PDRN is one of the most talked-about skincare ingredients in 2026, but not all formulas are made alike. Known from the injectable polynucleotide treatment, or the “salmon sperm facial” popularised in South Korea, the ingredient has moved into more accessible topical solutions offering barrier repair, hydration, cellular support and regeneration. Here are the best PDRN serums to shop now.
What is PDRN?
Dr Christine Hall, one of the UK’s foremost Korean skincare doctors, explains that PDRN stands for polydeoxyribonucleotide – short chains of DNA fragments, commonly derived from salmon DNA, as they are remarkably compatible with human skin. “PDRN supports the skin's repair mechanisms,” she says. “It’s best suited to skin that needs repair and support. Think dullness, dehydration, sensitivity, post-procedure or post-breakout recovery, or skin that has been over-exfoliated or stressed.”
In terms of results, you can expect improved hydration and glow after two weeks, with improvements in the skin barrier occurring within days, but building over eight to twelve weeks of consistent use. “It is worth saying that a topical serum will not replicate the results of in-clinic injectable PDRN treatments, but it is a very good way to support skin health day to day,” she adds.
Best PDRN skincare products at a glance
- Best overall – Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 cream: £24, Lookfantastic.com
- Best budget buy – Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum: £16.99, Cultbeauty.co.uk
- Best PDRN serum – Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum: £15.99, Sephora.co.uk
- Best luxury PDRN – Medik8 Exosome-PDRN Prismatic+ Serum: £79, Cultbeauty.co.uk
As Dr Hall notes, anyone with a fish allergy should be cautious with traditional PDRN, as it is usually salmon-derived – here a patch test is advisable. However, some newer formulas use plant-derived PDRN alternatives, such as rose, which is an option for vegans. “Generally it is very well tolerated,” she continues, “But if you have an active skin condition, or you are pregnant or breastfeeding where safety data on newer ingredients is limited, check with your doctor or skin practitioner first.”
How to use PDRN in your skincare routine
Apply it after cleansing and toning and before moisturiser. It can be used daily, morning and evening. It also layers well with hydrating and calming ingredients like hyaluronic acid, panthenol and niacinamide. But: if your skin is sensitised, avoid pairing it in the same routine as strong exfoliating acids or a retinoid until your barrier has settled, and always finish with SPF in the morning.
As a beauty editor, I’ve tested dozens of PDRN products over the years. Some truly live up to the hype, while others don’t. For the purposes of this guide, I tested a slew of different PDRN creams, serums, mists and treatments over the course of two months, judging each on its formula, ingredients, efficacy, and packaging.
Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 cream
★★★★★
Best: Overall PDRN
What we love: Excellent price point for formula, glass-like glow
Take note: Lower percentage of PDRN
One of PDRN’s strong points is that it’s great for dry, dehydrated skin, and this cushiony cream delivers an ample dose of moisture that lasts beautifully. Its silky formula seeps effortlessly into the skin, and the hydrating aspects of PDRN are beautifully complemented by 10 types of hyaluronic acid, squalane and hydrolysed collagen. The cream leaves skin feeling plump, with a glass-like sheen. In fact, studies conducted by Anua showed that dermal hydration was improved by over 11 per cent for over 100 hours. It contains 1,000 ppm of salmon-derived PDRN, which is on the lower end, but it’s a great entry-level product and suitable for a vast array of skin types and concerns, particularly if you skew dry. £24, Lookfantastic.com
Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum
★★★★☆
Best: Budget PDRN
What we love: Excellent price point, deeply hydrating, gives glass-skin glow
Take note: Lower concentration of PDRN
At less than £20, this is a great option for those looking to reap the benefits of this trending ingredient without splurging. It’s super lightweight and delivers that covetable glass-skin glow, thanks to a mix of salmon-derived PDRN, which supports skin barrier repair and soothes irritation. Then, there are multiple molecular weights of hyaluronic acid to pull moisture into different layers of the skin, as well as collagen to support texture and firmness. It has a great delivery system, too: smart capsule technology ensures its actives are released fresh with every application. That said, it is worth mentioning that it doesn’t contain a great deal of PDRN, at about 100ppm, so it may not be for you if you’re looking for a high concentration. £16, Cultbeauty.co.uk
Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum
★★★★☆
Best: PDRN serum
What we love: Rose-derived PDRN, so suitable for vegetarians and vegans
Take note: Has a slight rose fragrance
This iconic pink serum has been a bestseller since it came to market in 2024, and it’s not hard to see why. This is a real workhorse; rose-derived PDRN, at a concentration of 10,000 ppm, works to soothe and moisturise. Alongside that, there’s niacinamide, adenosine and a peptide blend that helps tackle enlarged pores, fine lines and wrinkles, uneven texture and even mild scarring. After several weeks of use, I noticed a reduction in pigmentation caused by breakouts, and my skin looked more even overall. It’s also very gentle to boot, so it slots easily into any routine; I had no trouble using it night and day. £15.99, Sephora.co.uk
Medik8 Exosome-PDRN Prismatic+ Serum
★★★★★
Best: Luxury PDRN
What we love: Excellent concentration of vegan PDRN, intense skin barrier repair, great for mature skin
Take note: On the pricier end
