Skip to content
Korean PDRN

Buying guide · Updated 2026-08-09

Best PDRN Skincare in the UK 2026: Serums, Creams & Toners Compared

We compared the leading Korean PDRN skincare products available to UK shoppers by formula, ingredient transparency, routine compatibility, sensitivity profile and value. Here are our highest-rated options.

Our top picks at a glance

  1. PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum product photograph
    Best PDRN Serum86/100 editorial

    Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum

    Check Latest Price on Amazon
  2. PDRN Hyaluronic Acid 100 Moisturizing Cream product photograph
    Best PDRN Moisturiser84/100 editorial

    Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid 100 Moisturizing Cream

    Check Latest Price on Amazon
  3. Salmon DNA PDRN Pink Peptide Serum product photograph
    Best Premium PDRN Serum83/100 editorial

    medicube Salmon DNA PDRN Pink Peptide Serum

    Check Latest Price on Amazon
  4. PDRN 100 Essence product photograph
    Best Plant-Derived PDRN82/100 editorial

    VT COSMETICS PDRN 100 Essence

    Check Latest Price on Amazon
  5. PDRN 100 Hyaluronic Acid Booster Toner product photograph
    Best PDRN Toner81/100 editorial

    Anua PDRN 100 Hyaluronic Acid Booster Toner

    Check Latest Price on Amazon

Quick comparison

Every product below is in our catalogue with a verified ingredient list where stated. Prices change often, so we link to Amazon UK rather than quoting a figure.

  • #1 Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum

    Best for
    Lightweight hydration and a dewy finish
    PDRN source
    Salmon-derived
    Type
    Serums
    Key ingredients
    Salmon-derived sodium DNA, several molecular weights of hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, hydrolysed collagen, glutathione
    Skin types
    Not yet tagged
    Editorial score
    86/100
    Our verdict
    A lightweight salmon-derived PDRN capsule serum with several forms of hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, collagen and glutathione. It is primarily a hydrating and glow-focused serum, not a proven substitute for prescription treatment or procedures.
  • #2 Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid 100 Moisturizing Cream

    Best for
    Daily lightweight moisturising and makeup layering
    PDRN source
    Salmon-derived
    Type
    Moisturisers
    Key ingredients
    Salmon-derived sodium DNA, squalane, hydrolysed collagen, niacinamide, multiple forms of hyaluronic acid
    Skin types
    Not yet tagged
    Editorial score
    84/100
    Our verdict
    A lightweight salmon-derived PDRN moisturiser with squalane, collagen, niacinamide and multiple forms of hyaluronic acid. It is designed to sit smoothly under makeup while leaving a natural glow.
  • #3 medicube Salmon DNA PDRN Pink Peptide Serum

    Best for
    Hydration, glow and firmer-looking skin
    PDRN source
    Salmon-derived
    Type
    Serums
    Key ingredients
    Salmon-derived sodium DNA, niacinamide, peptides, collagen-related ingredients
    Skin types
    Not yet tagged
    Editorial score
    83/100
    Our verdict
    A moisturising salmon-derived PDRN serum with niacinamide, peptides and collagen-related ingredients. Its main immediate role is hydration and glow; the evidence for topical PDRN remains formulation-specific and less established than sunscreen or retinoids.
  • #4 VT COSMETICS PDRN 100 Essence

    Best for
    Vegan PDRN users seeking hydration and glow
    PDRN source
    Plant-derived (vegan)
    Type
    Essences
    Key ingredients
    Ginseng-derived plant PDRN, niacinamide, ceramides, panthenol, emollient oils
    Skin types
    Not yet tagged
    Editorial score
    82/100
    Our verdict
    A rich, milky essence using ginseng-derived plant PDRN alongside niacinamide, ceramides, panthenol and emollients. It provides a moisturising glow and may function more like an emulsion than a water-light essence.
  • #5 Anua PDRN 100 Hyaluronic Acid Booster Toner

