PDRN is everywhere in 2026: Korean serums, post-treatment ampoules, biotechnological masks. But behind the acronym, what do we really know? Where does this active ingredient come from? How does it act on the skin? Are the studies robust? And above all: does topical PDRN work as well as injections?
This encyclopedic guide answers every question, with transparency. No marketing, no unverified promises — just facts, studies, and concentrations.
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What is PDRN?
PDRN is the acronym for Polydeoxyribonucleotide. It is a polymer made up of low molecular weight DNA fragments (50-1,500 kDa), obtained by purification and fragmentation of salmon DNA (Oncorhynchus keta or Oncorhynchus mykiss).
💡 PDRN, PN, Sodium DNA: the differences
Three terms are circulating and creating confusion. PDRN refers to fragments of 50 to 1,500 kDa — this is the most studied form in aesthetic medicine. PN (Polynucleotides) have a higher molecular weight (greater than 1,500 kDa). In cosmetics, the official INCI name is "Sodium DNA", which encompasses both forms. When a brand displays "PDRN" on a serum, it is this Sodium DNA that it uses in its formulation.
In practice, PDRN is not a "miracle active" that appeared out of nowhere. It is an ingredient resulting from medical research, studied since the 2000s in the context of chronic wound healing (diabetic ulcers, burns), before migrating to aesthetic medicine, then to general public cosmetics.
Where does PDRN come from?
Classic PDRN is extracted from salmon milt (the male reproductive glands, also called "salmon sperm" in the press). This term may sound amusing, but the source is legitimate: milt is a co-product of the salmon food industry, rich in highly purified DNA.
The manufacturing process includes several steps: crude DNA extraction, enzymatic purification to remove proteins, controlled fragmentation to obtain the desired molecular weight, then lyophilization. The result is a soluble white powder that no longer contains detectable fish proteins — an important point for allergy sufferers.
South Korea is the world's leading producer of cosmetic PDRN. Laboratories in Incheon and Seoul have developed most of the purification protocols used today. The best-known trade name is Rejuran, a range of injectable treatments that became cult in Korean dermatological clinics from 2014-2015.
How PDRN acts on the skin
The mechanism of action of PDRN is based on the activation of adenosine A2A receptors, present on the surface of dermal fibroblasts. When DNA fragments bind to these receptors, they trigger a cascade of intracellular signals that stimulate three processes:
🧬 Collagen synthesis
Activated fibroblasts produce more type I and III collagen — the two structural types responsible for skin firmness and elasticity.
🔄 Cell renewal
PDRN accelerates the proliferation of fibroblasts and keratinocytes, promoting faster cell turnover and refined skin texture.
🛡️ Anti-inflammatory action
By modulating the A2A receptor pathway, PDRN reduces the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6), which soothes redness and promotes healing.
In parallel, PDRN provides nucleotides (the "building blocks" of DNA) directly to cells, which use them as raw material for repair and cell division. This is called the "salvage pathway" effect.
✅ What PDRN does (according to available data)
Stimulation of fibroblasts, support for collagen synthesis, anti-inflammatory action, improved hydration, accelerated post-treatment healing.
⚠️ What PDRN does not do
Topical PDRN does not instantly fill wrinkles (it is not a filler), does not modify the DNA of your cells (the fragments are too small to integrate into the genome), and does not replace injections in aesthetic medicine. It is a fundamental active, whose effects build up over 4 to 8 weeks.