As I’ve said, not all PDRN is made alike, and many qualms centre around how effectively it can be absorbed into the skin. Medik8’s innovative formula takes the guesswork out of that, thanks to its vegan “prismatic PDRN”, which has a “stable tetrahedral structure” designed to allow for optimal penetration. According to the brand’s studies, its prismatic PDRN delivers two times better skin absorption and 60 per cent deeper skin penetration than traditional PDRN. It’s supported by a highly concentrated triple exosome complex, with 151 billion exosomes per bottle, to support the skin’s natural signalling processes, amp up resilience and reinforce the skin barrier. The results speak for themselves: I was left with smoother, more even-looking skin within days, with hyperpigmentation noticeably diminished. This is the one to go for if you have mature skin, scarring, or if your barrier is severely compromised. £79, Sephora.co.uk
Dr.Reju-All All Advanced PDRN Rejuvenating Cream
★★★★☆
Best: Clinically tested PDRN
What we love: High concentration of PDRN, lightweight gel formula, clinically backed, great price point
Take note: Small amount of product
Perhaps one of the most exciting PDRN products to hit the UK this year is Dr.Reju-All’s Advanced PDRN Rejuvenating Cream, which was developed by doctors and pharmacists in South Korea. The brand claims that their clinical studies found that 1,200ppm of 99 per cent-pure salmon-derived PDRN yields the most complete regenerative benefits, without exceeding the skin’s absorption threshold. It comes in a fast-absorbing gel formulation that sinks into skin effortlessly and is boosted by added niacinamide, panthenol, collagen, and hyaluronic acid. After just a few days of night and day application, my skin looked and felt much more nourished, and I’m convinced it helped with repair after spending some time in the sun. It’s also non-irritating and non-comedogenic to boot. £25.90, Boots.com
Medicube PDRN Pink Glutathione Serum Mist
★★★★☆
Best: PDRN mist
What we love: Very hydrating, leaves a dewy glow
Take note: May be too heavy for very oily skin, low concentration of PDRN
This is one of the most hydrating jelly mists I’ve ever used, yet it never feels too heavy on the skin. It’s infused with salmon-derived PDRN, brightening glutathione, seven types of peptides and niacinamide to leave skin feeling refreshed and plumped, with a glassy glow. It’s excellent in the mornings, or when the skin is stressed, like mid-flight. I wouldn’t purchase this based on the amount of PDRN alone, but it’s an excellent all-round hydrator. Just make sure you shake it well to mix the water and oil layers. £16, Sephora.co.uk
VT Cosmetics PDRN Essence 100
★★★★★
Best: PDRN essence
What we love: Vegan ginseng-derived PDRN, very nourishing, skin-loving ingredients, and a glass-like glow
Take Note: Can be too heavy for some very oily skin types
VT is a cult Korean skincare brand, and their milky PDRN essence is one of the best products I’ve tried all year. It has a lightweight, milky texture and the PDRN, which is derived from wild Korean ginseng, comes in a healthy concentration of 100,000 ppm. Designed to be used before your moisturiser, this unscented formula provides a super hydrating layer, designed to impart a “spa-like water” glow, while nourishing the skin with a ceramide complex, polyglucuronic acid, panthenol, squalene and allantoin. I love the glow it gives; it’s the perfect salve for stressed-out skin, even if it’s very sensitive like mine. £25, Lookfantstic.com
Dr Althea PDRN Reju 5000 Cream
★★★★★
Best: PDRN for dry, sensitive skin
What we love: Vegan, probiotic derived PDRN, excellent for sensitive or reactive skin, deeply moisturising
Take Note: Runs out fast
If you have sensitive or reactive skin, Dr Althea’s Reju 5000 Cream is a probiotic-derived PDRN formula that promotes skin regeneration while deeply soothing and plumping. It contains 5,000ppm of PDRN, complemented by centella asiatica, which is excellent at calming irritation. It’s also incredibly hydrating for something so fast-absorbing; the finish is genuinely non-greasy. It’s the first port of call whenever I’ve overdone it with actives, or my skin barrier is otherwise compromised—my skin texture looks miles better by the morning. £22.50, cultbeauty.co.uk
VT Cosmetics PDRN Reedle Shot 100
★★★★☆
Best: PDRN treatment
What we love: Vegan PDRN, helps skincare absorb better, improved radiance and texture
Take Note: May not be suitable for sensitive skin
VT’s cult Reedle Shot has gone viral within K-beauty circles many times over—it’s essentially “microneedling-in-a-bottle”, from the comfort of your own home. It uses minuscule, mineral-derived micro-spicules, known as “Cica Reedles”, to create micro-pathways in the skin, helping subsequent skincare absorb more deeply. This version takes things a step further. The addition of plant-derived PDRN improves elasticity and texture, supports cellular repair and, of course, gives a glass-skin finish. You do feel a mild, itchy-type pricking or tingling sensation, but I found it tolerable, and my skin was noticeably more radiant and smoother with continued use. That said, I would proceed with caution if you have sensitive or reactive skin; start slowly, and don’t use it alongside actives like retinol. £45, Cultbeauty.co.uk
What are the best PDRN skincare products?
While PDRN is an emerging ingredient within the UK, it is already quite saturated, so it can be hard to know what to choose. But if you’re looking for an excellent all-rounder, you can’t go wrong with Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 cream, which provides all the benefits you want from the ingredient: moisture, barrier repair, and that covetable “glass-skin” sheen. In regard to the best budget buy, Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum delivers more potent results and helps to tackle fine lines and soothe irritation. If you’re looking to splash out, however, Medik8 Exosome-PDRN Prismatic+ Serum has a very high concentration of the ingredient and impressive studies on absorption, which is a key concern when it comes to PDRN. The results speak for themselves.
