This Buzzy Skincare Ingredient Comes From Salmon Sperm(!)—And Dermas Love It

Meet the new It Girl of skincare.

by Ira Nopuente

Published on Jul 30, 2025

ILLUSTRATION: Gaby Molina

I never thought the day would come that we're openly talking about applying sperm on our faces as skincare, but here we are. ICYMI, salmon sperm(!)-infused skincare exists, and it's the secret for a glowy complexion. Introducing: Polydeoxyribonucleotide or PDRN, the new buzzy skincare ingredient everyone should be crazy about.

Wait...what's PDRN, anyway?

PDRN is derived from salmon sperm, specifically from its DNA. Salmon sperm go through a purification and sterilization process to remove active proteins and peptides that may cause immune reactions. The end product is a gel that’s got salmon sperm DNA. Rest assured, there won't be actual swimmers on your face. 😅

ICYC: Research about PDRN started back in the 1980s. Fast forward to the '90s, and it was then introduced as Placentex, a skin regenerative medicine. In this study featuring PDRN and Placentex, it showed that salmon sperm DNA not only speeds up wound healing, tissue repair, and collagen production but also prevents pigmentation.

Not surprisingly, K-beauty has picked up on PDRN's super abilities. One of the Korean beauty brands leading the game is Rejuran, whose products have helped cement the skincare ingredient in the consciousness of skincare girlies.

What can PDRN do for my skin?

Think of PDRN as a super agent for your skin's major glow-up. PDRN speeds up wound healing, soothes irritation, and fades marks from breakouts or sun damage. It's also great at boosting collagen and moisture levels. With consistent use, you'll notice your skin becomes plumper, smoother, and looks extra fresh. You'll also be happy to know that it can even out pigmentation and refine pores. Basically? Bright, bouncy, and clear skin is considered done with PDRN incorporated into your routine.

Can I mix PDRN with other skincare ingredients?

Generally, PDRN plays well with most skincare ingredients you already have in your rotation. It's got a good reputation for being gentle on the skin. Here are some common combinations you can try:

Hyaluronic Acid + PDRN: These two ingredients make up the glowy dream team. PDRN repairs while hyaluronic provides hydration. The result? Plump, dewy skin.

Peptides + PDRN: Since these are both collagen boosters, pairing them up can firm and rejuvenate skin.

Vitamin C + PDRN: Let's take a moment for this brightening duo. They work well together to improve your complexion's overall tone and texture.

Niacinamide + PDRN: Layer these two for a concoction that helps with skin barrier repair, redness, and oil control.

As a general rule, actives like AHA, BHA, retinol, and tretinoin are supercharged (read: v intense), so it's best to leave them doing all the heavy lifting if you have one of them in your skincare routine. A good compromise would be to use PDRN in the morning, then your chosen active at night so your skin doesn't get irritated.

What PDRN in-clinic treatments are available?

You can get PDRN skin boosters, often marketed as Rejuran Healer. Tiny amounts of PDRN are injected into the skin so it can deeply deliver PDRN into the dermis for ultra-hydration and overall skin rejuvenation. Ask for this treatment if your main concerns are skin texture, dull skin, acne scars, and fine lines.

Another type of in-clinic procedure would be PDRN with microneedling. After applying PDRN serum to the skin, a microneedling device creates tiny pockets where the product can go in and do its magic. It's great for speeding up the healing process post-microneedling, improving skin texture, reducing the appearance of acne scars, and boosting collagen production.

I'm not a fan of needles. Can I buy PDRN-infused skincare instead?

First of all: That's so valid, lol! But to answer that, although topical PDRN won't penetrate as deeply as in-clinic treatments, it can still boost your skin's health over time. These at-home products can improve your skin's elasticity, texture, and glow.

K-beauty is currently crazy about PDRN, and it's slowly becoming the new must-try skincare ingredient. Almost every brand has its own iteration, so there's one for every budget. Keep on reading for some PDRN products you can try at home:

(Editor's Note: This article is not a substitute for a skin consultation. Always consult your dermatologist before trying new skincare products and ingredients. If you're trying a new procedure, make sure you're going to a reputable clinic so you'll get expert advice and a treatment plan customized for your needs. Check the product's FDA registration—and if it comes from a legit store—before purchasing a new product.)

The Best PDRN-Infused Skincare Products to Try

Rejuran Turnover Active Cream

Meet the at-home treatment version of the in-demand PDRN in-clinic treatment. This powerful serum claims to soothe and repair skin that's been through everything (think sun exposure, peels, pollution—you name it!). It's got the highest concentration of c-PDRN® (Rejuran's in-house PDRN component) plus hydrating hyaluronic acid. Count on this cream to smoothen out skin texture, reduce the look of pores, and dial down shine while boosting your complexion's healthy, lit-from-within glow.

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VT Cosmetics PDRN Essence 100

If you're looking into plant-based PDRN, try this glow-boosting serum. Its PDRN is derived from wild ginseng that promises to improve skin elasticity and radiance. A few drops of this essence will wrap your face in dewy moisture, softening fine lines and brightening dull skin. Add this to your routine if your main goal is to have soft, supple, and glowing skin.

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Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum

Consider this bottle your daily dose of glow. Salmon DNA PDRN, hyaluronic acid, and collagen are the powerful ingredients behind this serum. It soothes, plumps, and smooths your complexion without clogging the pores. Its gentle, fragrance-free formula will keep your skin looking (and feeling) healthy, dewy, and fresh.

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Innisfree Retinol Green Tea PDRN Skinbooster Ampoule

Retinol and PDRN in one bottle? This multitasking ampoule can cut down your routine and free up some vanity table real estate. Made with green tea-derived PDRN that’s boosted by retinol, it provides your skin with a much-needed brightening, bouncy, and refined reboot. This ampoule can handle it all in one step!

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Aivee Advanced Reconditioning Cream (PDRN)

Heart Evangelista shared that she uses this cream! This gentle, skin-repairing cream promises to smooth out skin texture, boost elasticity, and bring back your complexion’s natural glow. With Centella Asiatica, PDRN, and squalene in the mix, it soothes, strengthens, and deeply nourishes without clogging pores.

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Genabelle PDRN Revitalizing Toner

Complete your PDRN routine with this refreshing toner. With 1,000 ppm of PDRN, barrier-loving panthenol, and brightening niacinamide, this helps even out the skin tone, smooth out texture, and calm dry, flaky areas.

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Genabelle PDRN Rejuvenating Cream

This PDRN cream calms irritated skin, restores moisture, and leaves skin soft and supple. It plumps and hydrates without feeling heavy.

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