right?).

“PDRN stands for polydeoxyribonucleotide,” says Catherine Chang, Beverly Hills board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon. “It’s still a very new ingredient in the field of regenerative medicine.” And yes, it’s derived from salmon DNA. However, “Let’s clear it up: it’s not actually sperm. It’s DNA fragments that can help your skin repair and regenerate,” explains cosmetic dermatologist Shereene Idriss. Adds Chang: “While it is derived from salmon sperm, it doesn’t mean you’re applying raw salmon sperm to your face.”

And its alleged benefits are numerous. "PDRN can do some heavy lifting behind the scenes," says Idriss. "It stimulates your fibroblasts to make more collagen, helps hydrate and plump the skin, calms inflammation, and strengthens your barrier. In other words, it’s all about improving the quality of your skin."

PDRN can be used in topical skincare products—there are even vegan versions—as well as in facials that celebrities love. Keep reading for the best PDRN products to try, and why this ingredient is a favorite of the biggest A-listers, dermatologists, and cosmetic chemists alike.

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Knemo LIPLOCK Jelly Serum

| BEST PDRN LIP BALM | 

Fun fact: There are vegan PDRN alternatives, too. K-Beauty brand Knemo has developed this lip jelly, available in clear or three pretty shades, featuring rose-derived PDRN to offer similar skin-renewing and moisturizing benefits. The serum-like, bouncy texture is great, too.

Other Key Ingredients: Shea butter, pillow peptide, carrot collagen

Customer Review:

"I ordered this on a whim because with medication I found that my skin and my lips were persistently dry. I really like this and have finished the tube. Wish it wasn’t as expensive but it’s a really nice product if you’re looking for something more hydrating."—DizzyDizzyc

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What Are the Skin Benefits of PDRN?

Think all the anti-aging things you love—and then some. “PDRN is believed to help regenerate cellular tissue, promote tissue repair, and reduce inflammation,” says Chang. “Overall, it’s known as a ‘skin booster’ that can improve texture, stimulate collagen production, and enhance elasticity—helping to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.”

Hydration, plumping, reducing inflammation—it’s a true powerhouse. It’s why the dermatologist offers a PDRN facial: “A PDRN facial usually means pairing it with microneedling so the ingredient can actually get where it needs to go,” she explains. “The result? Smoother texture, plumper and more hydrated skin without the downtime of lasers or stronger procedures. It’s subtle, but in the best way.”

Do Skincare Products with PDRN Work?

The short answer is that they can. “The intended benefits are similar,” says Chang. “However, the challenge is that many of these products likely don’t contain PDRN at active concentrations, so their effectiveness may be limited.” An in-office treatment will show you more results. “Topical PDRN serums might help calm irritation or support your barrier, but don’t expect them to work the same way as an in-office treatment,” says Idriss. “[PDRN products] are a nice complement to your routine, but it doesn’t come close to retinol, peptides, or growth factors, let alone an in-office treatment.”

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