In terms of the latest developments in the beauty sphere, where K-beauty leads, we follow.
If you’re feeling a little lost, we’re talking about Korean beauty, or makeup, skincare and treatments developed in the country, a hotbed of aesthetic innovation.
With regenerative approaches that trigger the skin’s own production of collagen and elastin production in huge demand, one ingredient is rising to fame. Though its origin may be surprising, you’re about to hear a lot more about it.
What is PDRN?
Otherwise referred to as polydeoxyribonucleotide, PDRN is an ingredient is derived from salmon sperm DNA, gaining cred for its healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also said to enhance cellular energy.
The ingredient was initially developed for use the medical field, and was then adapted for use as an injectable facial treatment. You may have heard of the celeb-beloved ‘salmon-sperm facial’ where the salmon sperm extract is delivered directly into skin.
Research around a purified and sterilised extract of sperm from salmon, known as salmon PDRN (Polydeoxyribonucleotide) has investigated how it may help with wound healing, regenerating skin and treating inflammation.
Like other injectables designed to prompt your own skin to make more of the good stuff like collagen and elastin, the appearance treatment is known as a ‘biostimulator.’
Unlike many well-known injectable fillers, injectable PDRN does not add additional volume or contouring to the face. Instead, it aims to improve skin quality, helping kick start your own skin into boosting its collagen production, and increasing cellular turnover. The idea is that this in turn results in a plumper, firmer and smoother complexion.
Rejuran is the brand name for an injectable treatment using PDRN, that sees microdroplets of the product delivered into the skin of the face with a needle. It was developed in South Korea by PharmaResearch Co. where it is said by the brand to have been used for several years.
While lesser-known, Rejuran is already available in selected clinics in New Zealand and Australia. It is said to treat pigmentation, fine lines, increase elasticity, and improve acne scarring.
What is PDRN skincare?
Now, there’s a new wave of PDRN skincare that means you don’t have to face any needles, allowing your skin to absorb the product topically.
As with many new approaches, there’s not a huge amount of clinical evidence about the long-term benefits of skincare containing the ingredient, with previous data related to the injectable form.
That said, brands are touting benefits such as improving skin’s elasticity, texture, and tone, helping skin regenerate effectively and improved function of skin’s protective barrier.
The ingredient is said to be gentle and well-tolerated so it easy to include in a routine. Its is often paired with other active ingredients such hyaluronic acid for hydration and antioxidants, peptides and niacinamide to aid skin repair and rejuvenation.
PDRN is hugely popular in Korea, with many products including it in serums and ampoules. An ampoule is a more concentrated version of a serum, usually designed to target specific skin concerns and intended to be used like a “power booster” in your routine.
What if you’re a vegetarian or vegan? True PDRN with strong skin regenerative effects is almost always animal (salmon)-derived. Plant alternatives exist, but they mainly support skin health rather than actively regenerating tissue.
What to try?
With new retailers and traditional ones now offering sought-after K-Beauty releases and Western skincare brands quickly embracing the new ingredient, we’ll soon have plenty of options to choose from.
Here’s what to shop now:
Try these: Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum; Rejuran Turnover Ampoule; Juliette Armand PDRN Ameson Rejuvenation Serum; VT Cosmetics PDRN Glow Ampoule
