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journalism → support → readers
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we → purchase → commission
While PDRN is one of the most talked-about ingredients in skincare in 2026, not all formulas are made alike.
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formulas → talk → 2026
You may know it from the injectable polynucleotide treatment, or the “salmon sperm facial”, which was popularised in South Korea.
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which → know → Korea
Since then, the ingredient has made its way into more accessible topical solutions, which offer many of the same benefits, including barrier repair, hydration, cellular support and regeneration – but what are the best PDRN serums to shop now?
What is PDRN?
As Dr Christine Hall, one of the UK’s foremost Korean skincare doctors, explains, PDRN stands for polydeoxyribonucleotide – these are short chains of DNA fragments, commonly derived from salmon DNA, as they are remarkably compatible with human skin.
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they → make → skin
“PDRN supports the skin's repair mechanisms,” she says.
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she → support → mechanisms
“It’s best suited to skin that needs repair and support.
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that → suit → repair
Think dullness, dehydration, sensitivity, post-procedure or post-breakout recovery, or skin that has been over-exfoliated or stressed.”
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that → think → dullness
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.
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improvements → expect → 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.
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she → say → day
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.
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test → note → PDRN
However, some newer formulas use plant-derived PDRN alternatives, such as rose, which is an option for vegans.
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which → use → 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.”
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data → tolerate → doctor
It can be used daily, morning and evening.
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It → use → ?
It also layers well with hydrating and calming ingredients like hyaluronic acid, panthenol and niacinamide.
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It → layer → acid
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.
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barrier → sensitise → morning
Now, without further ado, here’s my pick of the best PDRN products on the market – spanning creams, serums, treatments and mists.
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pick → ’ → creams
How I tested
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I → test → ?
As a beauty editor, I’ve tested dozens of PDRN products over the years.
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I → test → years
Some truly live up to the hype, while others don’t.
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others → live → hype
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.
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I → test → formula
What we love: Excellent price point for formula, glass-like glow
Take note:
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love → love → 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.
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that → ’ → moisture
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.
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aspects → seep → acid
The cream leaves skin feeling plump, with a glass-like sheen.
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skin → leave → sheen
In fact, studies conducted by Anua showed that dermal hydration was improved by over 11 per cent for over 100 hours.
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hydration → conduct → 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.
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you → contain → types
What we love: Excellent price point, deeply hydrating, gives glass-skin glow
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point → love → 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.
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this → take → ingredient
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.
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which → deliver → irritation
It has a great delivery system, too: smart capsule technology ensures its actives are released fresh with every application.
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actives → have → 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.
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you → say → concentration
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.
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it → love → 2024
This is a real workhorse; rose-derived PDRN, at a concentration of 10,000 ppm, works to soothe and moisturise.
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PDRN → derive → ppm
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.
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that → ’ → pores
After several weeks of use, I noticed a reduction in pigmentation caused by breakouts, and my skin looked more even overall.
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skin → notice → breakouts
It’s also very gentle to boot, so it slots easily into any routine; I had no trouble using it night and day.
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I → ’ → it
Medik8 Exosome-PDRN Prismatic+ Serum
★★★★★
Best: Luxury PDRN
What we love: Excellent concentration of vegan PDRN, intense skin barrier repair, great for mature skin
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we → love → skin
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.
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it → say → 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.
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which → take → penetration
…and 35 more, not listed.
The Aporia
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