    Best for
    Layered hydration and dry-looking skin
    PDRN source
    Salmon-derived
    Type
    Toners
    Key ingredients
    Salmon-derived sodium DNA, sugarcane and xylitol-derived humectants, panthenol, hyaluronic-acid and collagen components
    Skin types
    Not yet tagged
    Editorial score
    81/100
    Our verdict
    A watery hydrating toner combining salmon-derived sodium DNA with humectants, panthenol and hyaluronic-acid/collagen components. It is intended to remove post-cleansing tightness and prepare the skin for later layers.
  • #6 medicube PDRN Salmon DNA Milky Toner

    Best for
    Dry or dehydrated skin needing a richer toner texture
    PDRN source
    Salmon-derived
    Type
    Milky toners
    Key ingredients
    Salmon-derived sodium DNA, niacinamide, emollient oils, panthenol, ceramides, peptides
    Skin types
    Not yet tagged
    Editorial score
    79/100
    Our verdict
    A milky salmon-PDRN toner with niacinamide, emollient oils, panthenol, ceramides and peptides. It gives more moisturising slip than a watery toner and may suit dry or dehydrated-feeling skin best.
  • #7 medicube Salmon DNA PDRN Pink Collagen Capsule Cream

    Best for
    Glow-focused moisturising and uneven-looking tone
    PDRN source
    Salmon-derived
    Type
    Moisturisers
    Key ingredients
    Salmon-derived sodium DNA, niacinamide, squalane, olive-derived emollients
    Skin types
    Not yet tagged
    Editorial score
    78/100
    Our verdict
    A customisable dual-texture moisturiser combining a clear gel with PDRN capsules. It creates a pronounced dewy finish and can be mixed lighter or richer according to skin comfort.
  • #8 VT COSMETICS PDRN Cica Exosome Ampoule

    Best for
    Advanced ingredient users seeking hydration and firm-looking skin
    PDRN source
    Plant-derived (vegan)
    Type
    Ampoules
    Key ingredients
    Plant PDRN, centella-derived ingredients, ceramides, panthenol, peptides
    Skin types
    Not yet tagged
    Editorial score
    77/100
    Our verdict
    A milky plant-PDRN ampoule with a rich emollient base, centella-derived ingredients, ceramides, panthenol and peptides. It suits dry or dull-feeling skin seeking a moisturising glow, but may feel heavy on very oily skin.
  • #9 Anua PDRN 100 Hyaluronic Acid Glow Pads

    Best for
    Quick hydrating toner-pad use and makeup preparation
    PDRN source
    Salmon-derived
    Type
    Toners
    Key ingredients
    Salmon-derived sodium DNA, niacinamide, hydroxyethyl urea, humectant blend
    Skin types
    Not yet tagged
    Editorial score
    76/100
    Our verdict
    Dual-textured, essence-soaked toner pads designed for quick hydration and glow-focused skin preparation. They are primarily a hydrating convenience format rather than an exfoliating treatment.
  • #10 VT COSMETICS PDRN Toner

    Best for
    Large-format daily hydration and soothing
    PDRN source
    Plant-derived (vegan)
    Type
    Toners
    Key ingredients
    Plant PDRN, glycerin, niacinamide, betaine, panthenol, centella, ceramide NP
    Skin types
    Not yet tagged
    Editorial score
    75/100
    Our verdict
    A watery plant-PDRN toner with glycerin, niacinamide, betaine, panthenol, centella and ceramide NP. It offers a straightforward hydrating first layer without the richness of the VT PDRN essence.

The best PDRN skincare in the UK, ranked

  1. PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum product photograph
    Best PDRN Serum86/100 editorialSalmon-derived PDRNIngredient list verified

    #1 · Anua · Serums

    PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum

    A lightweight salmon-derived PDRN capsule serum with several forms of hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, collagen and glutathione. It is primarily a hydrating and glow-focused serum, not a proven substitute for prescription treatment or procedures.

