The beauty world's latest buzzword is 'longevity', with skincare fans increasingly prioritising long-term skin health over quick fixes. Joining this movement is Medik8 with its new Exo-PDRN Prismatic+ serum, a vegan alternative to traditional PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide), which is typically derived from salmon DNA. The brand claims its pioneering form has a stable tetrahedral structure for 100% better absorption and penetrates 61% deeper than conventional PDRN.
The serum aims to strengthen the skin barrier, refine tone and texture, boost luminosity, and support calm, resilient skin. Traditional PDRN has long been a red-carpet favourite for its regenerative properties, with celebrities such as Kim Kardashian, Kendall Jenner, Hailey Bieber, and Jennifer Aniston reported to be fans. Kim has spoken about salmon sperm facials, while Kendall has praised a PDRN mist.
Three Mirror beauty writers – Beth in her 20s, Eve in her 30s, and Laura in her 50s – tested the serum over several weeks. Beth noticed fresher-looking skin after two weeks and a notable glow after four, with redness around her cheeks calmer. However, she saw little change to fine lines, noting that a retinal is better for anti-ageing. Eve, using it every morning for three weeks, found the texture slightly thicker and stickier than most serums, but it felt hydrating on her dry complexion and left a lasting dewy glow, especially on her cheekbones.
The serum comes in a pump bottle, which makes it easy to control dosage, and is said to contain 80 uses – at £79 a bottle, that's under £1 per application. The lightweight formula absorbs quickly and layers well with other skincare. For a budget alternative, Boots offers a PDRN serum at £8 as part of its capsule range.
While the Medik8 serum isn't a miracle in a bottle, the writers concluded it's an impressive addition to a skincare routine, particularly for those seeking a healthier, more radiant complexion.
