If you've spent any time on skincare TikTok lately, you've probably seen the words "salmon DNA" pop up more than once. PDRN-based skincare has gone from niche Korean clinic secret to full-blown global beauty obsession, and with that surge in popularity comes a lot of options. Three names come up more than any others: Rejuran, Curenex and VITARAN.
So which one is right for you? Let's break it down honestly, conversationally, and without the marketing fluff.
Want the wider picture? Our PDRN serum showdown compares these alongside Medicube and Dr. Drawing too, with a full breakdown of PDRN concentrations and pricing.
First, what even is PDRN?
PDRN stands for polydeoxyribonucleotide. It's a fancy name for small DNA fragments extracted from salmon (yes, really, and no, your skin won't smell like sushi). These fragments are similar in structure to human DNA, which is why they've become such a talking point in the skincare world.
In topical skincare products, PDRN is included as a cosmetic ingredient designed to support the appearance of hydrated, smoother, more radiant-looking skin. It's become one of the buzziest ingredients in K-beauty and is now making its way into routines all over Australia. New to it? Start with our guide to what PDRN is or browse the PDRN serum collection.
An important distinction: injectable vs topical
Before we dive into the comparison, there's something important to know. Rejuran is an injectable treatment performed by qualified medical professionals, it's a prescription-only procedure that falls under Australia's TGA medical regulations. Curenex and VITARAN, on the other hand, are topical cosmetic skincare products that you apply to the surface of your skin.
That means these aren't really "apples to apples" comparisons. An injectable procedure and a topical serum work in very different ways and are regulated very differently. But because all three get lumped together in the "salmon DNA" conversation, we think it's worth explaining what each one actually is so you can make an informed choice.
Rejuran: the injectable procedure
What it is: A prescription-only injectable procedure administered by qualified medical professionals in Australia. It's delivered through micro-injections into the skin during a clinical session.
Best for: People who are comfortable with injectable cosmetic procedures and want a clinic-based treatment. It's not something you can do at home, and it requires booking with a licensed practitioner.
The catch: It's a medical procedure, so there's downtime, cost per session, and it must be done by a qualified practitioner. For people who want a topical, daily-use option at home, this isn't the right fit.
Note: We don't stock Rejuran as it's a prescription injectable, you'd need to book this through a registered clinic if it's something you're interested in.
VITARAN Skin Healing Series: the topical all-rounder
What it is: A topical cosmetic skincare range from Korea, designed for daily use at home. The star of the show is the combination of PDRN with 5% encapsulated exosomes, NMN (a precursor to NAD+), and a blend of nourishing ingredients like Centella, Adenosine, Niacinamide and Azulene.
What makes it interesting: VITARAN uses capsule technology that keeps the active ingredients stable until you apply the product. The capsules burst as you massage the serum in, meaning you're getting the ingredients at their freshest with every use.
Best for: People who want a complete daily cosmetic skincare routine with a science-forward formulation. If you love the idea of pairing PDRN with exosomes, NMN and other supporting actives in one product, VITARAN is hard to beat for at-home use. Explore the VITARAN range →
Professional use? Yes, VITARAN is also used in salon and clinic settings alongside treatments like microneedling.
Curenex: the clinic favourite for targeted use
What it is: A topical PDRN-based skincare range developed in Korea, with a strong reputation among professionals. Curenex focuses on high-purity PDRN formulations designed for targeted use, particularly alongside treatments like microneedling.
What makes it stand out: Curenex built its reputation in clinic settings first, which is why it's become one of the most trusted names for professionals looking for a reliable PDRN serum. The formulations are clean, focused, and designed to pair seamlessly with in-clinic and at-home microneedling routines.
Best for: If you're already doing at-home microneedling (or thinking about starting), Curenex is the serum we recommend. It's formulated to be used during and after your microneedling sessions to help your skin feel hydrated, comfortable and look its best.
Our take: If you want a targeted product that's as happy in a salon as it is on your bathroom counter, Curenex is our top pick. Shop the Curenex range →
Side-by-side comparison
| Product | Type | Best For | At Home? | Professional Use? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rejuran | Prescription injectable (medical procedure) | People seeking a clinic-based injectable option | No, clinic only | Clinic only |
| VITARAN | Topical cosmetic (daily skincare) | Daily routine; full formulation with PDRN, exosomes & NMN; can be paired with microneedling | Yes | Clinic & home |
| Curenex | Topical cosmetic (targeted serum) | Pairing with microneedling; clinic-favourite PDRN serum | Yes | Clinic & home |
So which one should you pick?
