PDRN in Korean Skincare: What the Active Can Do

For a few months now, PDRN has been on almost every new Korean package: as "Sodium DNA" in the ingredient list, with ppm figures on the front and in pink on serums, creams and masks. But what is it actually, what is it supposed to do, and in which skincare step does it make sense? Here are the answers – without hype, with the manufacturers' figures and the products you can find with us.

What is PDRN?

PDRN is the abbreviation for polydeoxyribonucleotide. In the ingredient list it appears as "Sodium DNA". It consists of DNA fragments that, in the classic version, are obtained from salmon – which is why you often read "salmon PDRN". There are now alternatives: VT Cosmetics obtains plant-based PDRN from Korean ginseng, Bano:Bagi works with a vegan b-PDRN complex, and Arencia combines salmon PDRN with its own brand Rosy-PDRN.

The concentration is given in ppm. For comparison from our range: the Numbuzin No.9 Toner contains 1,000 ppm pure salmon PDRN, the Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum 10,000 ppm, the Bano:Bagi Gel Mask 150,000 ppm b-PDRN complex. A higher figure means more active in the formula, but not automatically the better product – the texture and the other actives decide whether it fits your skin.

What PDRN care supports according to the manufacturers

The manufacturers consistently describe three points for PDRN: support for skin renewal, more elasticity and a plumper, fresher skin appearance. Almost all products combine PDRN with peptides, collagen, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid for this. For the Pink Peptide Serum, Medicube cites an in-house study according to which eye wrinkles appear reduced by 9.3 % after one application; for the Eye Cream, 2.87 % more firmness and 22.5 % more hydration after one week. These are manufacturer figures, not independent studies – but they show what the products are intended for.

Who PDRN is interesting for

  • Dull, tired skin that should look fresher and plumper – the most common use.
  • First fine lines and loss of firmness – this is where the combinations with peptides and collagen come into play.
  • Stressed, red skin – the Arencia PDRN Booster Shot is fragrance-free, free of common allergens and designed to reduce redness.
  • Dry skin with tightness – in creams like the Pour La Peau Vampire Cream or the VT PDRN Capsule Cream 100, PDRN is combined with centella and hyaluronic acid.

PDRN products by skincare step

Toners and pads

Numbuzin No.9 NAD+ PDRN Glow Boosting Toner

An essence-like toner that cares like a serum: NAD+, 1,000 ppm salmon PDRN and 50 peptides, plus niacinamide, adenosine and ceramide NP. For layering in two to three layers. The violet shimmer comes from vitamin B12.

Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Toning Gel Toner Pad

Toner and care in one swipe: gel pads with PDRN, niacinamide and adenosine, plus centella, chamomile and rose water. For the quick routine, or several pads for 5 to 10 minutes as a mini mask.

Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Capsule Mist

The hydration boost for in between: capsules with PDRN and several types of hyaluronic acid in an ultra-fine mist, also over make-up. Shake before use.

Serums and ampoules

Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum

The best-known PDRN product: 10,000 ppm salmon PDRN, five peptides (including copper tripeptide), niacinamide, turmeric extract, hyaluronic acid and coenzyme Q10. Light, not sticky, morning and evening after the toner.

Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum

Watery and light, with PDRN, multiple hyaluronic acid and collagen. Fragrance-free and non-comedogenic – the entry point if your skin gets irritated quickly. In the evening also in two to three layers.

Arencia PDRN Booster Shot

Double PDRN complex of salmon PDRN and Rosy-PDRN, plus peptides, collagen, adenosine, niacinamide, panthenol, ceramides and hyaluronic acid. Fragrance-free, free of common allergens. For stressed, red skin.

Bano:Bagi PDRN Lifting Ampoule

b-PDRN complex with 210,000 ppm, vegan bio-PDRN, tri-peptides and hydrolyzed collagen, plus caffeine and carnosine. Work in with light upward movements along the jawline and cheeks.

Eye care

Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Eye Cream

The serum formula for the eye area: PDRN, peptides, adenosine, niacinamide and a vitamin complex with B12. Light, absorbs quickly, pat in with the ring finger before the face cream.

Creams

Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Capsule Cream

Light capsule-gel texture with PDRN, collagen, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. Mix the gel and pink capsules on the back of your hand, then apply. Cares without a greasy feeling, also for combination skin.

VT Cosmetics PDRN Capsule Cream 100

Plant-based PDRN from Korean ginseng in capsules, plus Cicahyalon™, centella and several types of hyaluronic acid. Rich, but absorbs comfortably. As the last step morning and evening.

