216 reviews
Updated April 2026 · about a 6 minute read
One purified ingredient, a lot of quiet hydration.
The short answer
PDRN, short for polydeoxyribonucleotide, is a skincare ingredient purified from salmon DNA. In cosmetic serums it is loved for a deeply hydrated, smooth and comfortable feel, and it pairs beautifully with NAD+ and hyaluronic acid. Browse PDRN serums.
PDRN has quietly become one of the most talked about ingredients in Korean skincare, and for good reason. Below is everything you need to know: what it is, what it does for your skin, how it compares to ingredients like hyaluronic acid and exosomes, and how to fit it into your routine.
On this page
- What is PDRN?
- Where PDRN comes from (and the “salmon sperm” nickname)
- What PDRN does for your skin
- PDRN compared to polynucleotides, exosomes and hyaluronic acid
- How to use PDRN in your routine
- The best partners for PDRN: NAD+ and hyaluronic acid
- PDRN products we stock
- Your PDRN questions, answered
What is PDRN?
PDRN stands for polydeoxyribonucleotide. It is a chain of DNA fragments that is purified and refined for use in skincare. You will see it on ingredient lists and product names across the K beauty world, often alongside words like salmon DNA, skin booster and exosome.
In a cosmetic serum, PDRN is used on the surface of the skin, meaning you smooth it onto your face rather than swallow or inject anything. It is prized for how hydrated, plump and comfortable it leaves the skin looking and feeling, and it tends to suit even reactive and sensitive skin types.
Where PDRN comes from (and the “salmon sperm” nickname)
The DNA used to make cosmetic PDRN is most commonly sourced from salmon. That is where the ingredient gets its salmon DNA name, and it is also why you may have seen it called the “salmon sperm facial” online. It is a catchy nickname, but in a serum PDRN is simply a purified ingredient you smooth onto your skin, not a procedure.
Because PDRN is derived from salmon, it is not vegan and is not suitable for anyone avoiding fish based ingredients.
What PDRN does for your skin
Here is what makes PDRN such a popular addition to a routine, described the honest cosmetic way:
- Deep hydration. PDRN helps skin feel quenched and cushioned, which is why complexions often look plumper and more bouncy after use.
- A smoother look. With consistent use, skin tends to look smoother and more refined on the surface.
- Comfort for sensitive skin. PDRN is gentle and well tolerated, so it is a favourite for people whose skin is easily upset.
- A healthy looking glow. Well hydrated, comfortable skin simply looks more radiant, and that is the everyday glow PDRN fans are chasing.
How PDRN works in a cosmetic serum
PDRN is a large, water loving molecule. When you apply it, it helps the surface of your skin hold on to moisture, and a well hydrated surface is what gives that smooth, plumped, glowing appearance. Think of it as giving your skin a big drink and a soft cushion so it looks its best. That is the cosmetic story, and it is exactly why PDRN pairs so beautifully with the two ingredients further down this page.
PDRN and hyaluronic acid are your hydration heroes; NAD+ is the quiet energy behind the glow.
PDRN compared to polynucleotides, exosomes and hyaluronic acid
These ingredients often get mentioned in the same breath, so here is a simple side by side to clear up the confusion.
| Ingredient | What it is | Best known for (in cosmetics) | How it feels |
|---|---|---|---|
| PDRN | DNA fragments purified from salmon | Deep hydration, a plumped and smooth look, comfort for sensitive skin | Light, watery, cushioning |
| Polynucleotides (PN) | Longer chains of the same DNA family | Often discussed alongside professional in clinic treatments; in cosmetics, a hydrated look | Similar watery serum feel |
| Exosomes | Tiny messenger particles used in advanced formulas | A fresh, glowing, well conditioned look | Silky, lightweight |
| Hyaluronic acid | A moisture binding sugar found naturally in skin | Instant surface hydration and bounce | Slippery, quick absorbing |
| NAD+ | A coenzyme your cells use for energy | Supporting a healthy, vital looking complexion | Light serum feel |
A quick way to remember it: PDRN and hyaluronic acid are your hydration heroes, exosomes are about a conditioned glow, and NAD+ supports that overall vital look. Many of our formulas combine several of these so you get the benefits together.