Here's the honest answer: it depends on what you're looking for and how you like to approach your skincare.
Choose Rejuran if you're comfortable with injectable cosmetic procedures and want a clinic-based treatment administered by a licensed practitioner. Just remember, you'll need to book through a registered clinic.
Choose VITARAN if (and this is our top pick) you want a daily cosmetic skincare routine that brings together PDRN, exosomes, NMN and supporting actives all in one product. It's the product we'd recommend for an easy, no-fuss way to introduce advanced K-beauty ingredients to your everyday routine.
Choose Curenex if you want a clean, targeted PDRN serum that works beautifully on its own or alongside microneedling. It's the product we'd recommend for anyone wanting a clinic-favourite serum they can use at home.
Want both in one go? Our salmon DNA bundles make it easy to build a complete routine.
The bottom line
The salmon DNA skincare trend isn't going anywhere, and for good reason, PDRN has quickly become one of the most talked-about ingredients in K-beauty. Whether you're a microneedling enthusiast looking for the perfect serum pairing, or someone who just wants to upgrade their daily routine, there's a product in this lineup for you.
At Salmon DNA Australia, we carry both Curenex and VITARAN, hand-picked from authorised Korean manufacturers and shipped directly from our Brisbane warehouse. No grey-market imports, no guessing games.
Find your perfect PDRN match →
Frequently asked questions
Is Rejuran the same as Curenex or VITARAN?
No. Rejuran is a prescription injectable performed by a clinician. Curenex and VITARAN are topical cosmetic skincare products you apply yourself.
Which is better for microneedling, Curenex or VITARAN?
Curenex is our pick as a targeted serum to pair with microneedling, while VITARAN is a fuller daily routine with PDRN, exosomes and NMN. Both work well at home.
Do you sell Rejuran?
No, Rejuran is a prescription injectable that must be booked through a registered clinic. We stock topical salmon DNA cosmetics only.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Curenex and VITARAN are topical cosmetic products. Rejuran is a prescription medical procedure administered by a qualified practitioner. Always patch test new skincare; not suitable for those with fish allergies.
Is there an at-home alternative to Rejuran? (PDRN without injections)
This is one of the most common questions we hear from Australians researching salmon DNA skincare: is there a Rejuran alternative you can use at home? The honest answer is that no topical product can replicate a prescription injectable, they are different categories and are regulated differently. But if your goal is simply to bring PDRN (salmon DNA) into your routine without injections, a topical PDRN serum used on its own, or pressed in with gentle at-home microneedling, is the closest at-home approach.
Most people searching for an at-home alternative to Rejuran in Australia want the salmon-DNA ingredient story without the downtime, cost per session or clinic visits of an injectable. A daily topical like VITARAN (which pairs PDRN with exosomes and NMN), or a targeted serum like Curenex used alongside a derma stamp or microneedling pen, lets you use PDRN consistently at home. If you are weighing topical options against in-clinic procedures, our exosome treatment and therapy guide explains how the at-home and clinic routes compare.
Keep expectations realistic: a topical serum absorbs into the surface of the skin and supports the appearance of hydrated, smoother, more even skin over time. It is a cosmetic product, not a substitute for a medical procedure, and results are gradual and cumulative.
Is there an at-home alternative to Rejuran in Australia?
There is no topical equivalent to a prescription injectable, but if you want PDRN without injections, a daily topical PDRN serum, optionally paired with gentle at-home microneedling, is the closest at-home option. Browse our PDRN serum range.
Can you get PDRN without injections?
Yes. PDRN (salmon DNA) is available in topical cosmetic serums and creams you apply yourself, so you can use the ingredient daily without any injectable procedure.
What is the best topical alternative to a Rejuran skin booster?
For a full daily routine, VITARAN pairs PDRN with exosomes and NMN. For a targeted serum to use with microneedling, Curenex is our pick. Both are topical cosmetics you can use at home.
