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BEAUTY

DEMYSTIFYING: PDRN

By Ayis Stephen-Diver, 27 July 2026

If you’re tuned into the world of skincare, you’ll definitely be familiar with PDRN. It went from being the mysterious goo injected into faces in Korea (we’ve all seen those videos) to the force behind so many of your favourite skincare icons. But like so many viral ingredients, is it yet another marketing buzzword or truly innovative tech with the potential to upgrade your skincare routine? Keep scrolling for everything PDRN, from treatments to the products to know and the ingredient's key benefits.
Closeup of a skincare product

WHAT IS PDRN?

PDRN, AKA Polydeoxyribonucleotide, consists of salmon DNA fragments that can help restore the skin’s natural barrier function. Its most popular form is usually derived from salmon sperm cells (although not all the time), which might sound strange, but if it works, we're all for it! These DNA fragments are isolated through a process that promises high compatibility with human skin cells because the salmon DNA is structurally similar to ours.

WHAT DOES PDRN DO FOR THE SKIN?

PDRN's main benefit is that it can help reinforce the skin's barrier and increase its resilience. Other benefits are that it can also help brighten the complexion, support collagen production for skin elasticity and firmness, and has skin-calming properties (which is great for those with sensitive skin). We love this ingredient because you can target so many concerns with it, making PDRN-rich products great for streamlining your am and pm skincare regimens.
BIODANCE PDRN mask

Despite this, PDRN isn’t some wonder ingredient that will completely transform your skin after one use. BIODANCE is one of many K-beauty brands pioneering PDRN skincare, but founder Mihwa Kim recommends setting realistic expectations: ‘Topical application does not replicate the immediate results of medical procedures. Instead, consumers should expect steady improvements in skin texture, luminosity, elasticity and foundational skin health.’

 

BIODANCE Rejuvenating Caviar PDRN Real Deep Mask Box, £15

DO DERMATOLOGISTS RECOMMEND PDRN?

Yes, a lot of dermatologists recommend PDRN because it’s considered generally safe, and is a science-backed regenerative ingredient that can help aid tissue repair, skin elasticity and fine lines and wrinkles. It's calming formula also means it's non-irritating and therefore suitable for all skin types – even those with sensitive skin.

HOW DO YOU USE PDRN?

As PDRN comes in serums, toners, moisturisers and more formulas, you can use it exactly how you would your usual products. The most popular methods, though? Serums and face masks. Dermatologist Dr. Melda Isaac told Cosmopolitan: 'Serums are designed for daily use and long-term maintenance, while masks provide an immediate boost since they are left on the skin longer, allowing ingredients to soak in.' So you can choose which works best for you – and that might even be both. Don’t forget to seal in all its benefits with a hydrating moisturiser.


Now that we’ve got into the nitty gritty, allow us to spotlight the brands popularising PDRN. Scroll to discover your new skincare staple.

MEDICUBE PDRN PRODUCTS

Collage of MEDICUBE PDRN products

MEDICUBE is one of the brands that propelled PDRN into fame. Aesthetics aside (what’s better than salmon-pink packaging?), its PDRN collection is truly worthy of the hype. Many products in the range are formulated with both PDRN and peptides – resulting in a kind-to-skin blend that helps to moisturises and brightens the skin. There’s a product for every stage of your skincare routine, too. Whether you want to wind down with the sheet mask or stay protected with PDRN sunscreen. 

 

ASOS LOVES:
01: MEDICUBE PDRN Pink Cica Soothing Toner 250ml, £18
02: MEDICUBE PDRN Booster Skin Firming & Soothing Gel 300ml, £20
03: MEDICUBE PDRN Pink Peptide Serum 30ml, £20
04: MEDICUBE PDRN Pink Collagen Toning Gel Toner Pad, £24
05: MEDICUBE PDRN Pink Collagen Gel Mask Box X4, £16
06: MEDICUBE PDRN Pink Tone Up Sun Cream 50ml, £16

COSRX PDRN PRODUCTS

Collage of COSRX PDRN products

Remember snail mucin? That wacky skincare ingredient that walked so PDRN could run? Well, we have COSRX to thank for that. If you’re not already locked into the brand's PDRN collection, it’s time to pay attention. Rather than relying on one source, its formulas contain PDRN derived from five different ingredients: salmon, Centella asiatica, rice, lactobacillus and sea grapes – so you can enjoy the benefits of all. If that wasn’t enough, it’s also enriched with niacinamide, which helps brighten the complexion and tackles texture.

 

ASOS LOVES:
01: Cosrx 5 PDRN Collagen Intense Vitalizing Serum 100ml, £27
02: Cosrx 5 PDRN B5 Vital Soothing Toner 280ml, £26
03: Cosrx 5 PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Vital Hydrating Hydrogel Mask x3, £17

ANUA PDRN PRODUCTS

Collage of Anua PDRN products

Pictures: ASOS

You’ve likely seen hyaluronic acid and PDRN mentioned together, but rather than competing, they actually complement each other perfectly. PDRN operates on a cellular level to deliver hydration to the skin, while hyaluronic acid binds itself to water molecules, so retains hydration instead. Anua combines the two ingredients together in its PDRN range, which will leave your skin looking glowy and glassy. And if you don’t know which product to pick, we’ve got a whole set of pocket-sized serums, toner pads and creams to get you started.

 

ASOS LOVES:
01: Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Capsule Mist 100ml, £22
02: Anua PDRN 100 Hyaluronic Acid Booster Toner 250ml, £20
03: Anua PDRN Discovery Set, £32

SHOP PDRN Items