INGREDIENT · NEW-AGE
PDRN in skincare: what it is and what is known so far
PDRN is the DNA-derived ingredient behind the current wave of salmon and plant serums. Most of what has been studied is injected or used after a skin procedure, which is not the same as a cream off the shelf.
You may see it written as
- Polydeoxyribonucleotide
- PDRN
What PDRN is
PDRN and polynucleotide are both DNA-derived biopolymers used in dermatology. A 2025 review explains that they differ in length: polynucleotide has longer DNA fragments and plays a role in remodelling the matrix around cells, while PDRN has shorter oligonucleotide sequences, acts through adenosine receptors and supports nucleotide synthesis.1
PDRN has been made from salmon, and a 2025 study proposes a plant-based alternative made from peony and compares it with the salmon-derived type.2
What the research covers
A 2026 narrative review looks at PDRN after aesthetic procedures such as laser resurfacing, chemical peels, microneedling and radiofrequency. It describes regenerative and anti-inflammatory effects, and says there is human clinical evidence including randomised trials, while noting few randomised trials in aesthetic patients, small samples and little long-term follow-up.3 The review's focus is injected and post-procedure use, not creams.
For a topical product, the evidence is thin. A 2025 study of a peony-derived PDRN in low-molecular-weight form reported, in lab tests, more skin-cell growth and barrier-related gene activity. In a small clinical part, 10 people showed faster barrier recovery after skin damage with sodium lauryl sulfate, and periorbital skin elasticity improved after 4 weeks.2 All six of its authors work at a company’s skin-science research centre.2
A 2026 report describes eight women using a PDRN serum after procedures, in a split-face real-world protocol. The cases were selected by the panel of doctors who wrote the report, and they call the serum safe, well tolerated and a useful addition to post-procedure care. The serum also contained an 8% botanical complex, ectoin, a peptide, hyaluronic acid and glycerin, so PDRN's own effect cannot be separated out.4
How to read this
Most positive findings are from injections, from procedures, from the makers of a particular serum, or from small studies. Controlled trials of a PDRN cream on its own are few and short. In a 28-day randomised, double-blind split-face trial, a 0.1% PDRN eye cream improved wrinkles around the eyes, skin thickness and density about twice as much as a 0.1% retinol eye cream; three of its five authors work for biotechnology companies.5 It is a promising ingredient with little direct proof for what a cosmetic serum does.
Using PDRN with other products
The 2026 case series used one serum that already combined PDRN with other ingredients.4 That is one product, not layered products.
PDRN in pregnancy and breastfeeding
We found no pregnancy- or lactation-specific evidence for this ingredient.
Evidence on cosmetic products in pregnancy is limited overall, so ask your doctor or midwife about the specific product you use.6
What you will see on the label
The names to look for are Polydeoxyribonucleotide and PDRN. In Snifff, it reads as Low risk. For the rest of the formula, see what the score means and how to read the list.
As Snifff shows itPolydeoxyribonucleotide
Pregnancy and nursing
We found no pregnancy- or lactation-specific evidence for this ingredient.
Wording as it appears in the extension, which can change between releases.
A FEW MORE ANSWERS
Common questions about pdrn
What does PDRN stand for?
Polydeoxyribonucleotide. It is a mixture of short DNA fragments, shorter than those in the related ingredient polynucleotide.1
Is PDRN the same as polynucleotide?
No. A 2025 review says polynucleotide has longer DNA fragments and PDRN has shorter ones, and they work differently.1
Is PDRN always made from salmon?
Traditionally it has been made from salmon, and a 2025 study proposes a plant-based version made from peony.2
Does PDRN cream work?
Most evidence is for injections or post-procedure use.3 For serums and creams, we found small studies, often of products with other ingredients,2,4 and one short randomised trial against a retinol eye cream.5
Is PDRN safe in pregnancy?
Snifff found no pregnancy-specific evidence for PDRN. Ask your doctor or midwife about the product you use.
WHERE THIS COMES FROM
Sources
- Comparison of polynucleotide and polydeoxyribonucleotide in dermatology: molecular mechanisms and clinical perspectivesKim ST · Pharmaceutics · 2025
- Anti-aging efficacy of low-molecular-weight polydeoxyribonucleotide derived from Paeonia lactifloraBak SU, Jung MS, Kim DJ, Jin HU, Lee SY, An CE · International Journal of Molecular Sciences · 2025
- Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) in post-procedure recovery in aesthetic medicine: a narrative reviewFlores Rodríguez JC, Toledo Avelar LE, Yi K, Merino Arellano R, Porras Zamora B · Cureus · 2026
- Real-world cases using phyto polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) serumWu Y, Guénin S, Fung E, Brieva P, et al. · Journal of Drugs in Dermatology · 2026
- Topical medium-length PDRN enhances dermal extracellular matrix repair in photodamaged skin via PI3K-Akt/TGF-β-regulated pathwaysYe R, et al. · PLoS One · 2026
- Cosmetic dermatology in pregnancy and lactation: a risk-benefit framework for clinical practiceKovacs T, et al. · International Journal of Dermatology · 2026
This page explains an ingredient. It is not medical advice, and it is not an assessment of any product. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a skin condition, ask your doctor or pharmacist.