FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

About PDRN & Salmon DNA

What is PDRN?

PDRN stands for Polydeoxyribonucleotide. It is a compound derived from salmon DNA, prized in Korean skincare for being gentle and skin compatible. In cosmetics it is loved for a hydrated, plumped and smoother looking finish and a healthy looking glow.

What is your best Skin Booster?

See the home page for which Skin Booster is right for you, click here.

What is a skin booster?

In Korean skincare, a skin booster is a lightweight, concentrated serum or ampoule packed with hydrating actives such as salmon DNA (PDRN) and hyaluronic acid. It is used on clean skin to help it look plumper, dewier and more radiant. Our everyday pick is the CureNex Daily Serum, used morning and night. The CureNex Skin Booster ampoule is an occasional intensive step, used once a week or once a month, never daily. Pair with home beauty devices to maximize synergy. See the CureNex Skin Booster.

What is the best routine for using a Skin Booster?

Please note: all active skin boosters are extremely lightweight in texture and absorb very fast, so it is best to divide your face into sections (five is ideal) and apply as you go, keeping the area moist as you work. Straight after, apply a CureNex sheet mask for twenty minutes, then finish with your aftercare, the Vitaran 3 Step Set or the Cell to Derm Urea 10 Cream, to keep skin hydrated and soft. Use the CureNex Skin Booster ampoule once a week or once a month, never daily. Pair with home beauty devices to maximize synergy.

What is the difference between PDRN and polynucleotides?

Both are derived from DNA fragments, and they differ in molecular weight. PDRN has a lower molecular weight (50 to 1,500 kDa), which helps it feel light and absorb quickly. Polynucleotides (PN) have a higher molecular weight and sit more on the surface to support hydration and the look of texture. Many Korean skincare products feature PDRN for its lightweight, fast absorbing feel.

Is salmon DNA skincare safe?

Yes. PDRN derived from salmon DNA is well studied and has a strong safety profile, and it is known for being gentle and compatible with skin. All products we stock undergo strict quality checks and are sourced from authorised Korean manufacturers. As with any skincare, patch test first, and if you have a fish allergy this ingredient is not suitable for you.

Is salmon DNA skincare vegan?

No. The PDRN in our products comes from salmon DNA, so it is animal derived and not vegan. It is sourced from salmon milt, a byproduct of the food fishery that would otherwise be discarded, so no salmon is harmed specifically for skincare. It is not suitable for anyone with a fish allergy, so patch test first.

What does PDRN skincare help the skin look and feel like?

PDRN skincare is loved for the look of fine lines and wrinkles, the appearance of firmness and elasticity, hydration, a more even looking tone, the look of blemish marks and uneven texture, the look of sun stressed skin, and overall radiance. It is a cosmetic step, made to help skin look and feel its best on the surface.

Is salmon DNA skincare made from salmon sperm?

Yes. The PDRN in salmon DNA skincare is purified DNA taken from salmon milt, the sperm cells, which is why you will see it called salmon sperm skincare online. It comes from a byproduct of the food fishery, and what goes into the bottle is a refined, purified ingredient, not raw fish material. Salmon DNA Australia stocks the Korean salmon DNA lines CureNex and Vitaran, loved for a hydrated, plump, glowing look. It is not suitable for anyone with a fish allergy, so patch test first. Shop salmon DNA serums.

Where can I buy PDRN skincare in Australia?

You can buy genuine Korean PDRN skincare from Salmon DNA Australia, founded by Sam Thompson on the Gold Coast and the exclusive Australian and New Zealand distributor of CureNex and Vitaran. Every order ships from local stock on the Gold Coast, with Afterpay and free shipping on orders over $150, and customers rate us 4.9 stars across 240+ reviews. Shop PDRN serums or PDRN creams.

What does PDRN stand for?

PDRN stands for polydeoxyribonucleotide. It is a purified fragment of DNA, usually taken from salmon, used in Korean skincare for a hydrated, plump and glowing look.

What does PDRN do for skin?

In skincare, PDRN helps skin look and feel more hydrated, smoother and plumper, with a healthy looking glow. It is light, absorbs quickly and layers well with peptides, hyaluronic acid and exosomes. Most people notice a more hydrated finish within one to two weeks of daily use.

Does PDRN actually work in skincare?

As a cosmetic ingredient, PDRN is loved for how it leaves skin looking and feeling: more hydrated, smoother and glowing. Results depend on the formula and how consistently you use it, so choose a product that pairs PDRN with supporting ingredients such as peptides and hyaluronic acid, and use it every day.

Does PDRN help with wrinkles?

PDRN skincare is loved for helping skin look smoother, plumper and more hydrated, which softens the look of fine lines over time. It is a cosmetic step, so it changes how skin looks and feels on the surface.