    Best for
    Lightweight hydration and a dewy finish
    Key ingredients
    Salmon-derived sodium DNA, several molecular weights of hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, hydrolysed collagen, glutathione
    Texture
    Light watery serum containing microcapsule technology.
    Routine position
    Step 5 — after toner, before moisturiser
    Why we selected it
    It is the most balanced PDRN formula in our catalogue: a genuinely lightweight texture, a verified full ingredient list, and supporting humectants and niacinamide that do useful work regardless of how much the PDRN itself contributes.
    Main drawback
    The capsule format is presentational rather than proven, and the formula is complex, so it is harder to isolate what your skin is responding to.
    Who may find it less suitable
    Vegan users; people avoiding fish-derived ingredients; anyone sensitive to niacinamide or complex botanical extracts; users wanting a simple single-ingredient serum.
  2. PDRN Hyaluronic Acid 100 Moisturizing Cream product photograph
    Best PDRN Moisturiser84/100 editorialSalmon-derived PDRNIngredient list verified

    #2 · Anua · Moisturisers

    PDRN Hyaluronic Acid 100 Moisturizing Cream

    A lightweight salmon-derived PDRN moisturiser with squalane, collagen, niacinamide and multiple forms of hyaluronic acid. It is designed to sit smoothly under makeup while leaving a natural glow.

    Best for
    Daily lightweight moisturising and makeup layering
    Key ingredients
    Salmon-derived sodium DNA, squalane, hydrolysed collagen, niacinamide, multiple forms of hyaluronic acid
    Texture
    Light, smooth gel cream.
    Routine position
    Step 6 — final hydrating step before SPF
    Why we selected it
    The most useful way to add PDRN to a routine without displacing anything: squalane and niacinamide make it a competent everyday moisturiser on their own, and the gel-cream texture layers under makeup without pilling.
    Main drawback
    Too light to act as a barrier-repair cream for very dry or compromised skin, which will need something richer on top.
    Who may find it less suitable
    Vegan users; people avoiding fish-derived ingredients; very oily skin that needs an ultra-light gel; users sensitive to niacinamide or richer silicone/emollient blends.
  3. Salmon DNA PDRN Pink Peptide Serum product photograph
    Best Premium PDRN Serum83/100 editorialSalmon-derived PDRNIngredient list verified

    #3 · medicube · Serums

    Salmon DNA PDRN Pink Peptide Serum

    A moisturising salmon-derived PDRN serum with niacinamide, peptides and collagen-related ingredients. Its main immediate role is hydration and glow; the evidence for topical PDRN remains formulation-specific and less established than sunscreen or retinoids.

    Best for
    Hydration, glow and firmer-looking skin
    Key ingredients
    Salmon-derived sodium DNA, niacinamide, peptides, collagen-related ingredients
    Texture
    Lightweight but moisturising gel-serum/emulsion.
    Routine position
    Step 5 — after toner, before moisturiser
    Why we selected it
    The most substantial serum here: peptides and niacinamide alongside salmon-derived sodium DNA, in a cushioned emulsion texture that suits people who want one step to do hydration and finish together.
    Main drawback
    It is fragranced and sits richer than the Anua serum, so clog-prone and fragrance-sensitive skin should approach it carefully.
    Who may find it less suitable
    Vegan users; people avoiding fish-derived ingredients or with fish-product sensitivity; fragrance-sensitive users; very clog-prone skin that reacts to isopropyl myristate.
  4. PDRN 100 Essence product photograph
    Best Plant-Derived PDRN82/100 editorialPlant-derived (vegan) PDRNIngredient list verified

    #4 · VT COSMETICS · Essences

    PDRN 100 Essence

    A rich, milky essence using ginseng-derived plant PDRN alongside niacinamide, ceramides, panthenol and emollients. It provides a moisturising glow and may function more like an emulsion than a water-light essence.