Topical PDRN vs Injectable PDRN: the real difference
This is the most important question in this article. And the honest answer is: it's not the same thing.
| Criterion | Injectable PDRN (Rejuran) | Topical PDRN (Sodium DNA) |
|---|---|---|
| Administration method | Intradermal injection (clinic) | Application on the skin (home) |
| Penetration | Directly into the dermis | Limited to the epidermis and superficial dermis |
| Clinical studies | Numerous, robust (in vivo, RCT) | More recent, less numerous |
| Documented results | Densification, wrinkles, healing | Hydration, radiance, soothing |
| Time to action | 2-4 weeks | 4-8 weeks |
| Price per session/application | €150-400/session | €5-15/application |
| Accessibility | Doctor only | Free, in daily routine |
💉 Injectable PDRN
Penetration: direct into the dermis
Studies: numerous, robust
Results: densification, wrinkles, healing
Price: €150-400/session
🧴 Topical PDRN
Penetration: epidermis and superficial dermis
Studies: more recent, promising
Results: hydration, radiance, soothing
Price: €5-15/application
Why this transparency is important: many brands imply that their PDRN serum delivers the same results as a Rejuran injection. This is not the case. Topical PDRN has its own benefits — real and documented — but they are different from those of injections. Any brand that claims otherwise is exaggerating.
That said, topical PDRN has a major advantage: regularity of application. Where an injection acts occasionally (3-4 sessions per year), a topical treatment continuously delivers PDRN to the skin, 2 to 3 times a week. This consistency is precisely what builds cumulative results on hydration, radiance, and support of the skin barrier.
Topical PDRN does not replace injections. It complements them — and for people who do not want medical procedures, it offers a documented alternative, without skin invasion.
What clinical studies say
Let's be rigorous: the scientific literature on PDRN is solid for injections, but still under construction for topical applications. Here is the state of knowledge.
Studies on injectable PDRN (the most robust)
Injectable protocols have been the subject of dozens of studies since 2010, mainly in South Korea and Italy. Documented results include: improved dermal density measured by skin ultrasound, accelerated healing of diabetic foot ulcers, and increased collagen synthesis measured histologically. These studies, conducted on cohorts of 30 to 200 patients with double-blind protocols, constitute the most solid scientific basis.
Studies on topical PDRN (promising, to be confirmed)
Topical formulations have been studied since around 2020-2022. Published results show: improved skin hydration (measured by corneometry), reduced redness and inflammation, and subjective improvement in texture and radiance. These studies generally use concentrations of 300 to 500 ppm of Sodium DNA, over durations of 4 to 12 weeks.
⚠️ Limitations to be aware of
The skin is a barrier designed to prevent external molecules from penetrating. Topical PDRN has a lower molecular weight than collagen (which facilitates its penetration), but its ability to reach fibroblasts in the deep dermis remains debated. Vectorization technologies (exosomes, nano-encapsulation) improve this penetration, but the data remains preliminary.
Our position at DERMALYS: we use PDRN (Sodium DNA) at 500 ppm in our ExoBlanc™ mask, combined with Rosa Damascena exosomes which serve as transport vectors. We do not claim that the results are identical to injections. What we do claim is that studies on the isolated ingredient associate it with +25-35% collagen synthesis* — and that our formulation combines this PDRN with 7 complementary active ingredients to maximize the effect.
*Results observed in studies on the isolated ingredient (injectable PDRN). Individual results vary with topical application.
What concentration of PDRN is effective?
This is the question every INCI-reader should ask themselves. And the answer requires understanding the units used.
📏 Understanding the units
500 ppm = 500 parts per million = 0.05% of the formula. This may seem small, but PDRN is an active ingredient that acts at very low doses — like growth factors (EGF, IGF) or peptides. For comparison, Adenosine (an anti-wrinkle active recognized by the Korean KFDA) is effective at 0.04%.
Concentration scale
| Concentration | Equivalent % | Evaluation |
|---|---|---|
| < 100 ppm | < 0.01 % | ❌ Minimum cosmetic dose — marketing effect |
| 100-300 ppm | 0.01-0.03 % | ⚠️ Present but below documented efficacy threshold |
| 300-500 ppm | 0.03-0.05 % | ✅ Documented range in topical studies |
| > 500 ppm | > 0.05 % | ✅ Optimal concentration (clinical protocols) |
❌ Less than 100 ppm
Minimum cosmetic dose — allows "PDRN" to be listed on the label without significant effect.
