What is PDRN (salmon DNA)? An explanation of this popular ingredient in Korean beauty

Author: YEPPURIKO Editorial Team•03/25/2026

What is PDRN (salmon DNA)? An explanation of this popular ingredient in Korean beauty

🐟 A medical-grade ingredient becomes the new standard in skincare

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📋 Table of Contents

What is PDRN? A review of the basics
From the medical field to beauty——how it expanded
Why it is attracting attention as a skincare ingredient
Two ways to incorporate it: injectable treatments vs. skincare
People who often take an interest in this
What to confirm during a consultation and when making a reservation
Summary

🐟 What is PDRN? A Review of the Basics

“PDRN” is something you’ve probably started seeing more often on social media and in Korean cosmetics ingredient lists.

Its official name is “polydeoxyribonucleotide,” and it is a DNA-derived ingredient extracted from salmon sperm.

The name “salmon DNA” became widely used because of this origin.

PDRN is considered to have structural similarities to human DNA,
and is an ingredient originally developed through research in the medical field.
Because of this background, it has attracted attention as an ingredient with high affinity for the skin.

In the beauty field, it may also be labeled as “PN (polynucleotide).”

PDRN and PN are technically ingredients with different molecular weights, but they often refer to DNA fragments derived from the same source, salmon, and are increasingly treated as nearly synonymous in the context of beauty.

🔬 From the Medical Field to Beauty——The Background Behind Its Expansion

PDRN was originally researched in the medical field for its potential to support wound care and tissue repair.

It has a history of medical use, particularly in Europe and Korea, and the accumulation of research in these areas has led to its application in the beauty field.

In Korea, its use in dermatology clinics began relatively early, and it is now established as one of the options for injectable treatments.

Since around 2024, its popularity has also grown as an ingredient in Korean cosmetics, with its inclusion in skincare lines becoming increasingly common.

✨ Why It Is Gaining Attention as a Skincare Ingredient

The reason PDRN is attracting attention as a beauty ingredient is that it is expected to address multiple skin concerns.

※Results may vary from person to person. The following are changes that are generally expected.

① Care for firmness and elasticity

It is expected to support collagen production, and some people are said to notice improvements in their skin’s firmness and elasticity.

② Prevention of skin irritation and support for the skin barrier

Due to its properties that support skin repair, it may be incorporated into care routines to help improve the condition of skin that is prone to irritation.

③ Hydration and anti-aging care

It also has moisturizing properties and is attracting interest as an anti-aging care ingredient that supports care for dry skin and helps make fine lines less noticeable.

④ Compatibility with sensitive skin

As it is said to have a structure similar to human DNA, it is considered one of the ingredients with relatively high affinity for the skin.

However, even people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction, so a patch test and consultation before use are essential.

💉 Two ways to incorporate it: injectable treatments vs skincare

There are two main ways to use PDRN. We have organized the features of each and the situations they are suited for.

① Injection Treatments (Skin Boosters)

This treatment delivers products containing PDRN (PN) ingredients directly into the skin by injection and is widely performed at aesthetic dermatology clinics in Korea as a type of “skin booster.”

Rejuran is one of the best-known representative products, and many people undergo the treatment multiple times.

Because it can directly target the dermis, some people say they notice changes more easily compared with topical products. However, since it is a needle-based treatment, a consultation with a doctor is required.

✅ Basic Treatment Specifications (Guidelines)

⏰ Treatment time: Approximately 30–60 minutes (varies by clinic)
💉 Pain: Often reduced by using anesthetic cream
📅 Downtime: Redness or swelling from the needle marks may occur for several days
🗓 Recommended frequency: Generally multiple sessions (the interval and number of sessions depend on the doctor’s judgment)

② Skincare (Topical Cosmetics)

This method incorporates serums and creams containing PDRN or PN into your daily skincare routine.

Although it is difficult to expect effects as immediate as those of professional treatments, continued use is expected to help support and improve the foundation of the skin.

Korean cosmetics brands have been launching these products one after another, and they are becoming increasingly available in Japan as well.

✅ If you’re having trouble deciding which to choose

While injectable treatments make it easier to notice changes, they involve needles, so consulting a doctor is essential.
Skincare is appealing for its convenience and ease of continued use, and some people use it together as “care between treatments.”
Consulting a specialist can help you determine which option is better suited to your skin condition.

📋 Things to Confirm During a Pre-Consultation and When Making a Reservation

🩺 Things to Confirm During a Pre-Consultation

✅ Information to Tell the Doctor During the Consultation

□ Whether you have a fish or fish roe allergy (required because the ingredients are derived from salmon)
□ Whether you are currently taking any medications or supplements
□ Any past experience with fillers or injection-based procedures
□ Be sure to disclose if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
□ Confirm the name of the product to be used and the ingredient concentration
□ Confirm the difference between PDRN and PN and the type of product to be used

📅 Tips for Reservations and Travel Scheduling

✅ If You Plan to Receive Treatment During Your Trip to Korea

□ Since popular clinics tend to have many reservations, complete your online reservation before traveling
□ Since needle-based procedures may cause redness or swelling, avoid receiving treatment immediately before returning home
□ Confirm in advance whether Japanese-language support or interpretation services are available
□ If multiple treatments are recommended, plan with the timing of your next visit to Korea in mind

🗓 Notes on Holiday Periods and Crowds

✅ Be Careful During the Lunar New Year and Chuseok Seasons

□ During Korea's Lunar New Year (설날) and Chuseok (추석), many clinics are closed for several days
□ Reservations tend to fill up quickly during periods that overlap with Japan's Golden Week and Obon holidays
□ To be safe, allow plenty of flexibility in your schedule and plan alternative dates

✨ Summary

PDRN (salmon DNA and polydeoxyribonucleotide) is one of the noteworthy ingredients originating in Korea, developed for cosmetic use from a component with a proven track record of research in the medical field.

Its use is expanding in different forms, including injectable treatments and skincare, allowing you to consider options suited to your skin concerns and lifestyle.

Checklist to review before trying it

□ Check whether you have any fish or fish roe allergies

□ Consult a doctor to determine whether a treatment or skincare is better suited to you at this time

□ Check the ingredients and their origins in the products or medications to be used in advance

□ Continue at a reasonable pace, keeping in mind that results vary from person to person

□ If considering a treatment in Korea, include recovery time after the treatment in your travel schedule

□ If incorporating it into your skincare routine, consistent use is key; use it without rushing while monitoring changes in your skin

※This article is intended to provide general information. Be sure to consult a qualified doctor regarding treatments.