Pour La Peau Vampire Cream

The richer version with PDRN, Centella Asiatica and madecassoside for dry, sensitive or tired skin. After toner and serum as the final step, in the evening feel free to use a little more.

Bano:Bagi PDRN Anti-Aging Cream

b-PDRN complex with 290,000 ppm, ectoin, hydrolyzed collagen, tri-peptides and caffeine in a silky, fast-absorbing texture. Also under make-up. During the day, finish with sun protection.

Masks

Biodance Rejuvenating Caviar PDRN Real Deep Mask

600,000 ppm caviar complex and PDRN in a hydrogel mask. Leave on for 3 to 4 hours or overnight until it turns transparent.

Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Gel Mask

Cooling gel mask with PDRN, collagen, peptides and niacinamide. Wear for 3 to 4 hours, no rinsing needed. For dull, dry or exhausted skin.

Bano:Bagi PDRN Collagen Gel Mask

Vegan b-PDRN(γ)® with 150,000 ppm plus collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid in a 35 g hydrogel mask that does not slip. 20 to 30 minutes or overnight.

How to add PDRN to your routine

One PDRN product per routine is enough. The order stays the standard Korean routine: cleansing, toner, serum, eye cream, cream, and sun protection as the final step in the morning. Choose the step that fits your skin:

  • You want it simple: the serum. Medicube Pink Peptide Serum or Anua Capsule 100 after the toner, morning and evening.
  • Your skin is dry: the cream. VT Capsule Cream 100 or Pour La Peau Vampire Cream as the last step.
  • You have little time: the pads from Medicube replace the toner, or a gel mask on the weekend.
  • You want to layer: the Numbuzin Toner in two to three layers, then a serum without PDRN.

If your skin reacts to a PDRN product

PDRN itself is considered well tolerated. If small pustules or redness still appear after a PDRN serum or a gel mask, it is usually due to one of three points:

  • Too much niacinamide. In most PDRN products niacinamide is high up in the ingredient list – for Medicube, Anua, Biodance, Arencia and Numbuzin among the first positions. If you also use a niacinamide serum and a cream with niacinamide, you stack the active from three products. Some skin reacts to this with small pustules. Remedy: only one product with niacinamide per routine, and do not combine PDRN products with additional niacinamide serums.
  • Fish allergy. Classic PDRN is obtained from salmon. If you are allergic to fish, talk to your doctor before use – or choose the plant-based PDRN from VT Cosmetics or the vegan b-PDRN complex from Bano:Bagi.
  • No patch test. Apply every new product first for two days to a small area on your neck or behind your ear. For a gel mask, cut off a piece for this. Only then does it go on your face, and always only one new product per week.

One more point for context: PDRN is a large molecule. The known studies on it come mainly from injections in clinical practice, not from creams and serums. How much of it gets through the skin is an open question. That is why the manufacturers combine PDRN with hydrating ingredients, peptides and niacinamide – and you will feel these actives in any case.

The short version

  • PDRN = polydeoxyribonucleotide, listed as "Sodium DNA". Classically from salmon, from ginseng at VT, vegan at Bano:Bagi.
  • Goal according to the manufacturers: skin renewal, elasticity, plumper skin appearance – usually combined with peptides, collagen, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid.
  • Entry point: Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum or Anua PDRN Capsule 100 Serum.
  • Sensitive, red skin: Arencia PDRN Booster Shot.
  • Dry skin: VT PDRN Capsule Cream 100 or Pour La Peau Vampire Cream.

Frequently asked questions

Is PDRN vegan?

Classic PDRN is obtained from salmon and is not vegan. Plant-based alternatives are the ginseng PDRN from VT Cosmetics and the b-PDRN complex from Bano:Bagi, which is described as vegan. The source is stated in each product description.

Can I combine two PDRN products?

You can, but it is not necessary. The manufacturers recommend combinations within one line – Medicube, for example, serum plus Eye Cream, VT the Capsule Cream after the Reedle Shot. For a start, one PDRN step is enough.

When do you see results?

The manufacturers cite time frames from one application (Medicube, eye wrinkles) to two weeks (Bano:Bagi, jawline). These are in-house manufacturer figures. Give the product a few weeks of regular use before you judge it.

I have a fish allergy – can I use PDRN?

Only with caution. Classic PDRN, "Sodium DNA" in the ingredient list, is obtained from salmon. Talk to your doctor before use and test the product on a small area of skin. The ginseng PDRN from VT Cosmetics and the vegan b-PDRN complex from Bano:Bagi do without salmon.

You can find all products from this article in our collection PDRN. Shipping from Vienna across Austria, free from €60.

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