Once confined to aesthetic clinics, salmon DNA skincare has officially crossed into the mainstream.
If your TikTok feed hasn’t already introduced you, PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide) is the new “It” regenerative ingredient — derived from purified salmon DNA that’s now appearing in everything from ampoules to eye patches.
Sure, it sounds like a fad, but the science behind it is what’s fuelling its rapid rise. PDRN works by stimulating skin repair, encouraging collagen production and calming inflammation, essentially acting as a support system for compromised or ageing skin.
In Korea, where the trend kicked off, it’s long been used in injectable “skin booster” treatments. What’s new is the shift into topical skincare: serums and creams designed to deliver similar benefits over time, without needles. The promise? Plumper, smoother, more resilient skin (with consistent use).
The bonus? Unlike heavier anti-ageing formulations, most PDRN products lean lightweight, hydrating and layerable — making them easy to slot into existing routines, and also a lot more appealing, especially among younger consumers looking for prevention rather than correction.
Still, while it appears to be magic, it’s not an entirely miraculous ingredient. Results tend to be cumulative, not instant, and formulas vary wildly depending on concentration, supporting ingredients and delivery system.
Dr Sonia Khorana says, “While the buzz around ‘salmon sperm’ facials sounds dramatic, the reality is PDRN is broken down, purified and formulated to act as an ingredient to help the skin look healthier and more resilient.”
As always, we’ve tried and tested the products, so you don’t have to. From clinical-style ampoules to glow-giving toners, here are the formulas to know.
How I tested
I trialled each product over two weeks, incorporating them into a consistent routine to truly see the magic happen. Cleansing, SPF and actives (like retinoids and acids) were kept stable throughout to avoid skewing results.
Texture, absorption and layering were key considerations — particularly as many of these formulas are designed to be used together or alongside existing skincare, and that the appeal of the trend is lightweight products. I also tracked feelings of hydration, visible plumpness and overall skin clarity.
Given PDRN’s long-game approach, I focused less on overnight transformation and more on cumulative changes: bounce, glow and areas prone to fine lines or dehydration.
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Stayve Booster Serum Salmon DNA Gold Ampoule
This feels very close to a clinic-style product — thicker than a typical serum, with a slightly tacky finish that needs pressing into the skin rather than quickly rubbing in.
I found it best used at night, as it can sit on the surface for a while. Hydration is immediate, but where it stood out was over time: my skin felt a bit stronger and less reactive, especially after using actives. Truthfully, the “gold” element feels a bit like marketing, and doesn’t add much beyond aesthetics, but the formula feels purposeful.
Try as a single ampoule for £15 if you’re budget-conscious — but be aware, you wouldn’t see results from just one go.
Buy now £140.00, Skin Laboratory
Rodial Salmon DNA Water Oil
If you’re looking for a glow-giving oil, then this one’s for you. The bottle needs a good shake before use — but be aware that it takes a little while to absorb into the skin, so I found it easier to do this before brushing my teeth, for example.
It does give skin a noticeable sheen — great if you’re after that dewy finish, less so if you prefer something more natural that’s a seamless part of your skincare regimen. Another nighttime ritual hero, I reached for it more in the evening, as it can feel a touch heavy during the day, particularly on combination skin such as my own. I’d probably recommend starting off with the 18ml to see how you get on.
Buy now £90.00, Rodial
Dr. Althea PDRN Reju 5000 Cream
A more balanced cream texture — not too rich, not too light. It absorbed fairly quickly and sat well under makeup, which made it easy to use during the day. Results are subtle: my skin felt a bit smoother and more hydrated over time, rather than dramatically different but, ultimately, I found it to be a solid, low-maintenance option for achieving PDRN results.
Buy now £17.99, Just My Look
Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Capsule Cream
This product sits somewhere between a gel and a cream. It feels lightweight going on but still gives enough moisture to skip an additional layer. I found it worked well both morning and night, especially under SPF. It doesn’t dramatically firm or tighten the skin but it did give a subtle plumping effect and helped with overall hydration.
Buy now £19.50, Cult Beauty
Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum
Another easy one to slot into my routine — perhaps because serums feel lighter and are more easily absorbed. Anua’s solution sinks in quickly, and layers well without pilling. Hydration is the main benefit here; my skin looked a bit more plump and even after a few uses (day and night).
It doesn’t feel especially active, but this is also good for those with more sensitive skin, perhaps, making it reliable and suitable for most skin types.
Buy now £19.98, Look Fantastic
Rodial Salmon DNA Jelly Eye Patches
These eye masks are less about long-term and more about a quick fix. They’re generously soaked (sounds baseline but not all are!) and feel cooling on application, especially if kept in the fridge (top tip from me to you).
I noticed a visible improvement in puffiness and dehydration lines straight after using them — just know that it’s temporary. They can slip slightly if you’re moving around, so best worn sitting or lying down. A great step to add to your routine before events, but you’re still going to want to apply your regular eye cream afterwards.
Buy now £15.02, Rodial
Genabelle PDRN Rejuvenating Cream
My first thoughts on this product was that it was heavy on my skin — and heavier compared to the other products being tested. It’s not uncomfortable by any means, it just took a bit longer to sink in and left a more noticeable layer on the skin, so I preferred it at night.
Over time, it did seem to help with dryness (probably due to the weight of it) and general skin comfort, especially during colder weather. Not one for those who like weightless skincare but useful if your skin barrier has been through it and feels in need of a little more TLC.
