Salmon DNA Is the Korean Skincare Innovation Changing the Anti-Aging Right Game

What Is PDRN Anyway? And What Is Vegan PDRN?

Polydeoxyribonucleotide, better known as PDRN, is a chemical compound derived from salmon DNA. Sometimes derived from salmon sperm, the active ingredient “rebuilds tissue and stimulates processes that enable difficult wounds to recover,” says skincare expert and founder of MARINI SKINSOLUTIONS, Jan Marini. She also notes that “physicians have used PDRN topically and by injection for pressure wounds or diabetic leg wounds.” It’s been shown to help improve skin health from the inside out.

But what about vegan PDRN? The alternative has been popping up more and more, as not everyone is eager to put salmon particles on their complexion. “Vegan PDRN is extracted from plants,” says Marini, who does stress that it “does not have medical validation” the same way traditional PDRN does. Still, it can provide skincare benefits, especially when paired with additional ingredients, she shares.

The Biggest PDRN Skincare Benefits

PDRN offers numerous benefits to the complexion, according to Marini, who shares the main improvements it can make.

1. It Improves Skin Texture

Want glass skin that looks dewy and hydrated all the time? PDRN may be what you need. “Skin texture appears more refined, luminous, smooth, and hydrated,” shares Marini. 

2. It Minimizes Fine Lines and Wrinkles

The anti-aging benefits of PDRN are a big reason why many turn to it to keep themselves looking young. Marini shares that “PDRN has a significant effect on the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Users report that their skin looks younger, more refined, more contoured, and volumized” when incorporating the ingredient into their skincare routine.

3. It Can Even Out Skin Tone

An uneven skin tone happens, especially as we age and spend more time around environmental aggressors. To combat this, try PDRN. “Medical studies demonstrate that PDRN inhibits melanogenesis. In plain language, it can reduce pigment production. The skin appears brighter and more even-toned,” highlights Marini.

4. It May Undo Damage

Apart from undoing pigmentation and signs of aging, it can support skin repair at a cellular level. Marini says, “PDRN works at a regenerative level, which is far more global than what is achieved via skin rejuvenation. PDRN can actually rebuild how our skin functions by influencing the instructions encoded in DNA. PDRN also appears to clear away damaged DNA fragments. The result is skin improvements on every level.”

5. It Adds Volume to Skin

“Skin looks significantly more volumized,” shares Marini on those who have regularly used PDRN. “This is important because as much as 50% of what we perceive as aging is loss of volume. This benefit is also critical for those individuals on GLP-1 weight loss medications.” If you want skin that appears voluminous, try PDRN.

6. It Helps Repair Acne Scars

Because of its rebuilding properties, “PDRN has made a significant visible difference in the appearance of acne scars,” says Marini.

How to Use PDRN

The key to using PDRN is consistency. Marini recommends something you can use in the morning and evening. This can be a serum, moisturizer, or mask. She says to “look for products that contain a high percentage” of PDRN, so you know you’re getting the most concentrated form. 

PDRN facials are another great way to ensure you receive a higher concentration, as it is directly injected into your skin, as opposed to being a topical. You don’t need a PDRN facial every day, but you should receive one every few months to reap the rewards of the potent skincare product.

Who PDRN Is Best for and Who Should Avoid It

Have sensitive skin? Worried if you should give PDRN a try? The good news is that the ingredient is gentle and effective on all skin types. “It is a potent anti-inflammatory and is appropriate for every skin type and concern,” says Marini. As always, start with a patch test to ensure you don’t have a reaction to the product before applying it to your face. Apply a small amount to your forearm, let it sit for 24 hours, and if there’s no reaction, you’re good to use it. If there is a reaction, visit a dermatologist to find a product that may work better for your skin.

Of course, those who are vegan wouldn’t use PDRN, though there are alternatives that exist, which can offer similar benefits as the ingredient. 

Which Ingredients It Works Best With and Which to Avoid

Want some great news? PDRN works with virtually every ingredient. Want to boost your anti-aging efforts? Pair it with a retinol and vitamin C. Need skin that’s extra hydrated? Use it with hyaluronic acid. From niacinamide to ceramides, PDRN can boost the efficacy of numerous skincare ingredients.

The Best PDRN Products

There are a handful of PDRN products we recommend, whether you’re looking for a serum, mask, or something else.

1. Best PDRN Serum:

MARINI SKINSOLUTIONS Marini Reboot™ PDRN Face Serum

Courtesy of MARINI SKINSOLUTIONS

Marini recommends this serum because the “percentage of PDRN is extremely high, and there are other technologies that are additive to the overall benefits.” It also supports recovery, resilience, and long-term skin health, resulting in visibly smoother, younger-looking skin. 

2. Best PDRN Toner:

GLOW RECIPE PDRN+ Repair + Soothe Korean Toner Pads

Courtesy of GLOW RECIPE

Consider this a 5-minute Korean facial in pad form. Formulated with vegan PDRN+, the pads visibly reduce redness, support collagen regeneration, deeply hydrate, and repair the skin barrier for smoother, more resilient skin. We noticed a difference almost immediately after trying them ourselves.

3. Best PDRN Mask:

MEDICUBE Salmon PDRN Pink Collagen Jelly Gel Mask

Courtesy of MEDICUBE

A mask you’ve likely seen all over your FYP (and on Hailey Bieber), the revolutionary salmon PDRN gel mask is packed with powerful ingredients that enhance skin elasticity and provide a luminous glow. Experience a healthy complexion and balanced skin tone after one use.

4. Best PDRN Moisturizer:

ANUA PDRN Hyaluronic Acid 100 Moisturizing Cream

Courtesy of ANUA

For those with dry skin, this moisturizer revitalizes skin from within with low-molecular PDRN to improve absorption. Healthy, dewy skin is on the way.

5. Best PDRN Eye Masks:

ABIB PDRN Retinal Eye Patch

Courtesy of ABIB

Looking for brightening and firming undereye care? This is the product for you. PDRN, retinal, collagen, caffeine, niacinamide, and ceramide combine to target multiple skin concerns around the delicate eye area.

6. Best PDRN Lip Treatment:

GENABELLE SKINCARE PDRN Glazed Lip Treatment

Courtesy of GENABELLE SKINCARE

Give your lips the PDRN treatment, too. This regenerative lip treatment helps restore elasticity, smooth fine lines, and deeply soothe dry, aging lips.

Final Thoughts on PDRN

PDRN is the ideal solution for those searching for anti-aging skincare, along with anyone who wants a more radiant, dewy complexion. Work it into your skincare routine on a regular basis to reap the rewards. And don’t forget to visit the IPSY Shop for PDRN products that can give you the complexion of your dreams.