Salmon sperm in your skincare? Sounds wild—but the science isn’t new. The key ingredient behind this trend—polydeoxyribonucleotide, or PDRN—has actually been around for decades. First researched and developed in the 1980s, PDRN has long been recognized for its anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties.
Today, it’s the latest buzzword in K-beauty, with dermatology and skin clinics offering PDRN treatments such as Rejuran Healer and the “Mermaid Facial,” and South Korean brands like VT Cosmetics and Medicube creating at-home topical PDRN products for your skincare routine. Locally, the trend is also picking up. “The Philippines is experiencing a remarkable surge in PDRN adoption, largely driven by the Korean beauty wave,” says Dr. Kaycee Reyes, trusted dermatologist, well aging physician, and founder of Luminisce Holistic Skin Innovations. She adds that this traction is most visible in Metro Manila, Cebu, and Davao, where high-end dermatology clinics offer PDRN treatments.
But what exactly is PDRN and how did it evolve from being a wound-healing drug to a must-have in skin rejuvenation? Does the way it’s delivered to the skin actually matter? And is PDRN just a passing fad—or is it here to stay?
A Quick PDRN Origin Story
Polydeoxyribonucleotide is made up of low-molecular-weight DNA fragments that are capable of binding to our body’s A2A adenosine receptors to trigger collagen production and cell repair. In the case of salmon-sourced PDRN, these DNA fragments are extracted from salmon trout or chum salmon sperm. (So it’s not literally salmon sperm.) They are sterilized to remove proteins that could cause allergic reactions, leaving DNA fragments that are ready to be used in the creation of drugs, skincare products, and treatments.
PDRN was first discovered in Italy over four decades ago, originally extracted from human placenta to treat radiation burns and damaged skin tissue. In the 1990s, researchers found that PDRN’s molecular make-up consisted of DNA fragments that could encourage fibroblast growth—that is, collagen production. New drugs and injectables were developed for wound healing and skin tissue repair, with their PDRN source still coming from human placenta.
Eventually, scientists and drug developers realized that harvesting PDRN from human placenta could pose sustainability and ethical problems, and so they pursued PDRN extraction from sources like salmon sperm and plant-based sources, like chlorella, rice, and ginseng. As its regenerative benefits became more apparent, PDRN found a home in dermatology, especially in anti-aging treatments targeting wrinkles, texture, and elasticity.
How South Korea Made It Go Global
PDRN’s journey to mainstream beauty, however, didn’t happen overnight. The first aesthetic-focused PDRN injectable, Plinest, launched in 2005, developed by Italian pharmaceutical company Mastelli. Originally used for wound healing and skin tissue repair, Plinest quickly gained traction among European doctors for improving hydration and elasticity.
But the real global buzz came nearly a decade later when South Korea entered the picture. In 2014, pharmaceutical company PharmaResearch introduced Rejuran, a salmon-derived PDRN injectable engineered for skin regeneration and anti-aging. Its celebrated benefits: smoother texture, refined pores, improved elasticity, and that coveted “glass skin” glow. South Korea’s influence on global beauty trends—combined with Rejuran’s strong clinical results—turned PDRN into a K-beauty superstar.
“Injectable PDRN treatments remain the gold standard.”—Dr. Kaycee Reyes, dermatologist and well aging physician
By the early 2020s, Hollywood A-listers like Jennifer Aniston and Kim Kardashian helped propel salmon sperm treatments into the global beauty spotlight, reinforcing its aspirational status.
Today, the Rejuran family—from Rejuran Healer (for face, neck, and hands) to Rejuran I (eye area) and Rejuran S(scars)—dominates in-clinic treatments. Meanwhile, procedures like the Mermaid Facial—a microneedling session followed by the application of pharmaceutical-grade PDRN serum—continue to trend across dermatology centers.
Injectables VS Topicals
PDRN’s rise in clinics sparked a wave of topical launches from Korean and global brands, bringing the ingredient into everyday routines. But as Dr. Kaycee Reyes emphasizes, “Injectable PDRN treatments remain the gold standard.” She says the effectiveness hierarchy is quite clear from clinical evidence, “with PDRN treatments achieving what I’d rate as 9/10 effectiveness compared to topical applications at 6/10.”
Why the gap? Injectables deliver concentrated doses—typically 5.625 mg per session—directly into the dermis, where they immediately activate healing processes. “Patients notice dramatic improvements in skin texture and elasticity within two to four weeks,” she adds.
This kind of transformation, however, comes at a price. Each session of Rejuran, for example, can cost P15,000 to P30,000 or more, with most dermatologists recommending three to four sessions spaced three to four weeks apart, then maintenance once or twice a year.
For the needle-averse or budget-conscious, topicals offer a friendlier entry point. While their impact is limited by the large molecular size of PDRN (50–1,500 kDa)—making deep penetration tricky—formulation advances like encapsulation and peptide pairing are closing the gap. “Recent innovations are improving topical effectiveness,” Dr. Reyes notes.
