Are PDRN Injections Safe? Side Effects and UK Rules

Short answer: Published studies, which are small and short, mostly report mild, short-lived side effects such as redness, swelling, small bumps and bruising. That is not the same as proven safety for everyone: infection, allergic reactions and lumps are possible, long-term data are limited, and risk depends on the product, the setting and the practitioner. Pregnancy, breastfeeding and allergy to fish or salmon-derived ingredients are common reasons to avoid or postpone treatment; ask the practitioner to check the exact product's instructions for use.

Are PDRN injections safe? PDRN and polynucleotide injections, often called "salmon DNA" or "salmon sperm" facials, are now widely offered in UK clinics as gentle "skin boosters". Gentle does not mean risk-free. This guide covers what the evidence says, the side effects to expect, who should avoid treatment, the current UK rules and how to choose a safe practitioner. For topical products, see is PDRN safe.

Key takeaways

• Studies report mostly mild, temporary side effects and no serious treatment-related problems, but they are small with short follow-up[2,3].

• Pregnancy, breastfeeding, allergy to the product or its source material, and active skin infection are common reasons to avoid or postpone treatment; exact contraindications are product-specific, so ask to see the manufacturer's instructions for use.

• In England the government has set out plans for a licensing scheme but, at the time of writing, it is not yet in force[5,6]. Scotland passed legislation in 2026, with offences not coming into force before September 2027[7,8]. Choosing your practitioner carefully matters.

• Never use cosmetic serums with home needling or injector devices.

What are PDRN injections?

PDRN injections deliver purified DNA fragments, usually from salmon or trout, into the dermis with a fine needle or injector device[1]. Many popular UK treatments are polynucleotide (PN) products, which use longer DNA chains from the same source. Both aim to support the skin's repair processes and improve skin quality, texture and fine lines. They do not add volume like fillers.

Some polynucleotide injectables are marketed as medical devices rather than licensed medicines. Regulatory status is product-specific, so ask the practitioner what the exact product is and how it is classified. This guide does not confirm the status of any individual product.

How safe are PDRN injections? What the evidence says

• The ingredient has a strong safety history as a medicine. Five years of post-marketing surveillance covering more than 300,000 prescriptions reported a good safety profile[1].

• Aesthetic studies of polynucleotide injections, summarised in a systematic review of nine studies and 219 patients, generally reported mild, temporary side effects[2].

• A 2026 review of seven randomised trials found no serious treatment-related adverse events, with mostly mild and transient local reactions, but warned that small samples and short follow-up limit the conclusions[3].

• In an acne scar study of 17 people, PDRN injections, alone or combined with intradermal botulinum toxin, caused only minor swelling and redness[4].

Long-term data are limited, so rare or late complications are less well understood. Much of the risk is thought to relate to the procedure, the product source and the practitioner, although the evidence cannot separate these factors cleanly.

Common side effects of PDRN injections

These are expected and usually settle within a few days:

• Pain or stinging during injection; numbing cream is often used

• Redness and swelling

• Small raised bumps at injection points, which usually flatten within one to two days

• Bruising, more likely if you take blood thinners, aspirin or high-dose fish oil

• Tenderness

Less common but more serious risks

• Infection, if hygiene is poor or the product is not sterile

• Allergic reaction, including in people sensitive to the product or its source material

• Persistent lumps or nodules, sometimes linked to technique or non-genuine products

• Cold sore flare, if you are prone to them

• Pigment changes after inflammation, more common in darker skin tones

Seek urgent help if you develop spreading redness, heat, increasing pain or fever, or swelling of the face, lips or tongue with difficulty breathing.

Who should not have PDRN injections?

Exact contraindications depend on the product and are set out in the manufacturer's instructions for use, which your practitioner should check. As a general precaution, discuss treatment carefully, and expect it to be postponed or declined, if any of these apply:

• Known allergy to polynucleotides, fish or salmon-derived products, or any ingredient in the product; ask whether the product's instructions address fish allergy specifically

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding; see is PDRN safe in pregnancy

• Active infection, inflammation or skin disease in the treatment area

• Uncontrolled autoimmune disease or bleeding disorders, unless a doctor has assessed the risk

• A history of severe raised or keloid scarring

• Age under 18 (Scotland's new law will prohibit these procedures for under-18s once in force[7])

Always tell your practitioner about your medical history and every medicine and supplement you take.

UK rules for PDRN injections in 2026

• England. The government consulted on a licensing scheme for non-surgical cosmetic procedures[6] and published its consultation response on GOV.UK[5]. The response describes a tiered approach in which the highest-risk procedures would be restricted to suitable healthcare professionals in regulated settings, and other procedures would need a local licence. Details, including which procedures fall in which tier, are still being developed. At the time of writing, no licensing scheme is in force in England, so do not assume that any particular injection is currently restricted to a specific profession or setting.

• Scotland. The Non-surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill was passed by the Scottish Parliament and, according to the Scottish Government, became an Act on 12 May 2026[7,8]. It requires higher-risk procedures to be performed by, or alongside, certain healthcare professionals in a registered setting and bars them for under-18s. The Scottish Government says the offences cannot come into force before September 2027[7]. Which procedures are covered is set out in the legislation and may change over time.

