PDRN has become one of the most talked-about actives in Korean skincare. Here is what it actually is, what it can and cannot do in a serum, and how to build it into a simple routine.
What is PDRN?
PDRN stands for polydeoxyribonucleotide: a chain of purified DNA fragments. On an ingredient list (INCI) it usually appears as Sodium DNA. In cosmetics it is most often derived from salmon, which is why you will also see it described as “salmon DNA”.
PDRN first became known in aesthetic medicine, where it is used in injectable treatments. In skincare products it is applied topically, as a skin-conditioning agent. That distinction matters: a serum is not an injection, and it should not be marketed as one.
What does a PDRN serum do for your skin?
Used daily, a well-formulated PDRN serum helps skin look firmer, smoother and more resilient. It is popular in Korean “glass skin” routines because it works quietly alongside other actives rather than against them, and it is generally comfortable for most skin types.
What a serum can do also depends on what PDRN is paired with. That is why we build each LaboPure serum around 5,000 ppm of PDRN and one clear partner:
- PDRN + peptides + niacinamide for firmness and a more even-looking tone: PDRN + Polypeptide Niacinamide Serum.
- PDRN + hyaluronic acid for hydration and a plumper look: PDRN + Hyaluronic Acid Serum.
- PDRN + NAD+ + peptides for radiance and the look of fine lines: NAD+ PDRN Peptide Serum.
How to choose a PDRN serum
Three things are worth checking before you buy:
- The dose. A brand that is confident in its formula tells you how much PDRN is inside. Ours is printed on the label: 5,000 ppm in every PDRN serum.
- The full ingredient list. Look for Sodium DNA in the INCI, and read the rest of the list too. We publish the complete INCI on every product page.
- What you want it to do. Firmness, hydration or radiance: pick the partner ingredients that match your priority.
How to use a PDRN serum
- Cleanse and pat skin dry.
- Apply 2 to 3 drops to the face and neck, morning and evening.
- Finish with a moisturiser, and a broad-spectrum SPF in the morning.
You can alternate two PDRN serums, for example a hydrating one in the morning and a firming one in the evening. Our PDRN Trio brings the three together for 20% less than buying them separately.
What PDRN pairs well with
PDRN layers easily with peptides, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and ceramides. If you also use strong exfoliating acids or retinoids, introduce one new product at a time and watch how your skin responds.
Frequently asked questions
Is PDRN vegan?
No. Cosmetic PDRN is usually derived from salmon, so products containing it are not vegan. Our products are never tested on animals.
Is PDRN suitable for sensitive skin?
PDRN is generally well tolerated. As with any new product, patch test before first use and stop if irritation occurs. For very reactive skin, a calming formula such as our Centella Asiatica Serum can be a gentler first step.
How long before I see results?
Hydration is felt from the first applications. Changes in how firm and smooth skin looks come with regular use over several weeks.
Which PDRN serum should I start with?
Start with your main concern: hydration, firmness or radiance. If you are unsure, our 1-minute skin quiz recommends a morning and evening routine for your skin.
Read more about the molecule in The science of PDRN, or browse all LaboPure serums.
Leave a Reply