PDRN is trending. Some dermatologists call it a legit anti-aging ingredient.
Salmon-sperm-infused skin care is everywhere. We asked an expert: Does it actually work?
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Trendy skin care ingredients are forever dominating the beauty conversation, each with its own outsized promises and viral influencer videos spouting highfalutin' claims. Most of these of-the-moment anti-aging fads fade just as quickly as they appear (beef tallow, anyone?), but a handful have real staying power — along with research to back them up. Take PDRN, a skin care ingredient you may know by its more headline-grabbing nickname, "salmon sperm," from which it's derived. Multiple studies suggest PDRN can help reduce inflammation, support cell regeneration and boost collagen production, which may translate to firmer-looking skin and softening the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
Research also suggests that PDRN may help counteract sun damage, or photoaging, by lightening brown spots and hyperpigmentation and leaving skin looking clearer and more youthful overall.
As a 50+ beauty editor, I'm always skeptical of any new ingredient with these kinds of "skin miracle" claims. But in the case of PDRN, I actually saw the results before I heard the sales pitch. I first encountered PDRN earlier this year after noticing a friend's 54-year-old skin looking particularly glowing and bouncy. When I asked her what she was using, she casually replied "Oh, you know that viral salmon sperm serum everyone's talking about on TikTok ."
What she was referring to was The Rejuran Turnover Ampoule, the $52 K-beauty serum that kicked off the salmon sperm trend in the U.S. and has since been recommended by everyone from dermatologists to celebrities like Kim Kardashian (and her 70-year-old mom, Kris Jenner). After hearing about the Rejuran serum from my friend, I picked up a bottle and, while I still find the idea of slathering seminal fluid on my face a bit nauseating, I am here to report: Yes, this stuff makes your skin look great.
I spoke to Dr. Nava Greenfield , a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City, to find out how it works.
What is PDRN?
PDRN, which is also known as polydeoxyribonucleotide (try saying that five times fast), is an ingredient made of DNA from salmon sperm (and, sometimes, trout) that has been used for decades in medical treatments to help heal damaged skin. When used in skin care, the salmon sperm is extracted, filtered and then sterilized to remove any impurities before adding it to specific product formulas.
What does PDRN do for skin?
"PDRN can act as a cell rejuvenation aid and help in repairing damaged skin, creating a more elastic and voluminous appearance," says Greenfield. "It also potentially has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help with redness and irritation."
In fact, PDRN shows promise for an impressively extensive variety of skin concerns, including healing wounds, improving skin elasticity, making skin look firmer, pores look tighter and wrinkles and rough texture appear smoother. "PDRN seems to work as an agent of skin repair to heal skin that has been damaged and to promote new skin cell growth," explains Greenfield.
Who should use PDRN?
PDRN can be especially useful for older and mature complexions, or for anyone whose skin is beginning to show signs of aging or dullness.
What's the best way to use PDRN?
If you'd like to try salmon sperm, experts recommend applying it twice a day, in the morning and evening after cleansing but before adding heavier products like moisturizer or sunscreen. To avoid irritation, PDRN should not be used in combination with potent skin care actives like retinol or exfoliating acids.
Are there any potential downsides to using PDRN?
Though PDRN is considered safe for most skin types, Greenfield cautions: "Like most topical ingredients, there is always a risk of skin irritation and allergic reaction." As always, talk to your doctor if you suffer from specific skin conditions and always do a spot test when trying any new skin care product. And, if your skin is extra sensitive or reactive, Greenfield says, "I'm not sure this ingredient would be my first choice for you."
What should I look for in a PDRN product?
Though there are vegan options available (see below), salmon-derived PDRN is the most studied and has the best scientific evidence backing its skin-youthifying claims. For the best chance at results, look for products with a minimal concentration of 1,000 ppm PDRN.
This ultra-popular serum is packed with not only an impressive 10,000 ppm concentration of the hero ingredient but bonus wrinkle-tightening peptides and skin-softening niacinamide.
' Hydrating, firming and perfect for mature skin ," raves one satisfied 52-year-old reviewer. "After a couple of weeks, I started noticing that my skin looked smoother and had more bounce. It's subtle but real — especially around my cheeks and jawline. I love that it doesn't irritate my skin or cause redness."
" The only PDRN I will buy! " writes another exuberant 5-star Amazon fan. "I am now on my 3rd bottle. I have recommended this serum to so many people because it works."
Bonus: The sensitive-skin formula contains zero artificial fragrance or colors and was designed to be low irritation.
For a more gentle (yet still potent) formula, Genabelle's popular serum contains 5,000 ppm of PDRN and includes hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and skin brightening agents like vitamin C. It was made specifically to keep irritation at bay and is an excellent option if you're looking to brighten up a dull complexion.
" My holy grail — unreal glow! " exclaimed one 5-star reviewer. "I’ve repurchased it four times already because nothing else makes my skin look this good. It gives an instant, healthy glow and keeps my skin feeling firm and hydrated. The texture is silky, not sticky, and a little goes a long way."
The brand that started it all, Rejuran is known for its popular salmon sperm facials ( Jennifer Aniston is a fan) where the PDRN is injected directly into the skin. While this at-home treatment is not quite as potent as those you'd get in a dermatologist's office, it still manages to get the skin-glowing job done. It's specifically formulated with both 5,000 ppm of PDRN along with adenosine, an ingredient proven to help tighten the skin, even skin tone and boost radiance.
While expensive, Rejuran's serum is also the only product on this list that was clinically developed. It's additionally fragrance free and made to be safe for most skin types.
This overnight mask pairs PDRN derived from salmon DNA with exosome technology to help skin rejuvenate while you sleep. It forms a lightweight, non-sticky "glaze" that seals in hydration, so you wake up to that coveted glass-skin effect.
Designed to boost elasticity and radiance, it's especially nice if you have tired or dull-looking skin that needs a quick reset.
In preclinical trials, vegan PDRN has shown promise delivering benefits similar to salmon PDRN, including skin rejuvenation and repair, all without harming animals or the environmental impact of over-fishing.
This formula is ideal if you want to avoid the whole sperm thing or have extra sensitive skin — it's less irritating than salmon DNA, 100% cruelty-free, fragrance free and suitable for all skin types.
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