PDRN is suddenly everywhere. The skin care ingredient, Polydeoxyribonucleotide, which is a DNA extract sourced from salmon sperm cells, has been used in Korean clinical facial treatments for its anti-ageing benefits for many years.
In 2024, the K-beauty treatment, known as Rejuran Healer injections and dubbed the 'salmon PDRN facial' was endorsed by celebrities including Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Aniston, casting global attention on the ingredient – and the at-home skin care products that incorporate it.
Alethea Demetriou, Lead Product Specialist at K-beauty retailer PureSeoul explains: “As word spread, especially on platforms like TikTok, PDRN became recognised for its ability to hydrate, improve skin elasticity, and boost collagen and skin regeneration, similar to the way snail mucin gained traction in the K-beauty scene a few years ago.”
“Visually, PDRN skin care products tend to have a similar gooey texture to snail mucin, which also played a big role in making it go viral.”
“PDRN is definitely aligned with what consumers are always looking for – anti-ageing,” adds beauty product developer Kristin Liang.
“PDRN is believed to trigger our skin's natural healing response, making it an attractive ingredient for anti-ageing and skin smoothing.”
According to the K-beauty brands using PDRN in their products, it is well recognised for its regenerative properties and is a trusted ingredient in Korean clinical treatments.
PDRN has a great ingredient story, fresh from nature... Proven effects and success stories in the west have helped it gain great traction - Keon Kim, Director of Product Strategy & Innovation, Madeca Derma
Korean skin care brand Medicube's CEO Kim Byung Hoon tells Cosmetics Business that “PDRN is celebrated for its ability to accelerate wound healing and promote soft tissue regeneration.
“These properties make it particularly effective in addressing hyperpigmentation, enhancing skin elasticity, and restoring the skin barrier.
“By stimulating cell growth and repair, PDRN helps achieve smoother, healthier, and rejuvenated skin.”
Another bonus, adds Hoon is that the DNA extract is “highly pure, free from impurities like proteins, peptides, and lipids, making it an exceptional ingredient in skin care.”
It was as competition between Korean clinics intensified that demand for affordable, high-quality PDRN alternatives skyrocketed, explains Hoon.
Today PDRN-based products such as Medicube's Pink Collagen Gel Mask, are widely available in Korea, from offline stores to e-commerce platforms, “solidifying their place as a skin care essential,” says Hoon.
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