What is PDRN? The Complete Australian Guide to Salmon DNA Serums and Creams

Updated 16 October 2026 · about a 12 minute read

Shop the VITARAN PDRN Exosome Serum →
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PDRN is a slow and steady ingredient: think hydration, bounce and glow that builds with daily use.

PDRN has gone from a niche Korean ingredient to something you can now find on pharmacy shelves, in shopping apps and all over your social feed. That is great for awareness, but it also means the same three letters now sit on very different products, at very different strengths, with very different stories behind them.

I have been importing professional Korean PDRN skincare into Australia for years, and I still get the same questions every week. What actually is it? Is it really salmon sperm? Is a higher number on the bottle better? Should I buy a serum or a cream? This guide answers all of it in plain English, with links to the research I read so you can check it yourself.

What is PDRN?

PDRN stands for polydeoxyribonucleotide. Break the word down and it simply means "many DNA building blocks joined in a chain". In practice, PDRN is a purified mix of DNA fragments taken from salmon.

A widely cited scientific review describes PDRN as a mixture of deoxyribonucleotides with molecular weights between 50 and 1,500 kDa, extracted and purified from salmon sperm DNA, with proteins and peptides removed during processing (Squadrito et al., Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2017).

In skincare, PDRN is valued as a hydrating, skin loving ingredient that helps skin look plumper, smoother and more radiant over time. It is not a quick fix ingredient. It is a daily habit ingredient.

A quick bit of background, because you will see it mentioned online: PDRN has been studied for many years in dermatology and medical research, including how it interacts with adenosine A2A receptors in the body (Squadrito et al., 2017). That research is about medical uses in clinical settings. The PDRN skincare we sell is cosmetic, so everything we say about it is about how your skin looks and feels.

Where does PDRN come from?

Yes, the nickname is true. PDRN used in Korean skincare is usually purified from salmon milt, which is the fish's reproductive tissue, so you will hear it called "salmon sperm skincare". The review above names the two species most often used: salmon trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta).

Why sperm and not another part of the fish? Researchers explain that it yields DNA with less protein, peptide and fat contamination than other tissues, which makes purification cleaner (Squadrito et al., 2017).

The raw material is a byproduct of the salmon food industry. It is purified to remove proteins and fats, leaving the DNA fragments that go into serums, creams and boosters. That also means PDRN from salmon is not vegan, and it is not suitable if you have a fish allergy.

You may also see newer "plant PDRN" or vegan PDRN products. These use DNA from plant sources instead. They are a different ingredient with a different story, so if you specifically want salmon PDRN, read the ingredient list rather than the front of the box.

PDRN vs PN vs exosomes: what is the difference?

These three words get mixed up constantly, often in the same ad. Here is the simple version.

PDRN

Shorter fragments of salmon DNA. Because the chains are shorter, PDRN has lower viscosity, so it sits easily in light, watery formulas like serums and ampoules (Kim, Pharmaceutics, 2025).

PN (polynucleotides)

Longer DNA chains. A 2025 review describes PN as forming a more porous, highly viscous, three dimensional structure, which is why it is mostly used by practitioners in clinic products rather than everyday serums. The same review notes there is no standard molecular weight cut off that separates PN from PDRN, and the two names are often used interchangeably (Kim, 2025). A 2026 narrative review goes further and describes PDRN as a subset of the broader PN family (Arora, Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery, 2026).

Exosomes

Not DNA at all. Exosomes are tiny, membrane bound bubbles that cells release, roughly 30 to 150 nanometres across, carrying proteins, lipids and other molecules. In cosmetics they are usually sourced from cultured cells or, increasingly, from plants. A 2025 review of exosomes in cosmetics points out that most of the evidence so far is early stage, and that larger human studies are still needed (Villarreal Gómez et al., Cosmetics, 2025).

So why do some formulas combine them? Think of it as a team: PDRN brings the salmon DNA hydration story, and exosomes are part of the formula's delivery and skin feel story. VITARAN pairs its salmon PDRN with CICA exosomes and niacinamide, which is why it is one of the most asked about PDRN serums in Australia. Want to go deeper on exosomes? Read our guide to exosomes in skincare.