How to use PDRN in your routine
PDRN is easy to slot in and plays nicely with most other ingredients.
- When: morning, night, or both.
- Where in the order: after cleansing and any watery toner, before your moisturiser. Serums go on lighter to heavier.
- How often: daily is fine for most people. If your skin is new to it, start every second day and build up.
- Layering: PDRN sits happily under and over most things. It is a lovely partner for hyaluronic acid and works alongside vitamin C in the morning and gentle retinol at night. Introduce one new active at a time so you can see how your skin responds.
- Patch test first: as with any new product, dab a little on your inner arm or jaw and wait 24 hours before applying all over, especially if your skin is sensitive.
- Who it suits: all skin types, and a particular favourite for dry, dull or easily irritated skin.
The best partners for PDRN: NAD+ and hyaluronic acid
PDRN is wonderful on its own, but it truly shines next to two other ingredients.
NAD+ is a coenzyme your skin cells rely on for energy. Levels naturally dip as we age, and in a cosmetic formula NAD+ is used to support a healthy, vital looking complexion. Paired with PDRN, you get hydration plus that fresh, energised look.
Hyaluronic acid is the moisture magnet your skin already makes. It grabs water and holds it at the surface for instant bounce. Layered with PDRN, the two lock in hydration together for a plumped, dewy finish.
Together, PDRN, NAD+ and hyaluronic acid make a hydration and glow trio that covers a lot of ground in a simple routine.
PDRN products we stock
- HP Cell Vitaran Salmon DNA serum brings PDRN and exosome technology together in one dual serum. Shop the Vitaran serum.
- Salmon DNA PDRN skin booster is our concentrated PDRN option loved by at home skin booster fans. Shop the Salmon DNA PDRN skin booster.
- Rejuva Healer S combines the NAD+, PDRN and hyaluronic acid trio in a single formula. Shop Rejuva Healer S.
- Browse the full range in our PDRN serums collection and exosome skincare collection.
All PDRN prices are in AUD, we dispatch fast from the Gold Coast, offer Afterpay, and shipping is free over $150. We are the exclusive ANZ distributor, direct from Korea, with 216 reviews at 4.92 stars.
CureNex Salmon DNA Rejuvenating Face Cream 120ml
A rich, moisturising cream that seals in PDRN hydration for a plumped, glowing finish, lovely on its own or after your at home skin tool.
$79 AUDAfterpay available · free shipping over $150Shop the face cream →
Frequently asked questions
What does PDRN stand for?
PDRN stands for polydeoxyribonucleotide. It is a skincare ingredient made from purified salmon DNA and used in serums for a hydrated, smooth, glowing look.
Is PDRN the same as the salmon sperm facial?
You may have seen PDRN called the “salmon sperm” facial online. The nickname comes from the fact the DNA is sourced from salmon. In our cosmetic serums, PDRN is a purified ingredient you smooth onto your skin for hydration and a smooth appearance. It is a skincare ingredient you apply to the surface of your skin, not an injectable procedure.
What is the difference between PDRN and hyaluronic acid?
Both are hydration heroes. Hyaluronic acid gives an instant surface plump, while PDRN is loved for a deeply cushioned, comfortable feel that suits sensitive skin. They layer beautifully together, which is why you will often find them in the same routine.
Is PDRN good for sensitive skin?
Yes, PDRN is generally gentle and well tolerated, which is a big reason it is so popular. Always patch test a new product first.
Is PDRN vegan?
No. PDRN is derived from salmon, so it is not vegan or suitable for anyone avoiding fish based ingredients.
Can I use PDRN with retinol or vitamin C?
Yes. PDRN layers well with most ingredients. Many people use vitamin C in the morning and a gentle retinol at night, with PDRN adding hydration to both routines. Introduce one new active at a time.
How long until I notice a difference?
Everyone is different, but with consistent daily use many people find their skin feels more hydrated and looks smoother over several weeks. Skincare results vary from person to person.
Related reading
- The science of PDRN skincare: how to use salmon DNA in your routine
- The salmon DNA PDRN skincare showdown: Vitaran vs Medicube vs Dr Drawing vs Rejuran
- Finding the right resurfacing serum
Disclaimer: these are cosmetics, not therapeutic goods, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or condition. Always patch test; not suitable for those with fish allergies.
