PDRN
PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide) refers to a mixture of DNA fragments. It is traditionally sourced from salmonid fish, hence the name salmon DNA. Skincare products marketed as PDRN may also claim other sources; the INCI name Sodium DNA alone does not confirm the ingredient's origin or properties.
It suits you if you are curious about PDRN and want to try it as an extra in a routine that already has a clear main job: hydration, soothing or eye-area care. Do not expect the effect of an aesthetic treatment.
What the evidence shows – and what it does not
PDRN is mainly used in medicine and aesthetic medicine, by injection. Most studies concern injections, where its action is linked to the adenosine A2A receptor. For skincare applied to intact skin, good comparative studies are still scarce. It is also unclear how much PDRN reaches the skin, because the molecules are large.
At VIONE we therefore describe PDRN in skincare as an additional conditioning ingredient. How a product works on your skin depends on the whole formula.
How to find PDRN on an ingredient list
In the INCI list of cosmetics marketed as PDRN, you may find ingredients such as Sodium DNA, Hydrolyzed DNA or Hydrolyzed Sodium DNA. These names alone do not establish molecular size, raw-material origin or equivalence to PDRN used in injectable treatments. Claims of salmon, other fish or algae origin should therefore be checked against the documentation for the specific product. Most brands do not publish the concentration. Where they do, it is the brand's own figure.
How to use PDRN in your routine
A PDRN serum goes after toner and before moisturiser; under-eye patches go on after cleansing and toner. PDRN itself has no special rules for combining. Those depend on the other active ingredients in the product: patches with PDRN and retinal or retinol belong in your evening routine and should be introduced gradually. One PDRN product in your routine is enough.
What to watch out for
Salmon PDRN is of animal origin, so products containing it are not vegan. If you have a confirmed fish allergy, ask your doctor before use and show them the ingredient list. Do not use patches that contain retinal or retinol alongside PDRN during pregnancy; while breastfeeding, leave them out as a precaution or ask your doctor.
PDRN products at VIONE
Choose according to what your skin needs. PDRN should not be the main reason for your choice.
- HEVEBLUE Salmon Caring Centella Ampoule – a soothing centella serum for sensitive skin; salmon PDRN, 10,000 ppm according to the brand.
- Isntree Gim PDRN Hydro Bouncy Ampoule – a hydrating serum with eight forms of hyaluronic acid for skin that feels tight after cleansing; the brand states its PDRN comes from seaweed.
- Sungboon Editor PDRN Pink Vitamin Glow Boosting Ampoule – a hydrating ampoule with niacinamide and B vitamins for dull-looking skin.
- Genabelle PDRN 360° Rejuvenating Eye Mask – hydrating patches for the upper and lower eyelids, retinoid-free.
- VT Cosmetics PDRN Hydrogel Eye Patch – clear under-eye patches with retinal, for evening use.
- Centellian24 360° Shot PDRN Glowing Eye Patch – under-eye patches with retinol and centella, each pair sealed separately.
Frequently asked questions
Is PDRN the same as salmon DNA?
Not always. Salmon DNA is the traditional source of PDRN, but the INCI name Sodium DNA does not reveal the source. If the source matters to you, for example for vegan skincare or because of an allergy, go by the brand's statement for the specific product.
Is PDRN in a serum the same as a PDRN injection?
No. An injection is given into the skin by a doctor, while a serum stays mainly on the skin's surface. Results from injection studies cannot be applied to skincare.
You will find under-eye patches in Eye care and serums in Face serums and ampoules.