⚠️ 100-300 ppm
Present in the formula but below the documented threshold in studies.
✅ 300-500 ppm
Documented effective range. This is the standard for serious K-Beauty formulations.
The problem: the vast majority of brands do not publish the concentration of PDRN in their serums. Sodium DNA appears in the INCI list, but without dosage. When it is listed after Phenoxyethanol (a preservative generally dosed at 0.5-1%), the concentration is probably less than 0.5% — which does not exclude an effective dosage for PDRN (0.05% = 500 ppm), but does not guarantee it either.
✅ How to check the concentration
PDRN and other actives: the synergies that matter
PDRN does not work in isolation. Its effectiveness partly depends on the active ingredients with which it is formulated. Here are the most well-documented combinations.
🧬 PDRN + Exosomes
Exosomes (nanovesicles ranging from 30 to 150 nm) act as transport vectors that enhance PDRN penetration through the skin barrier. This is the key synergy in the latest generation of K-Beauty formulations.
🧪 PDRN + Peptides (EGF, IGF)
EGF and IGF growth factors act downstream: they amplify the cell proliferation signal initiated by PDRN. This is a double activation mechanism for fibroblasts.
🌿 PDRN + Centella Asiatica
Centella protects existing collagen from degradation (MMP inhibition). PDRN stimulates the production of new collagen. Together, they act on both sides of the equation: production and protection.
✨ PDRN + Niacinamide
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) at 2% strengthens the skin barrier and evens out skin tone. It complements PDRN by working on radiance and surface texture, while PDRN acts in depth.
Combinations to avoid or alternate
PDRN is a well-tolerated active ingredient that combines with most ingredients. Two precautions, however: with retinol, it is preferable to alternate evenings rather than superimpose them (retinol can irritate, PDRN can help with recovery). With AHA/BHA (exfoliating acids), space applications at least 12 hours apart to preserve the skin barrier.
How to choose a PDRN treatment: the 5 criteria
The PDRN market is exploding: serums, ampoules, creams, masks. Here is the objective evaluation grid to separate serious formulations from "PDRN-washing".
🎯 Evaluation Grid — 5 criteria
Safety and contraindications
Topical PDRN (Sodium DNA) benefits from an excellent tolerance profile. It is one of the few advanced anti-aging active ingredients that causes no irritation, photosensitivity, or dryness — unlike retinol.
✅ Compatible with
Sensitive skin, post-treatment skin (after laser, peel, microneedling — from 48h according to practitioner's advice), reactive skin, dehydrated skin. Can be used morning and evening. No photosensitivity — compatible with sun exposure (with SPF).
⚠️ Precautions
Known allergy to fish proteins: purified PDRN theoretically contains no detectable proteins, but a prior skin test is recommended as a precaution. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: no known contraindication for topical Sodium DNA, unlike retinol. Consult your doctor if in doubt.
In regulatory terms, Sodium DNA is authorized as a cosmetic ingredient in the European Union under Regulation EC 1223/2009. It is listed in the European Commission's CosIng database. No concentration restriction is imposed for topical use.
Vegan PDRN: 2026 alternatives
The "salmon" origin of PDRN raises questions for consumers concerned about animal welfare or vegan cosmetics. The industry is responding: in 2026, plant-based alternatives are starting to emerge.
Among the most advanced developments: polynucleotide fragments derived from microalgae, banana, or yeast. These alternatives aim to reproduce the stimulating effect on A2A receptors without resorting to salmon DNA. The first active ingredients of this type were presented at the In-Cosmetics Global 2026 exhibition in Paris.
💡 State of Play 2026
Plant-based PDRN alternatives are promising, but clinical data is still preliminary. Most comparative studies between salmon PDRN and plant PDRN are funded by active ingredient suppliers — independent studies will follow. For now, salmon PDRN remains the most documented and widely used form in reference protocols.