    Best for
    Vegan PDRN users seeking hydration and glow
    Key ingredients
    Ginseng-derived plant PDRN, niacinamide, ceramides, panthenol, emollient oils
    Texture
    Smooth, milky and emulsion-like.
    Routine position
    Step 5 — essence layer after toner
    Why we selected it
    The clearest vegan route into PDRN, and the ceramide and panthenol content means the formula is doing recognised barrier-support work even where the plant PDRN evidence is thin.
    Main drawback
    It behaves like a light emulsion rather than an essence, so oily skin may find it one layer too many.
    Who may find it less suitable
    Very oily or highly clog-prone skin that reacts to isopropyl myristate or richer emollients; users wanting a nearly weightless serum; anyone sensitive to ginseng or niacinamide.
  5. PDRN 100 Hyaluronic Acid Booster Toner product photograph
    Best PDRN Toner81/100 editorialSalmon-derived PDRNIngredient list verified

    #5 · Anua · Toners

    PDRN 100 Hyaluronic Acid Booster Toner

    A watery hydrating toner combining salmon-derived sodium DNA with humectants, panthenol and hyaluronic-acid/collagen components. It is intended to remove post-cleansing tightness and prepare the skin for later layers.

    Best for
    Layered hydration and dry-looking skin
    Key ingredients
    Salmon-derived sodium DNA, sugarcane and xylitol-derived humectants, panthenol, hyaluronic-acid and collagen components
    Texture
    Fresh watery toner with slight slip.
    Routine position
    Step 3 — first hydrating layer after cleansing
    Why we selected it
    A watery, genuinely non-stripping toner that removes post-cleansing tightness and gives later steps something to hold on to. It is the cheapest sensible place to start with PDRN.
    Main drawback
    A toner is a short-contact step, so treat it as hydration support rather than the part of the routine doing the heavy lifting.
    Who may find it less suitable
    Vegan users; people avoiding fish-derived ingredients; anyone sensitive to soy, botanical extracts or multi-humectant formulas; users who want an exfoliating acid toner.
  6. PDRN Salmon DNA Milky Toner product photograph
    Best PDRN Toner for Dry Skin79/100 editorialSalmon-derived PDRNIngredient list verified

    #6 · medicube · Milky toners

    PDRN Salmon DNA Milky Toner

    A milky salmon-PDRN toner with niacinamide, emollient oils, panthenol, ceramides and peptides. It gives more moisturising slip than a watery toner and may suit dry or dehydrated-feeling skin best.

    Best for
    Dry or dehydrated skin needing a richer toner texture
    Key ingredients
    Salmon-derived sodium DNA, niacinamide, emollient oils, panthenol, ceramides, peptides
    Texture
    Light milky lotion-toner.
    Routine position
    Step 3 — richer toner layer after cleansing
    Why we selected it
    A milky toner that behaves closer to a light lotion, which is the right call for dry skin in a UK winter. Ceramides and panthenol give it real substance beyond the PDRN claim.
    Main drawback
    The emollient base is noticeably heavier than a watery toner and will feel like too much on oily skin.
    Who may find it less suitable
    Vegan users; people avoiding fish-derived ingredients; anyone with almond, milk, wheat or soy sensitivities who wishes to avoid those derivatives; very oily skin that dislikes a rich milky toner.
  7. Salmon DNA PDRN Pink Collagen Capsule Cream product photograph
    Best PDRN Cream for Glow78/100 editorialSalmon-derived PDRNIngredient list verified

    #7 · medicube · Moisturisers

    Salmon DNA PDRN Pink Collagen Capsule Cream

    A customisable dual-texture moisturiser combining a clear gel with PDRN capsules. It creates a pronounced dewy finish and can be mixed lighter or richer according to skin comfort.

    Best for
    Glow-focused moisturising and uneven-looking tone
    Key ingredients
    Salmon-derived sodium DNA, niacinamide, squalane, olive-derived emollients
    Texture
    Transparent gel with soft coloured capsules that melt when mixed.
    Routine position
    Step 6 — moisturiser
    Why we selected it
    The dual-texture format is genuinely useful rather than gimmicky: you can mix it lighter or richer depending on the day, and the finish is the dewiest of the creams we compared.
    Main drawback
    Mixing capsules into gel is an extra step every time, and the ethylhexyl palmitate content may not suit very clog-prone skin.
    Who may find it less suitable
    Vegan users; people avoiding salmon-derived ingredients; very clog-prone skin that reacts to ethylhexyl palmitate or richer emollients; anyone who dislikes mixing two textures.
  8. PDRN Cica Exosome Ampoule product photograph
    Best Plant PDRN for Dry, Dull-Feeling Skin77/100 editorialPlant-derived (vegan) PDRNIngredient list verified

    #8 · VT COSMETICS · Ampoules

    PDRN Cica Exosome Ampoule

    A milky plant-PDRN ampoule with a rich emollient base, centella-derived ingredients, ceramides, panthenol and peptides. It suits dry or dull-feeling skin seeking a moisturising glow, but may feel heavy on very oily skin.

