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Courtesy of COSRX
A new skincare ingredient has made it from Korea to our TikTok algorithms. Serums, moisturizers, masks, and essences containing PDRN (aka salmon sperm DNA) are everywhere now. But what is it and does it actually work?
If you’re a beauty lover like me, you’re not weirded out by the idea of putting salmon sperm on your face. It wasn’t too long ago that every one was slathering on snail mucin, another animal-derived ingredient that went viral on social media.
You probably have questions. I know I did, which is why I interviewed experts to find out what PDRN is, how it can benefit your skin, and what products are best.
What is PDRN?
"PDRN stands for polydeoxyribonucleotide. Scientifically, it refers to small, highly purified fragments of DNA," explains board-certified dermatologist Dr. Toral Vaidya.
And yes, it's refering to the DNA in salmon sperm. Before you get grossed out, salmon sperm is just the source. What you put on your face is a refined, purified version of it.
Anua product developer Yunji Lee explains "PDRN is a refined ingredient derived by selectively extracting the active components from salmon DNA and removing residual substances that may irritate the skin through a specialized purification process, making it more stable and gentler for use."
What are the benefits of using PDRN skincare?
According to Dr. Vaidya, "Its benefits include improved skin healing and barrier repair, reduced inflammation, and enhanced hydration, all of which support healthier, more resilient skin."
It can also suppport skin elasticity, regeneration, and recovery as well as boost collagen. So, is it similar to snail mucin? Not exactly.
"While snail mucin primarily focuses on moisturizing and protecting the skin, PDRN helps support the recovery and improvement of irritated skin," says Lee. Basically, snail mucin is more about hydration whereas PDRN is more recovery.
What is the best PDRN product?
PDRN comes in all formats. From serums to toners, creams and essences, you've got plenty to choose from. But which is best?
"Serums, in particular, tend to absorb easily and layer well with other active ingredients," says Dr. Vaidya. On the other hand, creams are ideal for those who need the added hydration boost.
Regardless of what format you choose, Dr. Vaidya says, "PDRN is an excellent ingredient for anyone looking to improve skin hydration, elasticity, and sensitivity."
VT COSMETICS PDRN 100 Essence
A popular pick, this essence is formulated with a high concentration of PDRN, in addition to barrier-strengthening ceramides and soothing penthenol. It's fragrance free—a bonus to anyone with sensitive skin.
Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum
We predict that Anua is going to explode in popularity this year, including this expert-recommended serum. Its combination of PDRN, hyaluronic acid, and collagen are responsible for a plumping effect and boost of radiance that results in glass skin.
medicube Capsule Cream with Salmon DNA PDRN Pink Collagen
You've definitely seen this pink collagen cream on TikTok. It posses a unique capsule formula that delivers a burst of PDRN when applied to the skin. Made with niacinamide, collagen, and hyaluronic acid, it helps even out skin tone while combatting dullness.
Editor's Pick
Dr.Althea PDRN Reju 5000 Cream
I have been using this lightweight PDRN cream for a few months now and it has given my skin a radiant glass-like glow and plumped forehead wrinkles. It's formulated with a soothing blend of panthenol and centella asiatic to calm redness. it's also expert-recommended.
REJURAN Turnover Ampoule
This serum promotes the skin's natural turnover cycle, which is a key part of anti-aging. It also helps to repair cell damage, smooth texture, boost collagen production, and deliver long-lasting hydration.
BIODANCE Rejuvenating Caviar PDRN Real Deep Mask
Biodance sheet masks are loved by reviewers and E! readers alike. This PDRN version strengthens the skin barrier to help it retain moisture and repair damage.
medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum
This viral pink serum contains firming peptides, radiance-boosting niacinamide, and PDRN to help you achieve plump hydrated skin. That's in addition to evening out skin tone and minimizing the appearance of pores.
COSRX 5 PDRN Collagen Intense Vitalizing Serum
This serum contains five types of PDRN extracts to fight signs of aging, including uneven skin tone, fine lines, and wrinkles. It works in tandem with collagen to revitalize skin.
MEDIHEAL PDRN Lifting Serum
This retinol and collagen packed PDRN serum promotes elasticity to lift and firm dull, sagging skin. The result is glowy, bouncy skin with tightened pores.
innisfree Retinol Green Tea PDRN Firming & Smoothing Serum
For a double dose of anti-aging, opt for this weightless serum. Made with retinol and peptides in addition to plant-derived PDRN, it helps reduce the appearence of fine lines and wrinkles.
Dr. Reju-All Advanced PDRN Rejuvenating Cream
This niacinamide, panthenol, and collagen packed PDRN cream helps restore weak skin barriers, calm redness and irritation, replenish essential moisture, and sooth blemishes.
Hydrating face mists that’ll freshen up your dry skin and won’t ruin your makeup.
How We Choose
The E! Insider Shop editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, comb through customer reviews, and use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers.
As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think our readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not E!. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.
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