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Vampire facials. Snail mucin moisturiser. Bee venom eye cream. The world of skincare is known to send some weird but wondrous ingredients our way. Which is why, the prospect of salmon sperm facials probably didn’t fetch many raised eyebrows. The promise of smoother, tighter skin, however, means that the latter has crossed the pond from in-clinic treatments to become a mainstay in the skincare aisle. With a propensity to speed up skin regeneration and improve elasticity, skincare enthusiasts around the globe can’t stop raving about this new ingredient. But what can it do for you, and who is a good candidate for this revitalising active? Join us in decoding the hype around PDRN.
To understand more, we spoke to Dr Jaishree Sharad, internationally renowned cosmetic dermatologist, author and TEDx speaker and one of our expert panellists, who helped us break down what makes PDRN such a buzzword in skincare today.
Bakuchiol has gained a solid rep as the plant-based alternative to retinol—and this serum pairs it with PDRN (a DNA-based skin regeneration ingredient) for serious anti-ageing benefits, minus the irritation. It supports collagen production, encourages skin healing, and softens the look of fine lines—all while being gentle enough for sensitive skin. Squalane adds a layer of hydration that helps with elasticity and glow, and it also works to reduce hyperpigmentation over time. This one’s ideal if your skin doesn’t vibe with retinoids but you still want visible results.
Technically, this term translates into polydeoxyribonucleotide. But since that’s too much of a mouthful, you’ll be looking for PDRN when buying skincare online. First things first: you aren’t exactly smearing salmon on your face. PDRN refers to the fragments of DNA derived from salmon sperm cells.
As Dr Sharad explains, “PDRN (Polydeoxyribonucleotide) is a special ingredient made from tiny pieces of DNA—the same material that makes up our genes. It’s used in medicine and skincare because it helps the body repair itself faster, reduce inflammation and regenerate damaged skin or tissue.”
Traditionally, it’s extracted from the sperm cells of salmonid fish such as rainbow trout or chum salmon. The DNA is then purified, sterilised and broken down into smaller fragments to make it safe for use. “Recent innovations have introduced microbial-derived PDRN, offering a sustainable and vegan-friendly alternative that eliminates animal sourcing concerns,” adds Dr Sharad.
While it has long been used in medicine for promoting wound healing, PDRN has been slowly but surely sweeping through the skincare aisle as well.
When used topically, PDRN can dial up the skin’s regenerative activity—this means faster skin cell turnover and healing. It also assists collagen synthesis to make skin more plump and supple over time. By reducing water loss at the transepidermal level, it helps the skin retain moisture for longer.
According to Dr Sharad, “PDRN acts on two main levels—cell signalling and cell repair. It switches on special repair receptors in your skin that trigger collagen production, calm inflammation and improve blood flow. And because it’s made of DNA fragments, your cells can reuse them to rebuild themselves faster.”
Unlike many trendy ingredients, PDRN has a strong scientific foundation. “PDRN is backed by over 20 years of medical research in wound healing, tissue repair and anti-ageing,” says Dr Sharad. “Doctors have used it for burns, diabetic ulcers and post-surgery healing—and now the same molecule is used in aesthetic treatments to rebuild skin from within.”
While PDRN is a common sight in injectables, you’ll also find it in serums, ampoules and creams. To get the most from its moisturising benefits, start with a clean, hydrated base. Cleanse your face, mist lightly, then pat in a pea-sized amount of your PDRN product. It absorbs best on slightly damp skin.
Dr Sharad explains that the form of PDRN you choose matters: “Injectable PDRN works deeper—it directly activates receptors in the dermis, stimulating collagen regeneration and improving texture, tone and elasticity in about six to eight weeks. Topical PDRN, on the other hand, mostly acts on the surface. It’s a large molecule, so it can’t penetrate very deep. The benefits you see from serums and creams come mainly from their hydrating and calming effects.”
At night, follow the same cleansing and layering steps, then seal everything in with a moisturiser. If you’re new to PDRN, avoid mixing it with too many other actives right away.