How is PDRN made?

PDRN is purified from salmon milt, a byproduct of the food fishery that would otherwise be discarded. The DNA is extracted, purified and refined into a clean cosmetic ingredient, so what goes into the bottle is not raw fish material. No salmon is harmed specifically for skincare.

What is vegan PDRN?

Vegan or plant PDRN is a DNA ingredient sourced from plants such as rose or ginseng rather than salmon. It is a different ingredient with its own profile. CureNex and Vitaran use salmon derived PDRN, so they are not vegan.

Is salmon DNA good for your skin?

Salmon DNA (PDRN) is gentle and skin compatible, and in skincare it is loved for a hydrated, plump, glowing look. It suits most skin types, but it is not suitable for anyone with a fish allergy. Patch test first.

What is a salmon sperm facial?

Salmon sperm facial is a popular nickname for in clinic services that use salmon DNA (PDRN). At home, the same ingredient is used in serums, ampoules, creams and masks, such as the CureNex and Vitaran ranges, for a hydrated, glowing look between salon visits. Shop salmon DNA serums.

Is PDRN an active ingredient?

PDRN is a hero ingredient rather than an exfoliating active such as an acid or retinoid. It is gentle and layers easily, so it fits into most routines.

Which PDRN serum is best?

Choose a serum that pairs PDRN with supporting ingredients such as peptides and hyaluronic acid, and that you will enjoy using every day. Our everyday pick is the CureNex Daily Serum, with salmon DNA, peptides, glutathione and hyaluronic acid. For a full routine with exosomes, see the Vitaran range.

Medicube PDRN or VT PDRN: which is better?

Both are popular Korean brands with PDRN ranges sold widely in Australia, made for an easy everyday routine. The fairest way to compare any PDRN product is to check where PDRN sits in the ingredient list (the higher up, the more of it), what it is paired with, and whether the brand names its manufacturer. CureNex and VITARAN are professional Korean salmon DNA lines made by K Derma and BR Pharm, with salmon DNA built into every step, and Salmon DNA Australia is their exclusive Australian and New Zealand distributor. Compare our PDRN serums.

Do dermatologists recommend PDRN?

Salmon DNA has been used by skin professionals in Korea for years, and it is now one of the most talked about ingredients in Korean skincare. Whether it suits you depends on your skin, so if you see a dermatologist, ask them about adding a salmon DNA serum or cream to your routine. As a cosmetic, it is made to help skin look and feel hydrated, smooth and glowing. It is not suitable for anyone with a fish allergy.

PDRN, peptides or exosomes: which should I start with?

They do different jobs and work well together. Salmon DNA (PDRN) is loved for hydration and a plump, smooth look, peptides support the look of firmness, and exosomes are loved for radiance. If you are starting with one product, choose a PDRN formula that already pairs it with the others: the CureNex Daily Serum combines salmon DNA with peptides, and the VITARAN 3 Step routine combines salmon DNA with exosomes and NMN.

What is a PDRN serum?

A PDRN serum is a lightweight serum built around salmon DNA (PDRN), the hero ingredient in Korean skincare right now. Smoothed onto clean skin morning and night, it helps skin look hydrated, plump and glowing, and it layers easily under moisturiser and SPF. In Australia, Salmon DNA Australia stocks the Korean PDRN serums from CureNex and Vitaran, shipped from the Gold Coast with Afterpay and free shipping over $150. Pair with home beauty devices to maximize synergy. Shop PDRN serums.

What is the best PDRN cream in Australia?

The best PDRN cream is one that pairs salmon DNA (PDRN) with ingredients that lock moisture in, so skin looks plump, smooth and glowing all day. Our picks are the CureNex Rejuvenating Cream, with salmon PDRN, peptides, ceramide and niacinamide for everyday use, and the Vitaran NMN Capsule Cream, which adds exosomes and NMN in a jelly capsule texture. Both are genuine Korean PDRN creams held in stock on the Gold Coast by Salmon DNA Australia, the exclusive Australian and New Zealand distributor of CureNex and Vitaran. Shop PDRN creams in Australia.

Products & Brands

What brands do you carry?

We stock professional Korean skincare brands including VITARAN, CureNex and other authorised PDRN and exosome products. All products are sourced directly from authorised Korean manufacturers to ensure authenticity and quality.

What is the difference between CureNex and VITARAN?

CureNex is known for its professional PDRN skin boosters, a favourite alongside at home resurfacing routines. VITARAN focuses on the Skin Radiance Series, which combines salmon DNA with complementary ingredients for a complete daily routine. Both feature high quality PDRN and suit slightly different routines.

Are your products authentic?

Absolutely. Every product is sourced directly from authorised Korean manufacturers. We do not sell grey market or parallel imports. Each batch undergoes quality verification before being listed on our store.