That said, Korean brands like Medicube, VT Cosmetics, and Anua have launched over-the-counter PDRN products at affordable prices. Snailwhite, a local skincare brand, has also recently released a new cream combining PDRN with exosome technology. Even Rejuran now has topical products that you can use at home in your skincare routine, though they’re not yet available locally.
For optimum results, Dr. Reyes recommends a hybrid approach: “Professional treatments for significant concerns like acne scarring or pronounced aging, supplemented by high-quality topical PDRN for daily maintenance.” This maximizes the benefits while managing costs and safety considerations.
The Source Matters
And then there’s the matter of source. Salmon remains the most desirable because its DNA is about 95 percent similar to human DNA, making it highly biocompatible. “This similarity explains why we see such excellent safety profiles and therapeutic outcomes,” says Dr. Reyes.
But with the rise of PDRN treatments, issues of sustainability and ethical sourcing have come to light. Salmon-derived PDRN is neither cruelty-free nor vegan, and this discourages conscious consumers from reaping the benefits of the ingredient. Overfishing and environmental degradation pose threats not only to salmon but all marine life. Even farmed salmon comes with its downsides, like disease, parasites, pesticides, and unethical labor practices. That’s why manufacturers and consumers are starting to turn to more sustainable plant-based PDRN options.
One promising option is Panax PDRN, derived from Korean ginseng. A 2023 South Korean study found that it “has the ability to promote skin regeneration and protect the skin barrier, making it a viable alternative to animal-derived PDRN.” Adds Dr. Reyes, “Ginseng-derived PDRN acts through the same A2A adenosine receptor pathway as salmon PDRN… demonstrating comparable efficacy in skin cell regeneration while being completely vegan and hypoallergenic,” Dr. Reyes explains.
A more futuristic alternative? Microbial PDRN, such as L-PDRN from Lactobacillus rhamnosus. While research is still in the early stages, it may offer similar benefits with better scalability and sustainability.
Still, Dr. Reyes reminds us that validation varies widely: “Salmon PDRN has decades of safety data and clinical trials. For those seeking the most proven option, salmon PDRN remains optimal, but vegan alternatives are increasingly viable for those with specific needs.”
The Future of PDRN
PDRN may have started as a niche regenerative drug, but its beauty evolution is anything but a fad. With increasing options—from injectables to vegan serums—its appeal now spans science, skincare, and sustainability. Whether you’re all in on in-clinic treatments or exploring at-home serums, one thing is clear: PDRN is shaping the future of skin health, and we’re just beginning to see where it can go.
Our PDRN Picks
Ready to bring PDRN into your routine? Here are some beginner-friendly formulas worth a try.
SnailWhite Rejuvenating Advance Cream Reju Plus Exosome
P1,995, Lazada
This face cream promises to rejuvenate and repair the skin, making it look plump and radiant. It also helps reduce the appearance of dark spots and evens out the skin tone with powerful ingredients like reju-exosome PDRN.
Innisfree Retinol Green Tea PDRN Skinbooster Ampoule
P2,100, Lazada
This serum uses plant-based PDRN derived from green tea to address issues like enlarged, sagging pores. With the help of retinol, the ampoule also helps enhance skin elasticity.
P.Calm PDRN Caffeine Blue Capsule 11 Serum
P1,800, Lazada
Plump and hydrate your skin with this versatile serum. It’s formulated with salmon-derived PDRN, caffeine, and blue collagen to hydrate, moisturize, and repair your skin.
Rejuran Turnover Ampoule Dual Effect
Olive Young
One of the topical formulations under the Rejuran line, this lightweight, fast-absorbing serum is powered by the brand’s patented dual-PDRN complex, which combines cosmetic-grade PDRN with nourishing botanicals. It supports skin rejuvenation, visibly improving hydration, firmness, and glow.
VT Cosmetics PDRN Glow Ampoule
P2,620, Lazada
PhytoPDRN Panax is the star of this ampoule’s formula, delivered to your skin via an ultra-fine mist. Powered by vegan PDRN and ceramide, it gives your skin an instant boost of moisture and radiance. With regular use, it also helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while strengthening the skin’s moisture barrier.
Genabelle Rejuvenating Mask
P999, Lazada
For your self-care days, use this mask infused with salmon PDRN, hyaluronic acid, and tranexamic acid to give dull, dry, or oily skin a much-needed boost. It helps soothe the skin while also addressing dark spots, dullness, and wrinkles.
ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY ELAINE NATIVIDAD REYES. References: Lee, K.-S., Lee, S., Wang, H., Lee, G., Kim, S., Ryu, Y.-H., Nicole Hyesoo Chang, & Kang, Y.-W. (2023). Analysis of Skin Regeneration and Barrier-Improvement Efficacy of Polydeoxyribonucleotide Isolated from Panax Ginseng (C.A. Mey.) Adventitious Root. Molecules/Molecules Online/Molecules Annual, 28(21), 7240–7240. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28217240