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Frequently Asked Questions about PDRN in Cosmetics
What is PDRN in cosmetics?
PDRN (Polydeoxyribonucleotide) is a purified DNA fragment derived from salmon, used in cosmetics under the INCI name "Sodium DNA". It activates A2A receptors in fibroblasts to stimulate the synthesis of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. It is a foundational active ingredient whose effects build up over 4 to 8 weeks of regular use.
Is topical PDRN as effective as injections?
No, the results are different. Injections (like Rejuran) deliver PDRN directly into the dermis with measurable densification results. Topical PDRN works on hydration, radiance, and soothing, with limited penetration to the epidermis and superficial dermis. The two approaches are complementary, not interchangeable.
What concentration of PDRN is effective in cosmetics?
The documented range in topical studies is 300 to 500 ppm (0.03 to 0.05%). Below 100 ppm, the presence of PDRN is considered cosmetically minimal. Check that the brand publishes the exact dosage — lack of transparency on concentration is a warning sign.
Is PDRN suitable for sensitive skin?
Yes. Topical PDRN has documented anti-inflammatory properties (reduction of TNF-α and IL-6 cytokines). It causes no irritation, photosensitivity, or dryness. It is even used in post-treatment protocols (after laser, microneedling) in Korean protocols to accelerate skin recovery.
Does PDRN really come from salmon sperm?
Yes, classic PDRN is extracted from salmon milt (male reproductive glands), a co-product of the food industry. After purification, it no longer contains detectable fish proteins. Vegan alternatives (from microalgae or banana) are emerging in 2026 but still lack independent clinical data.
Can PDRN be used with retinol?
Yes, but not on the same evening. The ideal is to alternate: retinol on "active" evenings, PDRN mask or serum on "recovery" evenings. PDRN helps soothe the potential irritation of retinol. If your skin is very reactive, stabilize with PDRN alone for 2-3 weeks before introducing retinol.
Is PDRN allowed during pregnancy?
Topical Sodium DNA has no known contraindications during pregnancy, unlike retinol (not recommended) or salicylic acid (controversial). However, as a precaution, consult your doctor or midwife before introducing any new active ingredient into your routine during pregnancy.
How long does it take to see PDRN results?
Hydration and radiance are often visible from the first application (immediate effect of mask occlusion + serum). Improvement in texture and firmness gradually appears over 4 to 8 weeks of regular use (2-3 times a week). The results are cumulative and maintained with regularity.
What is the difference between PDRN and PN (polynucleotides)?
The difference is molecular weight. PDRN contains fragments of 50 to 1,500 kDa — this is the most studied form in aesthetic medicine. PNs (polynucleotides) have a molecular weight greater than 1,500 kDa. In topical cosmetics, both are grouped under the INCI name "Sodium DNA". PDRN, being smaller, theoretically penetrates the skin barrier better.
Does PDRN modify skin DNA?
No. PDRN fragments are too small and too degraded to integrate into the genome of skin cells. They act as extracellular signals (via A2A receptors) and as repair building blocks (nucleotides recycled by cells). PDRN does not modify your genes — it provides cells with the materials and signals to function better.
Test PDRN in a complete formulation
ExoBlanc™ is the K-Beauty sheet mask that combines PDRN 500 ppm, Rosa Damascena Exosomes, Niacinamide 2%, Centella Asiatica, and EGF/IGF peptides — 44 ingredients in 30 ml of pure serum.
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About this article
This article was written by the DERMALYS team based on technical data from our supplier Meso Pharm (MESO PHARM CO., LTD, Incheon, South Korea), safety data sheets (MSDS) of our products, and scientific literature available on PDRN in cosmetics and aesthetic medicine.
DERMALYS is a French brand of clinical K-Beauty. Our ExoBlanc™ mask is registered with the European CPNP (n°5094089), manufactured under ISO 22716 standard, and distributed exclusively via dermalys.eu.
The information contained in this article is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for any questions related to your skin or aesthetic treatment.
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