    Best for
    Advanced ingredient users seeking hydration and firm-looking skin
    Key ingredients
    Plant PDRN, centella-derived ingredients, ceramides, panthenol, peptides
    Texture
    Milky, emollient ampoule.
    Routine position
    Step 5 — ampoule after toner
    Why we selected it
    The most comforting plant-PDRN option, combining centella, ceramides and peptides in a rich base that suits dry or tight-feeling skin.
    Main drawback
    Cosmetic 'exosome' claims are not well supported, and the emollient base is heavy for oily skin. Judge it on the centella and ceramide content instead.
    Who may find it less suitable
    Very oily or highly clog-prone skin that reacts to isopropyl myristate; users sensitive to soy ferment, ginseng or centella; anyone expecting strong evidence for topical cosmetic exosome claims.
  9. PDRN 100 Hyaluronic Acid Glow Pads product photograph
    Best PDRN Pads76/100 editorialSalmon-derived PDRNIngredient list to verify

    #9 · Anua · Toners

    PDRN 100 Hyaluronic Acid Glow Pads

    Dual-textured, essence-soaked toner pads designed for quick hydration and glow-focused skin preparation. They are primarily a hydrating convenience format rather than an exfoliating treatment.

    Best for
    Quick hydrating toner-pad use and makeup preparation
    Key ingredients
    Salmon-derived sodium DNA, niacinamide, hydroxyethyl urea, humectant blend
    Texture
    Very saturated dual-texture pads in a watery-gel essence.
    Routine position
    Step 3 — instead of a liquid toner
    Why we selected it
    A convenient, well-saturated way to get a hydrating PDRN layer on quickly — useful for mornings and for makeup preparation.
    Main drawback
    Pads add friction and packaging waste, and cost more per use than the same brand's liquid toner.
    Who may find it less suitable
    Vegan users; people avoiding fish-derived sodium DNA; friction-sensitive or very inflamed skin if the pad is rubbed repeatedly; users sensitive to niacinamide or fermented soy ingredients.
  10. PDRN Toner product photograph
    Best Everyday Plant PDRN Toner75/100 editorialPlant-derived (vegan) PDRNIngredient list verified

    #10 · VT COSMETICS · Toners

    PDRN Toner

    A watery plant-PDRN toner with glycerin, niacinamide, betaine, panthenol, centella and ceramide NP. It offers a straightforward hydrating first layer without the richness of the VT PDRN essence.

    Best for
    Large-format daily hydration and soothing
    Key ingredients
    Plant PDRN, glycerin, niacinamide, betaine, panthenol, centella, ceramide NP
    Texture
    Watery, lightly cushioned toner.
    Routine position
    Step 3 — first hydrating layer after cleansing
    Why we selected it
    A straightforward, large-format vegan hydrating toner with ceramide NP and centella. It is the easiest PDRN product here to use generously every day.
    Main drawback
    The simplest formula in the ranking — it hydrates and soothes, but does little beyond that.
    Who may find it less suitable
    Anyone sensitive to niacinamide, ginseng, centella or soy-derived/glycosphingolipid components; users seeking an exfoliating acid toner; extremely dry skin when used without later moisturiser.

Best PDRN skincare by need

We only name a winner where the catalogue evidence supports a clear choice. Where two needs point to the same formula, we say so rather than inventing a second-best.

Understanding PDRN skincare

What PDRN skincare is

PDRN stands for polydeoxyribonucleotide — short chains of DNA fragments used as a cosmetic ingredient. On a Korean skincare ingredient list you will usually see it as sodium DNA. In a topical product it behaves largely as a hydrating, film-forming ingredient, and it is almost always formulated alongside humectants, niacinamide, peptides or ceramides that have their own better-established roles.

