The best PDRN serums, creams and masks worth adding to your routine

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The glass skin trend is here to stay and PDRN is the ingredient dubbed the ultimate glass skin hack, but what exactly is PDRN and is it really made from salmon sperm?

PDRN (Polydeoxyribonucleotide) is an ingredient derived from salmon DNA, or more specifically, salmon sperm.

But, that doesn’t mean your skincare actually contains salmon sperm, just its DNA fragments.

How does it work?

According to Melody Yuan, founder of K-beauty store Skin Cupid, PDRN ‘works by activating A2A adenosine receptors in the skin, which control anti-inflammatory responses, stimulate cell growth, and encourage new blood vessel formation.’
Not only that, but PDRN is also a fantastic anti-aging ingredient.

‘PDRN also encourages the proliferation of fibroblasts, the skin’s collagen-producing cells,’ she says.

‘This helps to boost skin firmness, elevate skin hydration levels, and enhance tissue regeneration, speeding up wound healing.’
Thanks to their low molecular weight, these fragments do a far superior job of penetrating the skin and therefore, the skincare becomes much more effective than regular products.

Win-win!

Already a hugely popular ingredient in Korea, PDRN made its way West in early 2025 with many top brands now using the technology.

Want to know which PDRN products are really worth the hype?

We’ve got you.

After some extensive testing and reviewing, we’ve rounded up the very best PDRN skincare products you should be adding to your routine immediately.

Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum

Anua’s PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum is formulated with PDRN, hyaluronic acid and hydrolyzed collagen to leave skin glowing, hydrated and visibly plumper with every use.

Non-sticky, with a lightweight gel-like texture, it’s perfect under your moisturiser or daily SPF.

Buy Now for £20

VT PDRN Reedle Shot 100

With PDRN technology behind it, VT’s PDRN Reedle Shot 100 is designed to penetrate deep into the skin to deliver a plethora of skin benefits.

Applied daily this lightweight cream will improve collagen production and skin elasticity as well as skin hydration.

Buy Now for £35

Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum

If you have dull, drab skin and a compromised skin barrier then Medicube’s PDRN Pink Peptide Serum can work wonders.

Formulated with a high dose of salmon-derived PDRN, peptides and niacinamide it smooths the look of fine lines, strengthens the skin and gives complexions a brighter, more even finish.

Buy Now for £24

Dr.

Althea PDRN Reju 5000 Cream

The Dr.

Althea PDRN Reju 5000 Cream is a non-greasy moisturiser that brings moisture to the skin, smooths skin texture and improves elasticity.

Formulated with 5,000ppm PDRN (from salmon DNA) and calming centella asiatica, it works to support skin repair while soothing irritation and strengthening the barrier.

Buy Now for £22.30

Biodance Caviar PDRN Real Deep Mask (4 Pack)

K-beauty brand Biodance delivers serious glow with its Caviar PDRN Real Deep Masks.

Packed with PDRN and caviar, hydrating ingredients, plus niacinamide and glycerin, it helps boost radiance while keeping skin calm and comfortable.

In just an hour, skin feels softer, firmer and deeply nourished.

Buy Now for £14.90

Glow Recipe PDRN Repair + Soothe Toner Pads

Glow Recipe’s PDRN Repair + Soothe Toner Pads are a quick fix for stressed, reactive skin.

With plant-based PDRN, centella and panthenol, they help calm redness while giving skin a boost of hydration and support.

Suitable for sensitive skin, fragrance-free and easy to use, they leave irritated skin feeling cooled and comforted.

Buy Now for £27

Haruharu Wonder Rose PDRN Peptide Glowy Balm

Korean skincare brand Haruharu Wonder brings its signature gentle touch to lip care with the Rose PDRN Peptide Glowy Balm.

This no-scent, no-tint formula is made purely for comfort and hydration, and with moisturising ingredients like shea butter and jojoba oil, it keeps lips soft and smooth rather than sticky.

Formulated with a blend of peptides, lactic acid and vegan rose-derived PDRN it helps refine texture over time, supporting a healthier, plumper-looking pout.

Buy Now for £11

Genabelle PDRN Vita Toning Ampoule

If you have dull, uneven skin the Genabelle PDRN Vita Toning Ampoule is a gamechanger.

Made with 5,000ppm PDRN to help support collagen, repair skin and bring back a healthier-looking glow, as well as encapsulated vitamins B, C and E, plus a HTD-Genacomplex, it works to even skin tone, fade hyperpigmentation and soothe sensitivity, while delivering a hit of deep hydration.

Buy Now for £26
Who’d have thought that salmon sperm held the secret to youthful, glowing skin?

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