In case you missed it: Jennifer Aniston — and plenty of other celebs — have been injecting salmon sperm into their faces. Yes, you read that correctly.
The latest Korean skincare trend sees polydeoxyribonucleotide, more commonly known as PDRN, injected or topically applied to boost skin regeneration and improve skin elasticity.
The DNA from salmon is extracted then purified, and ultimately used to support the skin’s natural repair process. In other words, the regenerative material that comes from the salmon will help enhance your skin’s ability to heal and renew.
“PDRN is a leading anti-ageing active skincare ingredient that focuses on rejuvenation of your complexion. Unlike many common skincare ingredients that focus on hydration and brightening, PDRN works by stimulating collagen production and enhancing elasticity.” INNISFREE’s Education Training Specialist, MyKaela Najm, explains.
Traditionally, PDRN is injected into the skin in a treatment known as REJURAN, but thankfully, we no longer need to resort to such extremes. Many brands are releasing PDRN serums — including non-salmon alternatives — so that we can still enjoy all the benefits, without the needles.
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To help you out, we’ve curated a list of some of the best PDRN serums that are available to buy in Australia.
Retinol Green Tea PDRN Skin Booster Ampoule
$61 at Adore Beauty
Best for: Vegan PDRN with retinol
Innisfree have recently launched a vegan PDRN serum, made with plant-derived DNA that is found in Jeju Island-grown green tea. It also incorporates retinol ampoules for an added firming benefit. This vegan and non-comedegenic formula promotes healthy, glowing, and most importantly, plump skin.
Key features:
- 56 per cent green tea PDRN
- Triple retinol complex
- Vegan formula
Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum
$43 at Adore Beauty
Best for: Salmon PDRN
If you’re after the tried-and-true experience, this Medicube PDRN serum is the real deal. Featuring 10,000 ppm (parts per million), the serum is designed to improve elasticity and firmness, while also calming the skin barrier. The texture is lightweight, fast-absorbing and can be used by those with sensitive skin.
Key features:
- 10,000 ppm salmon PDRN
- Lightweight and fast absorbing
- Includes collagen complex and peptides
VT Cosmetics PDRN Essence 100
$83 at Adore Beauty
Best for: Ginseng-derived PDRN
The VT Cosmetics PDRN essence is one of the stronger serums on the market. Sitting at 100,000 ppm with DNA extracted from ginseng, this is another great vegan alternative. It’s designed with low molecule hydrators, allowing deep absorption and long-lasting skin hydration while promoting vibrant, resilient skin.
Key features:
- 100,000 ppm ginseng-derived PDRN
- Lightweight and fast absorbing
- Enriched with VT’s 5-layer radiance layering system
Rejuran® Healer Turnover Ampoule
$97.96 at Amazon
Best for: Collagen-boosting PDRN serum
The Rejuran PDRN serum contains a patented c-PDRN formula, which targets skin regeneration and recovery. Enriched with collagen-boosting asenosine, it’s a trusted favourite in South Korea — which makes it a win in our eyes.
Key features:
- Optimised molecule size for absorption
- Patented formula
- Salmon-derived PDRN
Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100
$28.90 at Amazon
Best for: Hydrating PDRN serum
For those who want slightly less salmon DNA in their skincare, this Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 serum could be just the thing. It features 100 ppm of salmon-derived PDRN, alongside a healthy dose of hyaluronic acid and hydrolyzed collagen for all round glass skin.
Key features:
- 3 per cent hyaluronic acid
- Hydrolyzed collagen
- Fragrance-free
Phyto Exosome PDRN Lifting Shot Serum
$45 at Medipeel
Best for: Hydrating PDRN serum
The Medipeel Phyto Exosome PDRN Lifting Shot Serum is the ultimate ‘beauty is pain’ treatment, formulated with 10,000 ppm of salmon-derived PDRN and biospicules — tiny needle-like structures that gently prick the skin. While they may sound intimidating, these micro-needles actually work wonders by enhancing the skin’s ability to absorb active ingredients deeply and effectively.
Key features:
- Biospicules to ensure deeper absorption
- 10,000 ppm salmon PDRN
- Fragrance-free
“PDRN can help with a variety of common skin concerns like fine lines, dullness, and uneven tone due to its rejuvenating nature.” MyKaela advises. “With regular use, it provides a fresher, firmer, and more youthful complexion.”
MyKaela explains that PDRN serums are some of the best skincare products to use if targeting ageing. “It’s safe to say PDRN has found a home as the next powerful addition to the anti-ageing skincare offering. Thanks to the exciting developments we see with science and nature, it’s easy to see PDRN paving the way for smarter, more effective skin solutions.”
PDRN and retinol both target signs of ageing and have complementary functions, but retinol will predominantly target fine lines and wrinkles, as well as resurfacing the skin. These are serums you can use together (as long as you’re introducing retinol slowly — it can be irritating), however you’ll also find brands like Innisfree offering a 2-in-1 serum with both ingredients.
It’s hard to compare the two because they target different concerns. Hyaluronic acid targets hydration in the skin, whereas PDRN helps boost the skin’s elasticity, smoothness and radiance. You can use both serums together if you need an extra hit of hydration to your skin, or reach for a serum like Anua’s PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 serum, which contains both.