How to read a PDRN percentage on a label

This is where a lot of people get caught out. Big numbers on the front of a box look impressive, but they do not always mean what you think.

• Check the ingredient list first. PDRN is registered in cosmetics as Sodium DNA or Hydrolyzed DNA (Kim, 2025). If neither appears in the full ingredient list, ask the brand why.
• Convert ppm to percent. Many Korean labels use ppm (parts per million). 10,000 ppm equals 1 percent, so 1,000 ppm is 0.1 percent and 5,000 ppm is 0.5 percent.
• Ask what the number measures. A "PDRN 100" or "PDRN 10%" claim can refer to a PDRN raw material that is itself a diluted solution, not pure PDRN. Two products with the same headline number can contain very different amounts.
• Look at the whole formula. A higher number is not automatically a better serum. What sits around the PDRN matters just as much: humectants like hyaluronic acid, peptides, niacinamide, and how the formula is packaged to keep it fresh.
• Look for the full Korean ingredient list. A brand that publishes the full INCI list, exactly as printed on the packaging, is giving you something you can check.

A bigger number on the box is not the same as a better formula. Read the back, not the front.

PDRN serum vs cream vs ampoule vs skin booster

PDRN now comes in almost every format. The right one depends on your skin, your routine and how many steps you actually want to do. Here is how they compare.

PDRN serum or PDRN cream? If you only buy one, start with a serum. It layers under anything you already own. If your skin feels tight by lunchtime, add a PDRN cream on top so the hydration stays put. Browse every option in our PDRN serum collection and PDRN cream collection.

A note from experience: a 2026 review points out that topical PDRN products work at the skin's surface and are best thought of for hydration and ongoing upkeep rather than as a stand in for what a practitioner does in clinic (Arora, 2026). I think that is exactly the right expectation. Use PDRN skincare for daily glow and hydration, and you will love it.

Shop the VITARAN PDRN Exosome Serum →
4.9 stars from 240+ reviews · in stock on the Gold Coast, ships fast · Afterpay available

How to use PDRN in your routine

PDRN is one of the easiest ingredients to add to a routine you already have. It layers well, has no strong scent and does not need a special order of operations.

Morning

1. Cleanse with a gentle cleanser.
2. Apply a PDRN serum to damp skin and press it in.
3. Follow with your moisturiser or PDRN cream.
4. Finish with SPF50+ every single day.

Night

1. Cleanse.
2. Apply your PDRN serum.
3. Seal it in with a richer cream. In the VITARAN routine, that is the night serum followed by the NMN Capsule Cream.

Weekly or monthly glow session

This is where a concentrated skin booster comes in. Apply it to clean skin on its own, or pair with your favourite at home device, such as an LED mask or a microcurrent tool. Pair with home beauty devices to maximize synergy. Then follow with a sheet mask and your cream. Give skin plenty of time between sessions, and never use a device on irritated or broken skin.

Without a device

Absolutely fine. Most of our customers never use a device. A serum and cream used morning and night is all you need to see a plumper looking, more hydrated finish. Read more in can you use PDRN at home without a device.

Layering with other actives

• Retinol: PDRN layers well with it. Many people use retinol at night and PDRN in the morning, or PDRN under a retinol night cream. See PDRN with retinol.
• Vitamin C: fine together. Apply vitamin C first in the morning, then PDRN, then SPF.
• Hyaluronic acid: a natural partner. Compare them in PDRN vs hyaluronic acid.
• Peels and strong acids: keep PDRN for the days in between.

How long until you notice a difference? PDRN is a consistency ingredient. Give any new serum at least four to six weeks of daily use before you judge it, and take a photo in the same light on day one so you can compare. More on timing in how often should you use PDRN.

What to look for when buying PDRN in Australia

With PDRN now everywhere, here is the checklist I would use if I were buying from someone else.

