In recent years, the beauty world has been completely captivated by PDRN. Short for polydeoxyribonucleotide, this potent active has been praised by industry professionals and adored by influencers for its skin-healing prowess. But what exactly is this mystery ingredient—and is it worth the hype?
Let’s set the record straight: PDRN is by no means new to the skincare world. Aesthetic physicians have been harnessing its benefits for over a decade. Typically derived from the sperm of salmon or trout, PDRN—essentially DNA fragments—promises to reverse signs of ageing, rejuvenate the complexion, and smooth the skin.
Historically, these benefits were only accessible through in-clinic PDRN treatments, most commonly via injectable skinboosters. “PDRN is injected directly into the dermis to initiate its regenerative and reparative benefits through several pathways,” explains Dr Rachel Ho, a local aesthetic doctor.
“The injections can improve skin quality and stimulate collagen production in the dermis, which in turn enhances texture, firmness, fine lines, pores, and scars,” she continues.
The results are evident, says Singapore-based beauty enthusiast Sabrina Marican, who underwent an injectable PDRN skinbooster earlier this year. “After the treatment, my scars are lighter, and my skin—which is naturally dry—feels noticeably bouncier,” she shares.
@sabrinamarican My first salmon dna injection treatment! Here’s my experience at @S Aesthetics Clinic Orchard am really pleased with the results, my acne scars have lightened over time after just one session. Join me on my skin healing journey! #salmondna #saesthetics ♬ original sound – sabrina marican on ig
Still, one question continues to stir curiosity: why salmon sperm?
According to Dr Ho, the answer lies in its high biocompatibility. “Salmon DNA is very similar to human DNA, which reduces the risk of immune reactions in the skin,” she explains. PDRN also undergoes a rigorous purification process to remove antigens and impurities before it is deemed safe for medical use.
It’s this potent profile that has made PDRN treatments wildly popular in South Korea and Singapore, notes Dr Ho. But it’s not just Asia that’s intrigued—Kim Kardashian once casually referenced her “salmon sperm facial” on Keeping Up With the Kardashians, sending the treatment into viral overdrive.
Naturally, skincare brands took note, and began developing PDRN-infused products for at-home use. One such example is Jung Beauty’s Probiotics Firming & Brightening Eye Serum, which includes salmon DNA in its formula.
“PDRN works well in eye products because it helps regenerate and repair the delicate skin [around the eyes], making it look firmer and smoother,” says Jungmin Lee, founder of Jung Beauty. Blended with probiotics, the brand’s Brightening Superfood Trio—goji berry, carrot, and blueberry extracts—and caffeine, the serum quickly became a multitasking favourite within Singapore’s beauty community.
However, bottling PDRN into a skincare product wasn’t easy. “We worked closely with our lab to ensure the concentration [of PDRN] remained potent and stable, while also making sure it worked well with the other ingredients in the formula without causing irritation or texture changes,” Lee shares. “It took a lot of testing, but the end result was worth it.”
Education was the next key step. “At Jung Beauty, we made sure to keep things simple,” says Lee. Rather than overwhelming consumers with scientific jargon, the brand focused on the product’s skincare benefits. “That way, customers don’t feel intimidated by the science—they understand it’s an effective ingredient that helps their skin look firmer and healthier.”
While PDRN-infused products are now more accessible to the everyday consumer, Dr Ho notes that topical versions simply can’t compare to clinical-grade skinboosters. “Due to the large molecular weight of PDRN, topical application struggles to penetrate the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of the skin’s epidermis) and reach the dermis,” she explains. “Evidence for topical PDRN is less robust and mainly limited to cell studies and smaller human trials.”
That doesn’t mean PDRN skincare has no place in your routine. “PDRN skincare may play a complementary role in supporting the moisture barrier and aiding skin recovery after aesthetic treatments like lasers,” Dr Ho adds.
Needle-free PDRN—as many beauty brands now tout it—has its perks, too. “It’s like having a mini skinbooster in your routine, without needing to visit the clinic,” says Lee. After all, not everyone has the time—or the budget—for in-office procedures.
Marican agrees. “As impressive as the results from the injectable treatment were, the process does require a significant time and financial commitment,” she admits. “While the results are admittedly less dramatic, the PDRN products in my skincare routine still serve me well, especially in supporting my skin’s long-term health.”
Whatever the format, one thing’s clear: PDRN’s rise shows no signs of slowing. Much like snail mucin and bee venom before it, this once-unconventional ingredient is now on track to becoming a mainstream skincare staple—one that no longer raises eyebrows, only expectations.
This story first appeared in the August 2025 issue of GRAZIA Singapore.
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