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From Regenerating to Soothing to Moisturizing: 5 Trusted 'PDRNs' You Can't Afford to Miss

PDRN is the next big thing in dermatology: it boosts skin's "basal fitness Salmon DNA, or PDRN, once used in dermatological procedures, has emerged as a key ingredient in the beauty scene. PDRN's ability to regenerate, moisturize, firm, and soothe all at once has made it a favorite among beauty creators and consumers alike. Let's take a look at why this ingredient is so beloved.

A collage of individuals showcasing various skincare products, with a focus on PDRN formulations. The products include serums and creams being applied, highlighting their popularity in recent beauty trends.
Beauty creators in Korea and abroad are sharing their real-life experiences with PDRN cosmetics. Photo via TikTok Capture

PDRN is one of the most talked-about words in the beauty industry these days, and even those who don't pay much attention to cosmetic ingredients recognize it on product labels.

Ampoules containing PDRN have gone viral on social media, being affectionately referred to as 'salmon ampoules', and recently, even those that contain this ingredient are sold out as soon as they are released, and those that contain PDRN are trusted.

In recent years, we've seen an increase in the number of brands that have gone beyond skincare categories like ampoules and creams to include sunscreens, makeup bases and foundations, as well as tinted products and hair and body care lines.

It's the "best-selling ingredient of the moment," and it's definitely a trending topic in the cosmetics market. How does it work and why is it getting so much attention?

PDRN is derived from the DNA of salmon and trout, and in the skin, it induces the release of cytokines to help regenerate and repair damaged cells. It was originally developed as a medicinal ingredient for cell regeneration and inflammation relief, and is a key ingredient in the dermatologic cosmetic procedure 'salmon injections'.


Why is 📢PDRNso popular?

PDRN's most notable strength is its ability to soothe and regenerate skin. It has the ability to repair damaged cells, helping to rebuild a thinned skin barrier and calm irritated, reddened skin. Not to mention, it's extremely moisturizing.

However, the key to PDRN's popularity is its safety. In an age of sensitivities, PDRNs have a similar structure to the human body, which means they are more effective and less likely to cause side effects.

That's why PDRNs, which used to be limited to ampoules and creams, are now expanding beyond the realm of skincare, from makeup primers to tone-up creams, concealers, and hair essences.

VDL's Rose PDRN Prep Base combines rose and PDRN complexes for a primer that not only helps makeup last longer, but also enhances the skin's natural radiance, while Skinfood's Salmon Dark Circle Concealer is infused with salmon PDRN to moisturize the eye area and cover puffy dark circles.

Dr. Groot Aqua PDRN Booster Shot contains micro PDRN, which is 4,000 times smaller than pores, and 27,000 spicules, which moisturize and regenerate the scalp at the same time. PDRNs are now blurring the lines between skincare, makeup, and body care, ushering in a new era of ingredients.


📢Tips for choosing a PDRNproduct

PDRNs are a key ingredient in today's beauty world, but not all products are created equal. Even under the same PDRN name, ingredients, delivery methods, formulations, and textures can vary widely.

The combination of PDRN , which helps cells regenerate, and hyaluronic acid, which attracts moisture, creates a dense moisture barrier over damaged skin, visibly reducing the appearance of fine lines and pulling caused by dryness.

It's also worth noting the combination with retinol and peptides. Retinol stimulates skin turnover to slough off dead skin cells, while peptides help boost collagen production to plump up the skin. Add PDRN to the mix, and you have a powerful synergistic combination that targets pores and wrinkles without irritation.

When used in conjunction with Spicules, you can expect faster absorption of active ingredients into the deeper layers of the skin.
If you're looking to boost your regeneration, keep this combination in mind.

PDRN is usually listed as Hydrolyzed DNA, Sodium DNA, Polynucleotide, or DNA-Na on cosmetic ingredient labels. Check to see where the ingredient is located on the list.

More and more brands are using vegan PDRNsderived from algae, plant roots, and flowers instead of salmon. While this is in line with the trend toward ethical consumption and vegan beauty, plant-based PDRNs vary widely in terms of ingredients and delivery technology.

Therefore, it's important to know what ingredients are in the formulation and how they work on the skin, rather than just looking at the name "PDRN" or the content.


From skincare to bases to haircare,
Editor's Pick! 👉PDRN's 5 Favorite Products

Image of Innisfree Retinol Green Tea PDRN Skin Booster Ampoule in a blue bottle, with a yellow drop of liquid next to the ampoule.
Innisfree Retinol Green Tea PDRN Skin Booster Ampoule 40,000 won.

Want to treat enlarged pores, blemishes, and dullness in one bottle? Triple Retinol Complex™ refines pores and texture, while small molecule Green Tea PDRN™ absorbs deeply to boost radiance from within. Despite its retinol content material, it's dermatologically tested, so it's safe for sensitive skin.

Anua PDRN Hyaluron Serum, a skincare product in capsule form, featuring multiple capsules with a turquoise liquid, highlighting the PDRN and hyaluronic acid ingredients.
Anua Fidialen Hyaluronic Acid Capsules 100 Serum for 10 serums for $20,000.

The formula is infused with hyaluronic acid and PDRN to plump up dry, dull, and flaky skin. The artificial tear-shaped packaging is highly portable so you can hydrate anytime, anywhere, making it perfect for travel. It's especially recommended during the fall and winter months when you need to repair dry skin.

Skinfood Salmon Dark Circle Concealer Cream, a moisturizing and coverage concealer with salmon PDRN.
Skinfood Salmon Dark Circle Concealer Cream, $9.

If your concealer keeps getting stuck and cracking under your eyes, take note. Containing salmon PDRN, which is most similar to the structure of human skin and is excellent for moisturizing, it glides on smoothly and thinly even under dry eyes to naturally cover blue and puffy dark circles. The creamy texture applies without clumping, and it is also characterized by its ability to adjust the amount of coverage without caking even after multiple layers.


VDL Rose PDRN Prep Base, a makeup primer that combines rose ingredients with the PDRN complex.
VDL Rose PDRN Prep Base $32,000.

Preparation is the key to makeup-ready skin. The Vital Rose PDRN Complex, with rose-derived botanical PDRN, panthenol, and pink vitamins, enhances the skin's natural radiance, while 90% skincare ingredients moisturize the skin for a smooth texture with a defined finish. Use it before foundation for a glowy look or to extend the lasting power of your makeup.


This is an image of the Dr. Groot Aqua PDRN Hairline Booster Shot ampoule, with the purple packaging and product name clearly visible.
Dr. Groot Aqua PDRN Hairline Booster Shot Ampoule $25.

It's time to treat your scalp like your skin. Micro PDRNs and 27,000 microspherules, 4,000 times smaller than pores, enhance absorption, delivering active ingredients deeper and faster to the scalp. It contains a patented ingredient to improve scalp blood flow, functional ingredients such as biotin, caffeine, and panthenol, as well as skincare ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and AHA to deliver visible hairline improvement in just 10 days.




Writer. Harry Cho

She studied abroad in Sydney, Australia and London, England, where she developed a sense of reading trends in various cultures. Since then, she has been creating experimental contents based on fashion and culture at , a fashion magazine aimed at MZ generation, and currently works as a beauty editor at . She is a tastemaker who is deeply immersed in aesthetics, documenting the intersection between beauty and trends.

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