Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Aniston have both tried salmon sperm facials, but what exactly is the procedure and does it actually work? The treatment, more formally known as polynucleotide therapy, involves injecting small fragments of DNA and RNA into the skin to stimulate collagen production and improve hydration.
Dr Richard Westreich, a facial plastic surgeon in New York, explains that polynucleotides can boost the production of new blood vessels and skin cells, leading to a thicker, healthier complexion. The treatment has been used in Europe and Korea since around 2015, but in the US it is not yet FDA-approved for injection, so it is often applied topically after microneedling.
Costs vary: a polynucleotide and microneedling session costs around $500, while injectable versions can be $900 to $1,000. The DNA in salmon sperm is similar to human DNA, making it well tolerated, and manufacturers extract it from testes due to higher DNA concentration.
However, evidence is mixed. A 2024 review found some studies showing significant improvements in skin elasticity, but others reported limited or no benefits. Dr Lauren Taglia, a dermatologist, says more research is needed before she recommends it. Results typically last six to nine months, with few side effects beyond bruising or swelling.