• Products. Whether a product is a medicine or a device, and who it is intended to be used by, is product-specific. Ask to see the product's instructions for use.

• Wales and Northern Ireland. Rules differ again in Wales and Northern Ireland and are not covered here; check current local arrangements.

The position is evolving across the UK and may change after this article was written. Because the law is still catching up, choosing your practitioner carefully is your best protection.

Pharmacist’s tip: Ask to see the box before treatment. A genuine product will show the product name, batch number and CE or UKCA mark, and a good practitioner will record the batch in your notes in case anything goes wrong.

How to choose a safe PDRN practitioner

• Check professional registration. Prefer a registered healthcare professional, such as a doctor (GMC), nurse (NMC), dentist (GDC) or pharmacist (GPhC), and look them up on the relevant register.

• Ask for a face-to-face consultation covering your medical history, allergies and expectations, with time to think before treatment.

• Ask which product will be used, and see the box and batch number.

• Check the setting. It should be clean and clinical.

• Ask about complications. You should get written aftercare and a way to contact the practitioner if something goes wrong.

• Be wary of very low prices and of "PDRN" sold with no product name.

Do not attempt DIY PDRN injections or needling

Skincare serums are not sterile and are not designed to go into the skin. Using them with home microneedling pens, dermarollers, "hyaluron pens" or injector devices risks infection and persistent lumps.

Aftercare after PDRN injections

• Avoid make-up for at least 12 to 24 hours, or as advised.

• Skip saunas, strenuous exercise and alcohol for a day.

• Pause retinoids and exfoliating acids for a few days.

• Use gentle skincare and daily sunscreen.

• Do not press or massage the bumps unless your practitioner tells you to.

If you have a problem, contact your practitioner first. You can also report suspected adverse incidents with medical devices through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme[9].

The bottom line

Published studies suggest PDRN injections are usually well tolerated when done properly, with mostly mild, short-lived side effects, but the studies are small and follow-up is short. The biggest risks come from untrained injectors, non-genuine products and treating people who should not be treated. England's licensing scheme is not yet in force and Scotland's new rules are being phased in, so check your practitioner's registration, ask what product they use and to see its instructions, and postpone treatment if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. For how injections compare with serums, see which PDRN is most effective.

This article is general information, not personal medical advice. Discuss your suitability for any injectable treatment with a qualified, registered healthcare professional.

FAQs

Do PDRN injections hurt?

Most people describe a stinging or pricking sensation. Numbing cream is commonly used, and the under-eye area is usually the most sensitive.

How long do the bumps last after PDRN injections?

Small bumps usually settle within one to two days. Contact your practitioner if lumps last longer than a week or two.

Can PDRN injections go wrong?

Yes, although serious problems are uncommon. Most complications relate to technique, hygiene or product quality.

Who can legally give PDRN injections in England?

At the time of writing, England's planned licensing scheme is not yet in force[5]. The government's consultation response sets out future restrictions, but these are not current law. Choosing a registered healthcare professional is a sensible precaution.

Are PDRN injections worth it?

They can improve skin quality for some people, but evidence is modest[3]. Read is PDRN good for skin to weigh the benefits.

Related reading

• PDRN and Polynucleotides in the UK: Cosmetics Rules, Injectables and the MHRA

• PDRN Clinical Evidence (2026): Mechanism, Wound Healing and Skin Research

• Is PDRN Safe? Side Effects, Allergies and Who Should Avoid It

• Which PDRN Is Most Effective? Injections vs Serums Ranked

• Is PDRN Safe in Pregnancy? A Pharmacist's Honest Answer

• Is PDRN Good for Skin? What the Evidence Really Shows

References

• Squadrito F, Bitto A, Irrera N, et al. Pharmacological activity and clinical use of PDRN. Frontiers in Pharmacology. 2017;8:224.

• The effectiveness of polynucleotides in esthetic medicine: a systematic review. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2025;24(2):e16721.

• Alhussain AM, et al. Polynucleotides and polydeoxyribonucleotides for skin rejuvenation, postoperative scar prevention, and wound healing: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials. Cureus. 2026;18(7).

• Park M, Hwang S, Hwang JK, et al. Air-botulinum neurotoxin and polydeoxyribonucleotide injections for acne scar treatment. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2025;49(23):6668–6674.

• Department of Health and Social Care. The licensing of non-surgical cosmetic procedures in England: consultation response. GOV.UK.

• Department of Health and Social Care. The licensing of non-surgical cosmetic procedures in England: consultation document. GOV.UK.

• Scottish Government. Making non-surgical procedures safer. gov.scot news release.

• Scottish Government. Non-surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill queries: FOI release FOI/202600520516. Published 5 August 2026.

• MHRA. Yellow Card scheme. Accessed October 2026.

This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for personalised advice from a pharmacist, GP or other qualified healthcare professional. If you have a reaction or a medical concern, seek professional advice.