What is PDRN in Skincare? How It Works, Where It’s From, and Our Top Picks

If you’ve been keeping up with the latest in Korean skincare, chances are you’ve heard the buzz about PDRN. This powerful ingredient has been making its way from medical treatments into your serums, creams, and masks, especially in anti-aging and skin repair products. Before you decide if PDRN is right for you, let’s find out exactly what it is, where it comes from, and why it could be worth adding to your routine.

What is PDRN?

PDRN stands for Polydeoxyribonucleotide, a DNA-based ingredient that was originally used in medical treatments to support wound and tissue repair. Its ability to encourage healing and regeneration makes it a great skincare ingredient, as it supports the skin’s natural healing process. This makes it ideal if you’re dealing with sensitivity, signs of aging, or just need a restorative boost.

Some of its main benefits in skincare include:

• Boosting skin repair, especially for stressed or sensitized skin
• Improving elasticity by encouraging collagen production
• Reducing fine lines
• Strengthening the skin barrier by keeping moisture in

Vegan and Non-Vegan Picks

There are PDRN products available to everyone, as it comes in traditional and vegan versions.

Non-Vegan:

Traditionally, PDRN has come from salmon DNA. This is still common in many Korean skincare products. Some of our top picks include:

• Anua’s PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum, a deeply hydrating product that promotes a healthy skin barrier and elastic, smooth skin.
• Medicube’s pink PDRN products, which combine PDRN with other tried-and-true anti-aging ingredients like peptides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid.

Vegan:

Vegan sources of PDRN are lab-developed, and are mainly derived from ginseng and purple rice, though other plants are being used as well.

• VT Cosmetics has several PDRN products derived from Korean ginseng, paired with skin barrier-friendly ingredients like panthenol for deep moisture.
• Some By Mi’s PDRN Relief Serum uses PDRN from Spirulina (a type of marine algae) to calm and restore sensitive or reactive skin.

PDRN Pairings

PDRN shines on its own, but because of its regenerative properties, it makes sense that it’s often paired with other healing, anti-aging ingredients.

• With hyaluronic acid, for smooth, plump skin that is well-hydrated
• With niacinamide, for a healthy skin barrier and even skin tone
• With peptides, for firmer skin and less fine lines
• With centella, to calm irritated or sensitive skin

PDRN plays really well with other ingredients and should fit right in with your routine, though you should patch test if you’re introducing any new actives into your lineup.

Tips and Tricks

Ready to try a PDRN product out for yourself? Here are some things to keep in mind for great results:

• PDRN is a product that works best when it’s used consistently over a longer period of time
• Use your PDRN product after cleansing and toning, but before heavier products like creams
• You can use your PDRN in the morning or evening, though some people prefer to use it before bed since skin repair is more active when you sleep
• Even though PDRN supports skin repair, using sunscreen daily is essential to prolonging its benefits

PDRN is a gentle, versatile ingredient that works for most skin types, and is available from vegan and non-vegan sources. Ready to try it for yourself? Shop our curated collection of PDRN products to see skin repair results for yourself.