There’s no shortage of PDRN-infused formulas on the market right now.“Available in gels, creams, serums, and injectables, PDRN represents an emerging option in the skin care landscape,” says Pooja Rambhia, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New Jersey. Here’s a look at some other PDRN products we’ve tested, including buzzy toner pads, travel-friendly vials, and face masks.
Frequently asked questions
What is PDRN and what are its benefits?
PDRN (Polydeoxyribonucleotides) are DNA fragments typically derived from fish, often salmon or trout (vegan collagen derived from plants are also an option, but it differs from the OG PDRN and opinions are mixed on if it’s equally effective). Says Dr. Hall, “It has a well-established history in the medical world—particularly for its role in supporting tissue regeneration and wound healing.” PDRN first rose to fame in South Korea through in‑clinic treatments such as injectables and skin boosters, where doctors noticed how quickly patients’ skin healed and how luminous it looked afterward, according to Shinny Cho, MD, Korean consultant dermatologist at Future Care Medical.
Do PDRN serums cause any side effects?
“PDRN serums are generally very well tolerated,” says Dr. Cho. She notes that mild reactions such as temporary redness or sensitivity are rare but possible with any new ingredient, so it’s important to always patch-test a new ingredient before applying it all over, especially if you have sensitive or reactive skin.
Dr. Hall also points out that since PDRN is often derived from fish, it’s important for anyone with fish allergies, as well as those with vegan or religious concerns, to pay close attention to ingredient lists.
Which skin types and concerns benefit most from PDRN serums?
“PDRN serums are especially helpful for skin that needs extra care and repair,” says Dr. Cho. They are ideal after procedures like lasers, peels, or microneedling, as they help soothe skin and support healing. People with sensitive or redness‑prone skin also often find they calm irritation and reduce visible redness over time, while mature or dehydrated skin benefits from the added hydration and a plumper look, she explains. “They’re a great choice for anyone looking to strengthen and maintain a healthy skin barrier,” Dr. Cho says.
Which is better, PDRN or retinol?
Although both are anti-aging ingredients, PDRN and retinol do different things, says Rachel Nazarian, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC. PDRN focuses on improving skin texture and hydration on the surface, while retinol penetrates deeply into the skin to boost cell turnover. “Both make skin stronger and more youthful by addressing different issues. But PDRN is better tolerated by sensitive skin, while retinols can be somewhat drying,” she says. She recommends incorporating both into your regimen, at different frequencies, as tolerated. “PDRN may be a reasonable option for individuals with sensitive skin or those seeking barrier support and recovery, particularly if they cannot tolerate retinoids,” says Dr. Rambhia.
What ingredients should you not mix with PDRN? And which can’t you?
“Topical PDRN is generally well tolerated and does not have major known incompatibilities, but it works best in a barrier-supportive routine,” says Dr. Rambhia. She recommends avoiding layering it with strong exfoliating acids with high concentrations of glycolic or salicylic acid, or with prescription-grade retinoids, as this can increase irritation. “Because PDRN is positioned as a reparative ingredient, it pairs best with soothing and hydrating components like ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid. If using stronger actives, spacing them at different times of day can help maintain tolerance and effectiveness,” she says.
Does ppm matter and is a higher ppm better?
Ppm stands for parts per million, a way to measure very small concentrations of an ingredient (in this case, PDRN) in a larger solution. “Ppm matters, but [a higher number] isn’t necessarily more effective,” says Dr. Queller “A bigger number on the bottle doesn’t automatically mean better results.For context, she explains that 1,000 ppm is about 0.1% concentration, 10,000 ppm is 1%, 50,000 ppm is 5%, and 100,000 ppm is 10%. “But this number alone doesn’t tell you how much biologically active PDRN is actually reaching the skin or how well the formula is designed to deliver it,” she adds. The formula as a whole and how it’s delivered into the skin is more important. And, like any active ingredient, there is always the risk of too much of a good thing resulting in irritation to the skin barrier. We understand the irony of an ingredient made to help your skin barrier actually aggravating it, but we don’t make the rules. “I like PDRN paired with complementary ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, peptides, and barrier-supportive ingredients,” says Dr. Queller. Finding the right ppm and ingredient pairs for your routine might mean some trial and error to find what’s most effective.
How long does it take to see results with PDRN?
While most studies on PDRN have focused on injectable treatments, there are some on topical PDRN. A study using a topical combination of PDRN, vitamin C, and niacinamide delivered via microneedling demonstrated improvements in wrinkles, hydration, and pore appearance after 6 weeks, according to Dr. Rambhia. As for the PDRN you might have in your beauty cabinet, Dr. Nazarian says you should see results in 8 to 12 weeks with regular use: “It takes about that long to generate new collagen fibers and improve uneven skin pigment. But I recommend using long-term for even better use.”
Should you use PDRN if you have mature skin?
Absolutely, says Dr. Queller. “Mature skin is one situation where I think the concept is particularly interesting because we’re trying to support collagen, skin quality, hydration, and repair—not just temporarily plump the skin,” she says. While she wouldn’t replace other anti-aging ingredients like sunscreen and retinol in a mature skin routine, she says that PDRN is a nice addition. It’s complimentary, rather than the foundation of an antiaging regimen, she says.
How we evaluated PDRN serums
Our editors and contributors tested leading K-beauty PDRN serums over several months, evaluating hydration, soothing properties, texture, layering compatibility, and visible improvements in tone and smoothness. We prioritized formulas with transparent ingredient lists and meaningful PDRN concentrations. The products included here delivered noticeable improvements without triggering irritation.
- Christine Hall, MD, K-beauty expert and general practitioner in medical aesthetics at TakTouk Clinic
- Shinny Cho, MD, Korean consultant dermatologist at Future Care Medical
- Rachel Nazarian, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC
- Pooja Rambhia, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New Jersey
- Jenna Queller, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Boca Raton, Florida
