There is 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 Rambhiya, MDA board-certified dermatologist based in New Jersey. Here’s a look at some of the other PDRN products we tested, including buzzy toner pads, travel-friendly vials, and face masks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PDRN and what are its benefits?
PDRNs (polydeoxyribonucleotides) are fragments of DNA usually derived from fish, often salmon or trout (vegetarian collagen derived from plants is also an option, but it is different from OG PDRNs and opinions are mixed on if it is equally effective). “It has a well-established history in medicine – particularly for its role in aiding tissue regeneration and wound healing,” says Dr. Hall. PDRN first became famous in South Korea through in-clinic treatments such as injections and skin boosters, where doctors noticed how quickly patients’ skin healed and how glowing they looked afterward. Shinni Cho, MDKorean consultant dermatologist Future Care Medical.
Does PDRN Serum have any side effects?
“PDRN serums are generally very well tolerated,” says Dr. Cho. She notes that mild reactions like temporary redness or sensitivity are rare but possible with any new ingredient, so it’s important to always patch-test any new ingredient before applying it everywhere, especially if your skin is sensitive or reactive.
Dr. Hall also points out that since PDRN is often derived from fish, it is important to pay close attention to ingredient lists for anyone with a fish allergy, as well as those with vegetarian or religious concerns.
What skin types and problems benefit most from PDRN Serum?
“PDRN serums are especially helpful for skin that needs extra care and repair,” says Dr. Cho. They are ideal after procedures such as laser, peels or microneedling, as they help to relax the skin and aid in healing. She explains that those with sensitive or redness-prone skin also often find the product soothes irritation and reduces visible redness over time, while mature or dehydrated skin benefits from added hydration and a plumped-up look. “These are a great option for people who want to tighten and maintain healthy skin,” says Dr. Cho.
Which is better, PDRN or retinol?
Although both are anti-aging ingredients, PDRN and retinol work differently. Rachel Nazarian, MDA board-certified dermatologist in NYC. PDRN focuses on improving skin texture and hydration on the surface, while retinol penetrates deeper into the skin to promote cell turnover. She says, “Both make skin firmer and more youthful by addressing different issues. But PDRN is better tolerated by sensitive skin, while retinol can be somewhat drying.” She recommends including both in your diet, at different frequencies, according to tolerance. “PDRN may be a reasonable option for people with sensitive skin or who want barrier support and recovery, especially if they can’t tolerate retinoids,” says Dr. Rambhiya.
What ingredients should you not mix with PDRN? And which one can’t you do?
“Topical PDRN is generally well tolerated and does not have major known contraindications, but it works best in a barrier-support routine,” says Dr. Rambhiya. She recommends avoiding applying it with strong exfoliating acids or prescription-grade retinoids with high concentrations of glycolic or salicylic acid, as this may increase irritation. “Because PDRN is positioned as a reparative ingredient, it is best matched with soothing and hydrating components like ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid. If stronger actives are used, placing them at different times of the day can help maintain tolerability and effectiveness,” she says.
Does ppm matter and is higher ppm better?
PPM stands for parts per million, which is a way of measuring very small concentrations of a component (in this case, PDRN) in a larger solution. “PPM matters, but [a higher number] It is not necessarily more effective,” says Dr. Queller. “The larger number on the bottle does not automatically mean better results. For reference, she points out that 1,000 ppm is approximately 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 overall formula and how it is delivered to the skin is more important. And, like any active ingredient, there is always a risk of having too much of a good thing which could result in skin irritation. We understand the irony of an ingredient created to help enhance your skin barrier, but we don’t make the rules. “I like PDRN with supplement ingredients like hyaluronic acid, peptides, and barrier-supporting ingredients,” says Dr. Queller. Finding the right ppm and ingredient pairs for your routine may mean some trial and error to find what is most effective.
How long does it take to see results with PDRN?
While most studies on PDRN have focused on injectable treatments, there have been some on topical PDRN. A Study According to Dr. Rambhiya, using a topical combination of PDRN, vitamin C and niacinamide via microneedling showed improvements in the appearance of wrinkles, hydration and pores after 6 weeks. As far as PDRN that may be 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 pigmentation. But I recommend long-term use for even better results.”
Should you use PDRN if you have mature skin?
Absolutely, says Dr. Queller. “Mature skin is a condition where I think this concept is particularly interesting because we’re trying to support collagen, skin quality, hydration and repair—not just temporarily thicken the skin,” she says. Although she wouldn’t replace other anti-aging ingredients like sunscreen and retinol in a mature skin routine, she says PDRN is a nice addition. Instead of being the foundation of an anti-aging diet, it’s free, she says.
How we evaluated PDRN Serum
Our editors and contributors tested the leading K-Beauty PDRN serum for 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 provided noticeable improvements without causing irritation.
- Christine Hall, MDK-aesthetic specialist and general practitioner in medical aesthetics Taktuk Clinic
- Shinni Cho, MDKorean consultant dermatologist Future Care Medical
- Rachel Nazarian, MDA board-certified dermatologist in NYC
- Pooja Rambhiya, MDA board-certified dermatologist based in New Jersey
- Jenna Queller, MDA board-certified dermatologist based in Boca Raton, Florida