Not all skincare actives are created alike, and you might find that your skin is able to tolerate some ingredients better than others. On a general scale, PDRN works well within anti-ageing routines with its ability to improve collagen synthesis. Dry, dehydrated skin will also welcome the moisturising touch of this ingredient.
“PDRN helps with wrinkles, scarring, dullness and barrier repair,” says Dr Sharad. “It boosts collagen and elastin, calms inflammation and improves the skin’s ability to hold water.”
However, not everyone is a good candidate for PDRN. If you have acne-prone skin and are facing breakouts, it helps to avoid introducing any new ingredients to your skincare routine until the inflammation has settled down. Since PDRN has its roots in salmon, those with seafood allergies are advised to opt for a patch test as an overabundance of precaution.
“It’s not a miracle stand-alone treatment,” cautions Dr Sharad. “You need to have a holistic skincare routine, use the right kind of products and pair it with other treatments like radiofrequency skin tightening or skin boosters for best results. PDRN improves texture and tone, but it can’t replace volumising or contouring procedures.”
While injectables deliver more visible results, they also come with precautions. Mild redness or swelling can occur post-treatment, and results take a few sessions to build up.
“It usually takes three to six monthly sessions to see firmer skin and smoother texture,” says Dr Sharad. “One session isn’t enough—you’ll see progressive improvement over time. Studies have even shown increases in dermal thickness and improved elasticity after several sessions.”
Quality and purity also matter. “Not all PDRN products are made equal,” warns Dr Sharad. “Some over-the-counter creams contain too little active DNA or impure extracts. Always look for medical-grade or clinically tested sources.”
As for safety and long-term results, Dr Sharad takes a cautious, evidence-based view. “There are still limited studies beyond 12 months,” she explains. “No major safety issues have emerged, and results can last six to twelve months, but we need more research before making definitive claims. I always believe in science and evidence-based data. It’s important to take it slow because it’s your body and you can’t play with it.”
Ultimately, PDRN isn’t a fad—it’s a medically researched molecule with promising potential. Injectables work at a deeper level, while topical forms can improve hydration, support barrier repair and calm inflammation. “With proper studies, injectable or microneedling-based PDRN could very well become a long-term part of aesthetic treatments,” concludes Dr Sharad. “For now, it’s promising, but too soon to make sweeping claims.”
Technically, this term translates into polydeoxyribonucleotide. But since that’s too much of a mouthful, you’ll be looking for PDRN when buying skincare online. First things first: you aren’t exactly smearing salmon on your face. PDRN refers to the fragments of DNA derived from salmon sperm cells.
As Dr Sharad explains, “PDRN (Polydeoxyribonucleotide) is a special ingredient made from tiny pieces of DNA—the same material that makes up our genes. It’s used in medicine and skincare because it helps the body repair itself faster, reduce inflammation and regenerate damaged skin or tissue.”
Traditionally, it’s extracted from the sperm cells of salmonid fish such as rainbow trout or chum salmon. The DNA is then purified, sterilised and broken down into smaller fragments to make it safe for use. “Recent innovations have introduced microbial-derived PDRN, offering a sustainable and vegan-friendly alternative that eliminates animal sourcing concerns,” adds Dr Sharad.
While it has long been used in medicine for promoting wound healing, PDRN has been slowly but surely sweeping through the skincare aisle as well.
When used topically, PDRN can dial up the skin’s regenerative activity—this means faster skin cell turnover and healing. It also assists collagen synthesis to make skin more plump and supple over time. By reducing water loss at the transepidermal level, it helps the skin retain moisture for longer.
According to Dr Sharad, “PDRN acts on two main levels—cell signalling and cell repair. It switches on special repair receptors in your skin that trigger collagen production, calm inflammation and improve blood flow. And because it’s made of DNA fragments, your cells can reuse them to rebuild themselves faster.”
Unlike many trendy ingredients, PDRN has a strong scientific foundation. “PDRN is backed by over 20 years of medical research in wound healing, tissue repair and anti-ageing,” says Dr Sharad. “Doctors have used it for burns, diabetic ulcers and post-surgery healing—and now the same molecule is used in aesthetic treatments to rebuild skin from within.”