Buy now £25.00, Skin Cupid
Anua PDRN 100 Hyaluronic Acid Glow Pad
Anua’s pads are simple but effective. The pads are well-soaked, without dripping, and they leave skin feeling properly hydrated rather than just lightly prepped.
I didn’t notice much exfoliation, despite the “pad” format, but they do make skin look a bit fresher and help serums absorb better afterwards, so it’s a good pre-step. Easy to use and a good and seamless step to add to the skincare regimen.
Buy now £22.00, Look Fantastic
Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum
I was really happy and at ease with adding this Medicube serum into my daily skincare routine. It’s lightweight and absorbs quickly, but still gives that slightly plumped, hydrated look within a few hours, making it a solid serum in my books.
I found it most useful when my skin was looking tired — after travel or lack of sleep — but it also works as a long-term staple to keep you looking fresh and full for longer.
Buy now £20.00, ASOS
Dr Reju-All Advanced PDRN Rejuvenating Cream
As opposed to the other products, which fit seamlessly into the skincare routine, this cream finds itself in the ‘repair’ category. That being said, it was still quite light in texture, more of a gel-like consistency, and was easily absorbed into the skin for a barrier cream.
I found it easy to use both morning and night, especially under SPF or makeup. Hydration is immediately visible, but the more interesting part is how skin feels after a few days: calmer, less reactive and a bit more even overall. It’s particularly good when your barrier feels slightly compromised, though if you prefer richer creams, this may not feel quite substantial enough as it’s lighter than most.
Buy now £25.90, Boots
Rodial Salmon DNA Hydrogel Face Mask
Fancy a facial without the time constraint? This face mask from Rodial is one of the better ones I’ve tried — salmon DNA or no salmon DNA. It delivers that immediate post-facial look, with skin appearing smoother, more hydrated and a bit brighter after one use.
The hydrogel texture helps it stay in place better than traditional sheet masks and while the results are, of course, short-lived, they are noticeable. I enjoyed using them before a photoshoot and as a Sunday skin reset.
Buy now £20.00, Rodial
What is salmon DNA, and how is it delivered through skincare?
In skincare, “salmon DNA” refers to fragments of genetic material extracted from salmon — specifically a compound known as PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide), which has been researched for its skin-repairing and regenerative benefits.
Known for its ability to calm inflammation, support barrier repair and improve skin texture over time, PDRN is used in skin-rejuvenating treatments, from everything from injectables to serums and creams.
According to Dr Sonia Khorana, “From a clinical perspective, I think PDRN is an interesting and promising regenerative treatment. It can be a valuable option for patients looking to improve skin quality subtly.”
Is PDRN skincare safe?
Yes, both PDRN injections (polynucleotides) and skincare are safe. Even with the injections — because it’s highly purified and biocompatible, the risk of adverse reactions is low,” says Dr Khorana. “Although, as with any injectable treatment, there is always a small risk of bruising, swelling or infection.”
Are the treatments or skincare painful? Is there any downtime?
Downtime with PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide) depends on how it’s used — whether in at-home topical skincare or as part of an in-clinic treatment such as injections or microneedling.
When applied topically, there’s no downtime to consider. These formulas are designed for daily use, helping to boost hydration and support the skin barrier without triggering irritation. They’re often incorporated into routines to help skin recover after more intensive treatments.
Dr Khorana adds that downtime for treatments is also minimal: “A few days if you end up with a bruise”.
“You may see some small bumps, redness or slight swelling immediately after treatment, but this typically settles within 24-48 hours. Most people are able to return to normal activities the following day. As always, patient selection and practitioner experience are key to ensuring both safety and good results.”
But she advises that with less pain/downtime comes fewer results: “In skincare, PDRN works more superficially — so while it can help with hydration, smoothness and subtle radiance, it won’t deliver the same regenerative effects as in-clinic treatments.”
Are there any risks/things to be aware of?
Injectable PDRN can cause temporary side effects such as redness, swelling, bruising or small bumps at the injection sites. As is common with these types of treatments, there is also a small risk of infection or irritation if not performed in an appropriate clinical setting.
For topical skincare, risks are much more minimal — the potential for mild irritation or sensitivity, particularly in very reactive skin types.
Dr Khorana says that an important thing to flag would be people with fish allergies. “I’m not sure of the purification process for topical PDRN and whether the allergen protein is removed.
“When I do polynucleotide injections in clinic, I don’t worry about fish allergies because I know the protein causing the allergy has been removed when they purify it, and these injections are classed as medical devices as CE marked.”
She recommends proceeding with caution here, as “the topical PDRN versions are not medical devices, it will depend on the brand/labs whether they remove the protein.”
How quickly do you see results, and how long do they last?
One of the things to understand about PDRN is that results are gradual rather than instant.
Dr Khorana notes that injectable treatments require a course of three to four sessions, spaced at two to three weeks apart. Results are then usually seen around three months after starting the treatment plan, and typically last around six to 12 months after the full course has been administered.
For skincare, the effects are more subtle, with noticeable benefits including improved hydration and smoother skin in as little as a few weeks. However, Dr Khorana tells me that consistency is also key — and that this can vary depending on factors like age, skin quality and lifestyle
How does PDRN differ from Botox or filler?
Dr Khorana says: “PDRN works very differently from treatments like Botox or dermal fillers, and it’s important not to think of them as interchangeable.
Botox works by relaxing muscles to reduce the appearance of dynamic lines, while fillers aim to restore volume and structure. PDRN is a regenerative treatment that focuses on improving the quality of the skin by supporting repair, hydration and collagen production.”
She stresses that in practice, all these treatments work really well together, and it’s a common aesthetic plan.
