Move over collagen, peptides and retinol ‒ there’s a new skincare buzzword taking over beauty shelves: PDRN. Pronounced “P-D-R-N”, this ingredient first rose to fame in Korean skincare and has now become a global beauty obsession.
Ready to dive in? PDRN is turning up in products across the beauty aisle.
Try these innovative finds
Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Collagen + PDRN Cream
$139 at Life Pharmacy
Best for: reason
If your complexion is looking a little flat, this hard-working cream has you covered. Its plant-derived PDRN is teamed with collagen, peptides and hyaluronic acid.
Key features:
- Collagen + PDRN + peptides
- Visibly plumps and smooths
- Helps skin feel firmer & bouncier
- Hydrating hyaluronic acid
- Lightweight, fast-absorbing texture
- Makeup-friendly
- Dermatologist & allergy tested
- 100% fragrance free
Available at:
- $139 at Farmers
Glow Recipe PDRN+ Repair Soothe Toner Pads
$59 at Mecca
Best for: reason
Think of these as a five-minute facial for stressed-out skin. After cleansing, apply one or two pads to dry patches or redness-prone areas.
Key features:
- Vegan PDRN+ formula
- Plumps & deeply hydrates
- Soothes redness & irritation
- Supports skin barrier repair
- De-puffs tired-looking skin
- 5% Centella + Panthenol
- Adenosine + Beta Glucan
- Quick 5-minute facial
- Daily AM & PM use
- Free from artificial fragrance & alcohol
Medicube PDRN Pink Niacinamide Milky Toner
$34.99 at Chemist Warehouse
Best for: reason
Don’t let the milky texture fool you. This lightweight toner delivers a hydration hit and it’s suitable for all skin types, including acne-prone skin.
Key features:
- Salmon DNA PDRN + niacinamide
- Deeply hydrates
- Ceramides + peptides
- Boosts radiance
- Lightweight, milky texture
- Non-sticky
- Non-comedogenic
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Suitable for all skin types
Available at:
Medik8 Exo-PDRN Prismatic+
$180.65 at Adore Beauty
Best for: reason
Level up with this high-performance serum combining vegan PDRN with a triple exosome complex and growth factor technology. Apply after cleansing.
Key features:
- Boosts natural skin rejuvenation by 50%+Triple exosome complex
- Supports skin recovery
- Helps restore the skin barrier
- Boosts luminosity and vitality
- Refines skin tone and texture
- Fragrance-free & dermatologically tested
- Proven gentle formula
- Vegan Society certified
Available at:
- $201.42 at The Iconic
The Ordinary Lacto-PDRN 4% + B9 Eye Cream
$19.07 at The Ordinary
Best for: reason
Late nights written all over your eyes? Punching well above its price tag, this cream uses lacto-PDRN to help hydrate, smooth the look of crepey skin and dial down puffiness ‒ all in a lightweight texture.
Key features:
- Lifting & tightening
- Firming & elasticity
- Fine line & wrinkle care
- Smooths crepiness
- Instant smoothing effect
- Lacto-PDRN™ 4%
- Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid)
- Instant radiance
- Makeup-friendly
What is PDRN?
PDRN, or polydeoxyribonucleotide, is a type of DNA fragment that’s traditionally derived from salmon or trout. In skincare, it’s gained a reputation for supporting the skin’s natural repair processes and helping maintain a healthier-looking complexion. It’s especially prized for its ability to boost hydration while improving the appearance of texture, firmness and overall radiance.
The latest evolution?
Vegan PDRN. Created through biotechnology using plant-based sources or fermentation, these alternatives aim to replicate some of the properties of traditional PDRN and offer similar skin-
loving benefits for beauty lovers who prefer to skip the fish factor.
The need-to-know?
While PDRN isn’t a miracle fix, it can be a clever addition to a well-rounded regimen. Pair it with daily SPF, moisturiser and proven actives like retinol. But remember consistency is key. As with any skincare ingredient, results depend on the formula, concentration and your individual skin.
Related articles:
- These 7 Korean skincare brands deserve your attention
- The dos and don’ts of perfect skin
- Tired-looking eyes? Try these brightening and firming eye creams
