What is PDRN?

Q: Why is PDRN called salmon DNA?

Because the DNA fragments it is made from are most often purified from salmon or trout. It is simply a nickname for the ingredient.

Q: What does PDRN do for your skin?

In cosmetic use it is prized for hydration, a plumper and bouncier look, radiance, and a soothing comfortable feel, the classic K-beauty glass-skin qualities.

Q: Is PDRN suitable for sensitive skin?

It is generally gentle and soothing, which is a big reason for its popularity. As always, patch test a new product first if your skin is reactive.

It’s the “salmon DNA” ingredient behind K-beauty’s glass-skin glow — a gentle, deeply hydrating active loved for plump, dewy, calm-looking skin. Here’s what PDRN actually is, and why it’s everywhere right now.

The short answer

PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide) is a skincare active made of small fragments of DNA, most often sourced from salmon — which is why it’s nicknamed “salmon DNA.” In skincare it’s prized for supporting deep hydration, a plump, bouncy look, radiance, and a calm, comfortable complexion. It’s gentle, which is a big part of its appeal.

The basics

“Salmon DNA” — what that means

PDRN is built from short strands of DNA, typically purified from salmon or trout. In your skincare it works at the surface as a wonderfully hydrating, soothing active — the reason it’s become a signature of the K-beauty “glass skin” look.

Despite the science-y name, using it is simple: it’s just a lightweight serum ingredient that helps skin look dewy, plump and calm.

Why people love it

What PDRN is prized for

Deep hydration

Helps skin hold onto moisture for a dewy, quenched look — the foundation of that glass-skin glow.

Plump & bouncy

Supports a plumper, bouncier appearance that softens the look of fine lines.

Radiance

A favourite for supporting a fresh, luminous, lit-from-within complexion.

Calm & comfortable

Gentle and soothing-feeling, so it suits skin that looks stressed, red or tired.

How to use it

Getting PDRN into your routine

The easiest way is a lightweight PDRN serum on clean skin, before your moisturiser. It pairs beautifully with hydrators and with copper peptides (GHK-Cu) — PDRN brings the hydration and calm, GHK-Cu brings the firmness support. PDRN vs GHK-Cu ›

PDRN Pink Peptide Serum

A hydrating, radiance-focused PDRN serum for dewy, plump-looking skin. See the serum ›

PDRN + GHK-Cu Serum

PDRN hydration meets copper-peptide firmness — the best of both. See the serum ›

PDRN FAQ

What is PDRN in skincare?

PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide) is a skincare active made of small DNA fragments, usually from salmon. It’s valued for supporting deep hydration, a plump, dewy look, radiance and a calm complexion.

Why is PDRN called “salmon DNA”?

Because the DNA fragments it’s made from are most often purified from salmon or trout. It’s a nickname for the ingredient, nothing more sinister than that.

What does PDRN do for your skin?

In cosmetic use it’s prized for hydration, a plumper and bouncier look, radiance, and a soothing, comfortable feel — the classic K-beauty glass-skin qualities.

Is PDRN suitable for sensitive skin?

It’s generally gentle and soothing, which is a big reason for its popularity. As always, patch test a new product first if your skin is reactive.

The glass-skin glow

Avara’s PDRN serums — deep hydration and radiance for dewy, plump-looking skin.

Shop PDRN Serum

This article is for general educational purposes only and describes the cosmetic use and appearance of skin. It is not medical advice and has not been evaluated to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any condition. Patch test new products and consult a professional if you have specific skin concerns.