How can I tell if PDRN skincare is genuine?

Buy from the brand's authorised distributor, and check that the box names the Korean manufacturer and shows a batch number and expiry date. Be wary of prices far below everyone else's, sellers who cannot say where their stock comes from, and products that are not labelled as cosmetics for home use. In Australia and New Zealand, Salmon DNA Australia is the exclusive distributor of CureNex (made by K Derma) and VITARAN (made by BR Pharm), and every box comes direct from Korea.

Who is behind Salmon DNA Australia?

Salmon DNA Australia was founded by Sam Thompson and is based on the Gold Coast. We specialise in Korean salmon DNA (PDRN) skincare and are the exclusive Australian and New Zealand distributor of CureNex and Vitaran. Customers rate us 4.9 stars across 240+ reviews, and we offer Afterpay and free shipping on orders over $150. Read our reviews.

Can I use PDRN products at home or do I need a professional?

We offer products for both professional and at home use. Our PDRN serums and daily skincare products are designed to be used safely at home. Some skin booster ampoules are designed for use with resurfacing devices, so we recommend following the instructions provided and starting with a gentle approach if you are new to at home routines.

At home skin booster or clinic skin booster: what is the difference?

A clinic skin booster is a service given by a trained practitioner and priced per session. An at home skin booster, such as the CureNex Skin Booster or HP Cell VITARAN, is a concentrated cosmetic serum you smooth onto clean skin yourself, usually every one to four weeks, for a hydrated, plump, glowing look. It costs far less per use and fits around your own routine, while a clinic service is a separate professional option. Many people use both, keeping skin hydrated at home between salon or clinic visits. Pair with home beauty devices to maximize synergy.

Where can I buy CureNex?

In Australia and New Zealand, genuine CureNex is sold by Salmon DNA Australia, the exclusive distributor of CureNex for both countries, online here and through authorised salons and clinics. Every box is supplied direct from K Derma in Korea. See where to buy CureNex in Australia.

What is Vitaran?

VITARAN is a Korean salmon DNA skincare range, and Salmon DNA Australia is its exclusive distributor in Australia and New Zealand. The range includes the Vitaran 3 Step Exosome Routine Set (Azulene Serum Morning, Exosome Serum Night and Exosome Capsule Cream) and the HP Cell Vitaran Skin Booster.

What is the best Korean skin booster in Australia?

A Korean skin booster is a concentrated salmon DNA (PDRN) ampoule used as an occasional intensive step rather than a daily serum. In Australia the two professional Korean lines are CureNex and Vitaran, and Salmon DNA Australia, founded by Sam Thompson on the Gold Coast, is their exclusive Australian and New Zealand distributor. The CureNex Skin Booster is the simple single ampoule pick, and HP Cell Vitaran is the 54 active blend for a fuller routine. Use a skin booster once a week or once a month, never daily, and keep the CureNex Daily Serum for every day. Pair with home beauty devices to maximize synergy. Shop Korean skin boosters.

Exosomes

What are exosomes in skincare?

Exosomes are tiny vesicles that cells use to send signals to one another. In skincare they are explored as a way to carry rejuvenating signals for a smoother, plumper, more radiant look. They are one of the most talked about ingredients in Korean skincare.

Can I combine exosome products with PDRN?

Yes, and many people love layering them. PDRN and exosomes are explored as complementary ingredients, and using them together is a favourite way to support a hydrated, radiant, youthful looking finish, especially alongside a resurfacing routine.

What do exosomes do for skin?

In skincare, exosomes are loved for a smoother, plumper, more radiant look, and they are often paired with PDRN. Our exosome picks are the Vitaran range and the CureNex Exo Brightening Cream, which combines salmon DNA, exosomes and vitamin C.

Using your skin boosters and serums

Can I use your serums with resurfacing?

Yes. Many of our customers choose our skin boosters and serums because they love using them alongside resurfacing, whether with an at home roller or pen or with their clinic. Ours are lightweight, hydrating cosmetic serums that sit beautifully on freshly cleansed skin and are a favourite step in a resurfacing routine for the fresh, plumped, hydrated glow they leave behind. We keep our guidance to the skincare itself. For the device and the technique, please follow the instructions from your device maker and your own qualified skin professional, who can tailor it to you and your skin.

How often should I use my PDRN serum?

As a cosmetic serum, most people love smoothing our PDRN serum onto freshly cleansed skin morning and night, or as often as suits your skin, for ongoing hydration and glow. If you like to include it in a resurfacing routine, keep the skincare gentle and simple, and take your timing for the device itself from your device maker's instructions and your own qualified skin professional rather than from us, since the right spacing depends on your skin and your device.

Can I use PDRN in the morning?

