Even if you’re a religious follower of the latest skincare trends, it’s fair to find the idea of slathering your skin with salmon sperm a little daunting. But salmon sperm skincare, or PDRN skincare, isn’t going anywhere. The buzzy K-Beauty trend originally took off overseas as people began using the ingredient as a skincare injectable that promises a flawless complexion. Since then, PDRN has made its way to the U.S. with in-office treatments, and now you can even find products containing the ingredient on the shelves of your local drugstore. But what is PDRN skincare and how does it work?
Meet the experts: Nava Greenfield, M.D., board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology in New York City; Mona Gohara, M.D., clinical professor of dermatology at the Yale School of Medicine; Joshua Zeichner, M.D., associate professor of dermatology and director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.
Ahead, dermatologists break down everything you need to know about PDRN skincare, its benefits, and whether you should give it a try.
What is PDRN skincare?
PDRN—which stands for polydeoxyribonucleotide—“is an ingredient used in skincare products that is derived from the DNA of salmon (yes, the fish) and is thought to be so similar to human DNA that our skin cells can easily incorporate the instructions and produce material in abundant quantities,” explains Nava Greenfield, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology in New York City.
So, yes. PDRN is essentially salmon sperm. The idea is that the DNA fragments in PDRN may help support our skin’s natural repair process. “Think of it like a coach for your skin cells—helping them recover, rebuild, and function at their best,” says Mona Gohara, M.D., a clinical professor of dermatology at the Yale School of Medicine. “Early research suggests PDRN may support wound healing, collagen production, and reduction of inflammation.”
PDRN is now “one of the most popular ingredients in skincare,” per Dr. Gohara, which means you can find it in daily use skincare products like serums, moisturizers, and face masks. But historically, it’s been used most effectively in microneedling treatments designed to enhance penetration into the skin.
“In microneedling, tiny holes are created in the skin, which provide a pathway to penetrate through the outer skin layer,” explains Joshua Zeichner, M.D., associate professor of dermatology and director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. “Microneedling on its own, or in combination with boosters like salmon sperm,…is one of the core treatments we have to stimulate collagen…In this process, new collagen is produced, which ultimately improves the appearance of lines and wrinkles and can improve sagging skin.”
While the treatments are effective, Dr. Zeichner warns not to expect results overnight, as you may not see visible changes for weeks or months. “I tell my patients this treatment is not like running a sprint, but rather keeping a steady pace in a marathon,” he says. He also points out that with any microneedling treatment, you run the risk of infection, and the treatment itself isn’t pain-free, so it should only be performed by a licensed skincare professional.
What are the benefits of PDRN skincare?
If used properly, PDRN may come with a slew of benefits for a variety of skin types and concerns. Potential benefits include the following, according to studies and our experts:
- Improves skin hydration
- Reduces redness
- Strengthens skin barrier
- Improves skin texture and firmness
- Reduces wrinkles, fine lines, and other visible signs of aging
- Boosts collagen production
- Improves skin recovery
Should anyone avoid PDRN skincare?
Regardless of its potential benefits, PDRN skincare won’t work for everyone. “Most people can use PDRN-containing products, but anyone with a known allergy to ingredients in the formula should avoid them,” Dr. Gohara warns.
If you have highly reactive or sensitive skin, Dr. Gohara also suggests doing a patch test before using PDRN on a larger area of skin. “Those with inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea should proceed with caution and check with their dermatologist before incorporating a new product into their routine, especially during a flare,” she adds. “As with any skincare ingredient, irritation is possible, although it is generally well-tolerated.”
How to try PDRN skincare
If you want to experiment with PDRN skincare without committing to a potentially painful—and expensive—microneedling treatment, the good news is that it’s possible. PDRN is now being incorporated into over-the-counter skincare products. “I love skincare products that multitask, and PDRN fits nicely into that category, since it can help support hydration, barrier function, and skin recovery in a single step.” Dr. Gohara says. “Look for products from reputable brands with transparent ingredient lists, and pair them with daily sunscreen for the best results.”
Dr. Greenfield also recommends looking for a serum or cream that has PDRN listed as one of the only actives to keep things simple. “If it’s a serum, use after cleansing and before moisturizer. You can use it once or twice a day.”
If you do want to try a microneedling treatment with PDRN, it’s important to do it with the help of a professional. “Many people are combining these [over-the-counter products] with at-home microneedling to enhance penetration, but I am cautious in recommending this,” Dr. Zeichner says. “These [products] are designed for topical application, not injection. Deep penetration into the skin theoretically could result in inflammatory reactions.”
Dr. Gohara also points out that it’s too soon to tell if daily-use products with PDRN as an ingredient will boast the same anti-aging results as microneedling treatments. “The drawback is that over-the-counter products have not been studied as extensively as in-office treatments, so results can vary,” she explains. Still, salmon sperm may just be the secret to glowing skin you’ve been looking for.
Jenn Gonick is Prevention’s Assistant Editor, and was previously an editorial intern. Prior to returning to Prevention, Jenn worked at Business Insider, writing about all things commerce and playing an active role in covering tentpole deal day events, including Prime Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday. Jenn is a graduate of George Washington University, where she studied English, Communication, and Applied Ethics. A lifelong wellness and mental health advocate, she’s committed to combatting misinformation and making health journalism more ethical and accessible.
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