While PDRN is a common sight in injectables, you’ll also find it in serums, ampoules and creams. To get the most from its moisturising benefits, start with a clean, hydrated base. Cleanse your face, mist lightly, then pat in a pea-sized amount of your PDRN product. It absorbs best on slightly damp skin.
Dr Sharad explains that the form of PDRN you choose matters: “Injectable PDRN works deeper—it directly activates receptors in the dermis, stimulating collagen regeneration and improving texture, tone and elasticity in about six to eight weeks. Topical PDRN, on the other hand, mostly acts on the surface. It’s a large molecule, so it can’t penetrate very deep. The benefits you see from serums and creams come mainly from their hydrating and calming effects.”
At night, follow the same cleansing and layering steps, then seal everything in with a moisturiser. If you’re new to PDRN, avoid mixing it with too many other actives right away.
Not all skincare actives are created alike, and you might find that your skin is able to tolerate some ingredients better than others. On a general scale, PDRN works well within anti-ageing routines with its ability to improve collagen synthesis. Dry, dehydrated skin will also welcome the moisturising touch of this ingredient.
“PDRN helps with wrinkles, scarring, dullness and barrier repair,” says Dr Sharad. “It boosts collagen and elastin, calms inflammation and improves the skin’s ability to hold water.”
However, not everyone is a good candidate for PDRN. If you have acne-prone skin and are facing breakouts, it helps to avoid introducing any new ingredients to your skincare routine until the inflammation has settled down. Since PDRN has its roots in salmon, those with seafood allergies are advised to opt for a patch test as an overabundance of precaution.
“It’s not a miracle stand-alone treatment,” cautions Dr Sharad. “You need to have a holistic skincare routine, use the right kind of products and pair it with other treatments like radiofrequency skin tightening or skin boosters for best results. PDRN improves texture and tone, but it can’t replace volumising or contouring procedures.”
While injectables deliver more visible results, they also come with precautions. Mild redness or swelling can occur post-treatment, and results take a few sessions to build up.
“It usually takes three to six monthly sessions to see firmer skin and smoother texture,” says Dr Sharad. “One session isn’t enough—you’ll see progressive improvement over time. Studies have even shown increases in dermal thickness and improved elasticity after several sessions.”
Quality and purity also matter. “Not all PDRN products are made equal,” warns Dr Sharad. “Some over-the-counter creams contain too little active DNA or impure extracts. Always look for medical-grade or clinically tested sources.”
As for safety and long-term results, Dr Sharad takes a cautious, evidence-based view. “There are still limited studies beyond 12 months,” she explains. “No major safety issues have emerged, and results can last six to twelve months, but we need more research before making definitive claims. I always believe in science and evidence-based data. It’s important to take it slow because it’s your body and you can’t play with it.”
Ultimately, PDRN isn’t a fad—it’s a medically researched molecule with promising potential. Injectables work at a deeper level, while topical forms can improve hydration, support barrier repair and calm inflammation. “With proper studies, injectable or microneedling-based PDRN could very well become a long-term part of aesthetic treatments,” concludes Dr Sharad. “For now, it’s promising, but too soon to make sweeping claims.”
Technically, this term translates into polydeoxyribonucleotide. But since that’s too much of a mouthful, you’ll be looking for PDRN when buying skincare online. First things first: you aren’t exactly smearing salmon on your face. PDRN refers to the fragments of DNA derived from salmon sperm cells.
As Dr Sharad explains, “PDRN (Polydeoxyribonucleotide) is a special ingredient made from tiny pieces of DNA—the same material that makes up our genes. It’s used in medicine and skincare because it helps the body repair itself faster, reduce inflammation and regenerate damaged skin or tissue.”
Traditionally, it’s extracted from the sperm cells of salmonid fish such as rainbow trout or chum salmon. The DNA is then purified, sterilised and broken down into smaller fragments to make it safe for use. “Recent innovations have introduced microbial-derived PDRN, offering a sustainable and vegan-friendly alternative that eliminates animal sourcing concerns,” adds Dr Sharad.
