What Is PDRN?

Last updated: November 2026

PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide) is a purified blend of DNA fragments, most often extracted from salmon or trout sperm cells.¹ In skincare it works as a humectant and conditioning ingredient that supports hydration and the look of smooth, resilient skin.⁵ In clinics, a different, injectable form is used by medical professionals.² Its INCI name on a skincare label is usually Sodium DNA.⁵

Where PDRN comes from

PDRN is made by extracting DNA from fish germ cells, then purifying and cutting it into fragments of a controlled size, typically 50 to 1,500 kDa.^1,2 Purification removes proteins and other material, so a well-made PDRN ingredient does not smell of fish.¹ Salmon and trout are the usual sources because their germ cells are a rich, consistent DNA supply that is a by-product of the food industry.¹

Some brands now sell "plant PDRN" from ginseng, seaweed or other plants. These are nucleotide extracts with a different composition and a smaller research base.⁴ They can be useful ingredients, but they are not the same material as salmon-derived PDRN.⁴

PDRN vs PN (polynucleotides)

For a deeper look at both, see our PDRN and polynucleotides ingredient profile.

Topical PDRN vs the "salmon sperm facial"

The "salmon sperm facial" and branded clinic treatments use injectable PDRN or PN placed into the skin by a licensed professional.² That is a medical procedure. A serum applied to the surface works differently: it hydrates and conditions the upper layers of the skin.⁵ Topical products should not be expected to reproduce clinic results, and any product that promises to is overclaiming.

Delivery matters for topical PDRN. DNA fragments are large, water-loving molecules.⁸ Encapsulation in lipid carriers is one way formulators help ingredients like this stay stable and spread evenly into the upper skin layers; it is the focus of our guide to liposomes in skincare.⁷

What the research says

Most published research on PDRN comes from medical settings, where it has been studied for decades, including in wound-care research, and acts through adenosine A2A receptors.^1,2 Cosmetic products do not make medical claims.⁶ In a serum or ampoule, PDRN is valued for hydration, a smoother skin feel and support for the skin barrier alongside ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, peptides and ceramides.

How to use a PDRN serum or ampoule

1. Cleanse, then apply toner or essence if you use one.
2. Apply 2 to 4 drops of the PDRN product to slightly damp skin and press in.
3. Follow with moisturizer to seal in water, and sunscreen in the morning.

PDRN pairs well with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, peptides and ceramides. It has no known conflicts with retinol or vitamin C, so it fits easily into an existing routine. See skincare routine order for where each step goes.

How to read the label

• Look for Sodium DNA in the INCI list.⁵ "PDRN" on the front is a marketing name.
• Its position in the list gives a rough idea of concentration; very low placement means a trace amount.³
• If the source matters to you (fish-derived vs plant-derived), check the brand's ingredient notes. Our guide to reading an INCI list walks through the rest.

Why PDRN is everywhere right now

PDRN moved from Korean dermatology clinics into mainstream K-beauty serums, creams and ampoules over the last few years.² US searches for "what is PDRN" grew about 400% in twelve months, and it is one of the most searched skincare ingredients in Japan and Korea.