Salmon-derived PDRN

Most PDRN in Korean skincare is extracted from salmon or trout milt. It is the source with the longest history of use, and it is what brands mean by “salmon DNA”. It is not suitable if you are vegan or avoid fish-derived ingredients, and anyone with a fish allergy should treat these formulas with caution.

Plant-derived PDRN

Plant-derived or “vegan PDRN” is obtained from botanical sources such as ginseng. It exists mainly to serve people who avoid animal-derived ingredients. Direct comparisons between plant and salmon-derived PDRN in finished cosmetic products are limited, so we do not claim one outperforms the other.

Topical PDRN versus injectable PDRN

Most of the interest in PDRN comes from clinical and injectable contexts, which are regulated medical procedures performed by practitioners. A cosmetic product applied to intact skin is a fundamentally different situation: the delivery, the concentration and the depth reached are not comparable. A topical PDRN product should never be expected to reproduce the effects of an injectable treatment.

What the current evidence suggests

Evidence for topical PDRN is emerging and formulation-dependent. Users commonly report better-hydrated, smoother-looking and more comfortable skin, which is consistent with what the humectants, ceramides and niacinamide in these formulas are known to do. PDRN products may support skin hydration and the appearance of skin quality as part of a consistent routine.

What the current evidence does not establish

  • Topical PDRN is not shown to regenerate human tissue.
  • It is not shown to repair DNA in the skin.
  • It does not reverse ageing.
  • It is not a treatment for acne or any other medical condition.
  • It does not produce effects equivalent to injectable procedures.

If you are looking for ingredients with the strongest evidence for the appearance of ageing, daily sunscreen and retinoids remain better established — see our PDRN vs retinol comparison.

How to introduce PDRN into a routine

Add one PDRN product at a time and give it four to six weeks before judging it. A toner or essence slots in after cleansing; a serum goes before moisturiser; a cream replaces your existing moisturiser. Patch test first if your skin reacts easily, keep the rest of your routine unchanged while you assess it, and continue using sunscreen every morning.

What PDRN can be combined with

  • Niacinamide — commonly formulated together, including in most products on this page. Generally well tolerated.
  • Hyaluronic acid — a natural pairing; nearly every PDRN formula we compared already contains it.
  • Peptides — no known conflict, and several PDRN serums include peptides in the same formula.
  • Vitamin C — usually fine, though low-pH vitamin C can feel irritating for some people. Many prefer vitamin C in the morning and PDRN in the evening.
  • Retinoids — no established interaction, and a hydrating PDRN layer may make a retinoid routine feel more comfortable. Introduce them on separate evenings at first if your skin is sensitive.

Who may want to avoid particular formulas

  • Vegans and anyone avoiding fish-derived ingredients should choose plant-derived PDRN.
  • Anyone with a fish allergy should avoid salmon-derived formulas.
  • Oily and clog-prone skin may find the richer emollient bases in some essences and creams too heavy.
  • Fragranced formulas are flagged on each product page and are best avoided if your skin reacts to fragrance.
  • One product in our catalogue combines PDRN with retinol, which is not appropriate during pregnancy — always check the individual product page.
  • If you have a diagnosed skin condition or are undergoing treatment, speak to a healthcare professional rather than relying on cosmetic products.

Cosmetic information only. Ingredient effects are formulation-dependent and evidence is often limited. This is not medical advice.

How we produced this ranking

Products are scored out of 100 across formula suitability, evidence, barrier and sensitivity profile, UK value, transparency, packaging and stability, routine compatibility and retail reliability. Missing evidence lowers a score rather than being treated as neutral. Commission never influences placement. Read the full review methodology and our editorial policy.

Last reviewed
2026-08-09
Author
Korean PDRN editorial team
Ingredient verification
9 of 10 products have a full ingredient list verified against the manufacturer’s published listing. The remainder are marked on their card.
Spotted a problem?
Report an issue or request a correction.

Cosmetic information only. Ingredient effects are formulation-dependent and evidence is often limited. This is not medical advice.

Sources used

Continue researching