While it has long been used in medicine for promoting wound healing, PDRN has been slowly but surely sweeping through the skincare aisle as well.
When used topically, PDRN can dial up the skin’s regenerative activity—this means faster skin cell turnover and healing. It also assists collagen synthesis to make skin more plump and supple over time. By reducing water loss at the transepidermal level, it helps the skin retain moisture for longer.
According to Dr Sharad, “PDRN acts on two main levels—cell signalling and cell repair. It switches on special repair receptors in your skin that trigger collagen production, calm inflammation and improve blood flow. And because it’s made of DNA fragments, your cells can reuse them to rebuild themselves faster.”
Unlike many trendy ingredients, PDRN has a strong scientific foundation. “PDRN is backed by over 20 years of medical research in wound healing, tissue repair and anti-ageing,” says Dr Sharad. “Doctors have used it for burns, diabetic ulcers and post-surgery healing—and now the same molecule is used in aesthetic treatments to rebuild skin from within.”
While PDRN is a common sight in injectables, you’ll also find it in serums, ampoules and creams. To get the most from its moisturising benefits, start with a clean, hydrated base. Cleanse your face, mist lightly, then pat in a pea-sized amount of your PDRN product. It absorbs best on slightly damp skin.
Dr Sharad explains that the form of PDRN you choose matters: “Injectable PDRN works deeper—it directly activates receptors in the dermis, stimulating collagen regeneration and improving texture, tone and elasticity in about six to eight weeks. Topical PDRN, on the other hand, mostly acts on the surface. It’s a large molecule, so it can’t penetrate very deep. The benefits you see from serums and creams come mainly from their hydrating and calming effects.”
At night, follow the same cleansing and layering steps, then seal everything in with a moisturiser. If you’re new to PDRN, avoid mixing it with too many other actives right away.
Not all skincare actives are created alike, and you might find that your skin is able to tolerate some ingredients better than others. On a general scale, PDRN works well within anti-ageing routines with its ability to improve collagen synthesis. Dry, dehydrated skin will also welcome the moisturising touch of this ingredient.
“PDRN helps with wrinkles, scarring, dullness and barrier repair,” says Dr Sharad. “It boosts collagen and elastin, calms inflammation and improves the skin’s ability to hold water.”
However, not everyone is a good candidate for PDRN. If you have acne-prone skin and are facing breakouts, it helps to avoid introducing any new ingredients to your skincare routine until the inflammation has settled down. Since PDRN has its roots in salmon, those with seafood allergies are advised to opt for a patch test as an overabundance of precaution.
“It’s not a miracle stand-alone treatment,” cautions Dr Sharad. “You need to have a holistic skincare routine, use the right kind of products and pair it with other treatments like radiofrequency skin tightening or skin boosters for best results. PDRN improves texture and tone, but it can’t replace volumising or contouring procedures.”
While injectables deliver more visible results, they also come with precautions. Mild redness or swelling can occur post-treatment, and results take a few sessions to build up.
“It usually takes three to six monthly sessions to see firmer skin and smoother texture,” says Dr Sharad. “One session isn’t enough—you’ll see progressive improvement over time. Studies have even shown increases in dermal thickness and improved elasticity after several sessions.”
Quality and purity also matter. “Not all PDRN products are made equal,” warns Dr Sharad. “Some over-the-counter creams contain too little active DNA or impure extracts. Always look for medical-grade or clinically tested sources.”
As for safety and long-term results, Dr Sharad takes a cautious, evidence-based view. “There are still limited studies beyond 12 months,” she explains. “No major safety issues have emerged, and results can last six to twelve months, but we need more research before making definitive claims. I always believe in science and evidence-based data. It’s important to take it slow because it’s your body and you can’t play with it.”
Ultimately, PDRN isn’t a fad—it’s a medically researched molecule with promising potential. Injectables work at a deeper level, while topical forms can improve hydration, support barrier repair and calm inflammation. “With proper studies, injectable or microneedling-based PDRN could very well become a long-term part of aesthetic treatments,” concludes Dr Sharad. “For now, it’s promising, but too soon to make sweeping claims.”