• Who is the official distributor? Many Korean brands appoint one exclusive distributor per country. Buying through them means the stock came straight from the manufacturer, with proper storage and someone local to answer your questions. Salmon DNA Australia is the exclusive Australian and New Zealand distributor of CureNex, Vitaran and Jeunetique.
• Can you see a batch number and expiry date? Every genuine box should carry both. If the seller cannot tell you the expiry, keep looking.
• Is it in stock in Australia? Stock held locally means faster delivery and no surprise customs delays. Our stock sits on the Gold Coast and ships fast across Australia and New Zealand.
• Is the full ingredient list published? You should be able to find Sodium DNA (or Hydrolyzed DNA) in the list, and allergy information should be clear.
• Is the price per ml realistic? Compare the size and format, not just the sticker price. A 5ml ampoule and a 50ml serum are used very differently.
• Is it stored properly? Our PDRN formulas are stored between 2 and 25°C, away from direct sun, the same way we ask you to keep them at home.
• Are the claims sensible? In Australia, PDRN skincare is sold as a cosmetic. Any seller promising medical results from a jar is a red flag.

Our PDRN range

Everything below contains salmon DNA, comes direct from the Korean manufacturer, and ships from the Gold Coast with Afterpay and free shipping over $150.

• VITARAN Salmon DNA PDRN Exosome Night Serum: salmon PDRN, CICA exosomes, adenosine and niacinamide for a firmer, smoother looking glow by morning.
• VITARAN PDRN Exosome Azulene Morning Serum: the daytime partner, with azulene and niacinamide.
• VITARAN NMN Capsule Cream: a jelly capsule PDRN cream that locks moisture in.
• VITARAN 3 Step PDRN Routine Set: the morning and night serums plus the Capsule Cream.
• VITARAN HP Cell Skin Booster: two vials, 54 actives plus salmon PDRN, mixed fresh.
• CureNex Salmon DNA Daily Serum: an everyday PDRN serum with peptides and glutathione, and the most affordable way to start.
• CureNex Intense Glow and Shine Skin Booster: our 15 peptide PDRN booster for weekly or monthly glow sessions.
• CureNex Rejuvenating Face Cream: PDRN, ceramide and peptides in a generous 120ml jar.
• Puri Eyes PDRN Eye Patches: 80 patches for a daily under eye refresh.

VITARAN Salmon DNA PDRN Exosome Night Serum, 50ml

Salmon PDRN, CICA exosomes, adenosine and niacinamide in a two chamber Korean serum. Smooth it on at night for skin that looks firmer, smoother and more radiant by morning.

$129 AUDAfterpay available · free shipping over $150
Shop the VITARAN PDRN Exosome Serum →
4.9 stars from 240+ reviews · in stock on the Gold Coast, ships fast

Frequently asked questions

Keep reading

• The science of salmon DNA: why fish?
• PDRN and sensitive skin
• Clinic PDRN vs CureNex vs VITARAN, compared
• The PDRN serum showdown
• Derma stamp: the complete Australian guide

References

1. Squadrito F, Bitto A, Irrera N, Pizzino G, Pallio G, Minutoli L, Altavilla D. Pharmacological Activity and Clinical Use of PDRN. Frontiers in Pharmacology. 2017;8:224. frontiersin.org
2. Kim ST. Comparison of Polynucleotide and Polydeoxyribonucleotide in Dermatology: Molecular Mechanisms and Clinical Perspectives. Pharmaceutics. 2025;17(8):1024. mdpi.com
3. Arora G. Polynucleotides and polydeoxyribonucleotides in dermatology: a narrative review. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery. 2026;19(1):17 to 28. jcasonline.com
4. Villarreal Gómez LJ, Origel Lucio S, Hernández Hernández DA, Pérez González GL. Use of Exosomes for Cosmetics Applications. Cosmetics. 2025;12(1):9. mdpi.com

Disclaimer: the products discussed here are cosmetics. They are not medicines, are not registered with the TGA, and make no medical claims. Research mentioned is general background on the ingredient, not on our products. Individual results vary. Patch test before first use. Contains salmon DNA, not suitable for anyone with a fish allergy. If you are pregnant or have a skin condition, check with your doctor before starting new skincare.