Yes. Our everyday pick, the CureNex Daily Serum, is made for morning and night. In the morning, smooth a few drops onto clean skin, follow with moisturiser and finish with SPF, for a fresh, hydrated, dewy look that layers nicely under makeup. Pair with home beauty devices to maximize synergy. The CureNex Skin Booster ampoule is different: it is an occasional step used once a week or once a month, never daily. See the CureNex Daily Serum.

Is PDRN cream a moisturiser?

Yes. A PDRN cream is a moisturiser with salmon DNA (PDRN) in the formula, so it does the job of your usual cream while helping skin look plump, smooth and glowing. Use it as the last step before SPF in the morning and as your final step at night to lock moisture in. In the Vitaran 3 Step Set, the NMN Capsule Cream follows the serum morning and night. Shop PDRN creams.

How often should I use PDRN eye patches?

Every day. Puri Eyes PDRN eye patches are made for daily use: place a pair under clean eyes for a fresher, brighter, more hydrated look around the eyes. Each pack holds 80 patches, which is 40 pairs, or about six weeks of daily use. See the Puri Eyes PDRN patches.

Can I use PDRN with retinol or tretinoin?

Yes. PDRN is gentle and layers well with retinol, and many people like it alongside retinol for a hydrated, soft feel. Layer from the thinnest texture to the thickest: a watery PDRN serum usually goes before retinol, and a PDRN cream goes after. If you use a prescription product such as tretinoin, follow your prescriber's advice and introduce new products one at a time.

Can I use PDRN with vitamin C?

Yes. PDRN pairs well with vitamin C, and the CureNex Exo Brightening Cream already combines salmon DNA, exosomes and vitamin C. If you use a separate vitamin C serum, apply it in the morning, then your PDRN serum, moisturiser and SPF.

When should I apply PDRN serum in my routine?

After cleansing, before moisturiser. In the morning, finish with SPF. With CureNex that looks like: cleanse, Daily Serum, Face Cream, then SPF50+ in the morning, and cleanse, Daily Serum, Face Cream at night.

Is PDRN safe during pregnancy?

We cannot give advice for pregnancy or breastfeeding. Please check with your doctor or midwife before starting any new skincare product during this time.

Can PDRN irritate my skin?

PDRN itself is gentle and generally well tolerated, but any new product can disagree with some skin. Patch test first, introduce one new product at a time, and stop if you notice redness or irritation. If you have an ongoing skin concern, speak with your GP or a dermatologist.

What should I avoid using with PDRN?

PDRN clashes with very little, which is why it fits into most routines. A few sensible rules: introduce one new product at a time, go gently if you also use strong exfoliating acids or retinoids, and avoid broken or irritated skin. If you use a prescription skincare product, follow your prescriber's advice. Salmon DNA is not suitable for anyone with a fish allergy.

Shipping & Orders

Where do you ship from?

All orders are shipped directly from Gold Coast, Australia via Australia Post. This means fast domestic delivery times compared to retailers shipping from overseas.

Does my skin booster need to be refrigerated, and does heat in the post affect it?

Unopened CureNex and VITARAN products are made to be stored at room temperature, so they do not need a fridge, cold packs or cold chain shipping, even in an Australian summer. A few days in the post is normal for these products. When your parcel arrives, keep the unopened box in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, such as a drawer or cupboard, rather than a hot car or a sunny windowsill. Once opened, follow the directions on the box: CureNex Skin Booster ampoules are single use, and the HP Cell VITARAN blend is mixed fresh and used within four hours, so only open what you are about to use. If anything looks or smells unusual when it arrives, contact us and we will help.

Do you offer free shipping?

Yes we offer free standard shipping for all orders of $150 and over. Express shipping is a flat rate of $24.95 within Australia and if your order is less than $150 standard shipping is a flat rate of $11.95

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept Afterpay, PayPal, Shop Pay, all major credit cards, and American Express. Afterpay allows you to split your purchase into four interest free payments.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes we ship to New Zealand at a flat rate of AUD$52

If your country is not listed please contact us through our contact page and we will do our best to accommodate your request.

Skin Concerns & Advice

I have sensitive skin, can I use PDRN products?

PDRN is generally well tolerated, even by sensitive skin, as it is known for being gentle and skin compatible. We still recommend patch testing any new product on a small area of skin before full application. If you have specific skin conditions or allergies, consult your dermatologist before starting a new skincare routine.

How long before I see results from PDRN skincare?

Most people notice a more hydrated, smoother looking finish within 1 to 2 weeks of consistent use. The look of fine lines, firmness and uneven texture often continues to improve after 4 to 8 weeks of regular use. Results vary from person to person, depending on your skin and the products you use.

Our products are cosmetics, intended to improve the look and feel of skin. They are not therapeutic goods and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or condition. Not suitable for anyone with a fish allergy. Patch test before use.