Best PDRN Creams and Toners UK: Korean Formulas Compared

PDRN creams and toners do different jobs. A PDRN toner or essence is a light, watery-to-milky first layer for hydration; a PDRN cream is the moisturiser that holds that hydration in. This guide compares six PDRN creams and four Korean PDRN toners and essences — using each brand's published information — by format, PDRN source (salmon-derived or plant-derived) and who each one is likely to suit. It is a research comparison, not a hands-on test.

Looking for a specific brand? We also explain Genabelle PDRN and its Rejuvenating Cream, and the Dr Reju All PDRN cream.

Quick answer: which PDRN cream or toner?

There is no single best PDRN cream established by the information we reviewed; the cream section below explains what each of six creams discloses and what you still need to verify. For toners and essences:

• Richer PDRN toner for dry skin: medicube PDRN Salmon DNA Milky Toner — a milky lotion-toner with niacinamide, emollients, panthenol, ceramides and peptides.
• Watery hydrating PDRN toner: Anua PDRN 100 Hyaluronic Acid Booster Toner — a fresh, watery toner with slight slip, built around humectants.
• Vegan (plant-derived) PDRN toner: VT COSMETICS PDRN Toner — a watery 250ml toner with glycerin, niacinamide, betaine, panthenol, centella and ceramide NP.
• Vegan essence with more richness: VT COSMETICS PDRN 100 Essence — milky and emulsion-like, using ginseng-derived "plant PDRN".

If you avoid fish-derived ingredients, the two VT COSMETICS products are plant-derived, and Dr Althea describes its Reju 5000 cream as fermentation-derived. "Plant PDRN" is not proven to be the same material as purified salmon PDRN — see our explainer on what PDRN is.

Choosing a PDRN cream for your skin and routine

There is no single best PDRN cream established by the information reviewed here. A useful choice depends on the full formula, animal-source requirements, tolerance, price and the moisturiser step you actually need. A higher PDRN number is not a reliable shortcut to better results.

This is a research-based comparison, not a hands-on ranking. We have not measured texture, irritation rates or head-to-head performance across these products.

How we compare the cream options

We use current manufacturer descriptions where available and separate them from our interpretation. The comparison asks what the product is, what source or amount is explicitly disclosed, and what a shopper still needs to verify.

We do not rank by the position of Sodium DNA in an ingredient list, transfer test results between brands or call a product best for sensitive skin without suitable evidence. Published study summaries also need to be assessed rather than dismissed or repeated uncritically.

Six cream options to investigate

Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid 100 Moisturizing Cream

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Anua describes salmon-derived PDRN and a lightweight daily moisturiser.1 Consider it if that product category fits your needs, but do not infer that the 100 in its name is a PDRN percentage. The brand's test claims are not a guarantee of your result.

Dr Althea PDRN Reju 10000 Cream

The official description states 10,000 ppm salmon-derived PDRN.2 This is a disclosed manufacturer figure, not proof of clinical superiority. If comparisons use the same finished-product basis, 10,000 ppm equals 1%; the underlying material and method still matter.

Dr Althea 345 Relief Cream

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The current global ingredient panel includes Sodium DNA.3 Older or regional versions may differ, so check the exact pack. Do not automatically label every 345 tube as the same PDRN formulation or infer its source from the ingredient name alone.

Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Capsule Cream

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Medicube uses a gel-and-capsule format and supplies manufacturer test summaries.4 Its visual format is a reason to inspect the product, not evidence that it penetrates better than another cream. Make sure you are comparing Capsule Cream, not a similarly named Pink Peptide product.

Centellian24 Expert Madeca Cream Active Renew PDRN

The official kit's cream ingredient panel includes Sodium DNA and several essential oils.5 If you avoid essential oils, that is a practical reason to consider another option. Madeca branding does not establish medicine status.

Dr Reju All Advanced PDRN Rejuvenating Cream

The official 30 ml listing states salmon-derived PDRN at 1,200 ppm.6 Older descriptions saying no concentration is disclosed are incomplete. Confirm the size and market version rather than transferring every detail to all tubes sold under a similar name.

If you specifically want non animal PDRN

Do not assume all Reju products use salmon. Dr Althea's current Reju 5000 page describes 5,000 ppm fermentation-derived vegan PDRN.7 That differs from the reviewed Reju 10000 description. Verify the whole product for your exact requirements; source and clinical effectiveness are separate questions.

What these descriptions cannot decide for you

The sources do not establish a fair, direct winner across the six creams. Brand percentages may come from different studies, and an ingredient concentration is not the same as a measured benefit. A trial of a whole cream also cannot automatically isolate the effect of PDRN.

Treat texture descriptions as manufacturer descriptions until you have tried the product. Avoid a large purchase purely on the promise that a cream cannot pill, sting or cause a breakout.

A practical selection sequence

First rule out ingredients or animal sources you need to avoid. Next decide whether you actually need a new moisturiser. Then compare full delivered cost and pack size, seller reliability and realistic returns terms.

If you already use an effective moisturiser, a PDRN label is not a reason to replace it. If you do try a new cream, keep the rest of the routine stable and use it according to its directions. Persistent irritation is a reason to stop, not a sign that a regeneration process must be working.

Do not use ordinary cosmetics on freshly punctured or broken skin simply because they contain PDRN. For a diagnosed condition or post-procedure care, obtain product-specific professional advice.

For a different format, see the PDRN serum buying guide, or explore the Anua range review.

PDRN toner and essence comparison

All four are described from the brands' published ingredient lists; we have not tested texture on skin.

Choosing on size and value

We do not quote prices here, because they change often and we only show prices we have checked recently. When comparing value, look at size: the Anua Booster Toner and VT COSMETICS PDRN Toner are both 250ml, against 150ml for the medicube Milky Toner. Check the current price per millilitre at the retailer before buying.

PDRN toners and essences by skin type

• Dry skin: medicube PDRN Salmon DNA Milky Toner, followed by a moisturiser chosen from the cream section above. The VT COSMETICS PDRN 100 Essence is a richer vegan option.
• Normal or combination skin: a watery toner such as the Anua Booster Toner, followed by a moisturiser you already tolerate.
• Oily skin: a watery toner (Anua Booster Toner or VT COSMETICS PDRN Toner) may feel more comfortable than milky formulas; the medicube toner and VT essence may feel heavy.
• Sensitive or reactive skin: patch-test first. Several of these formulas contain niacinamide, botanical extracts or panthenol, and individual reactions to any ingredient are possible.
• Vegan or avoiding fish-derived ingredients: VT COSMETICS PDRN Toner and PDRN 100 Essence (plant-derived).

Related reading: if you want a lighter treatment step, compare options in our PDRN serum buying guide. For brand-level detail see the Medicube PDRN review and Anua PDRN review, and for the ingredient itself read what PDRN is and what the evidence shows. Wondering whether PDRN can replace retinol? Read PDRN vs retinol.

UK high-street alternatives

PDRN products are now sold by UK high-street retailers too. These are not Korean picks, and we have not added them to our comparison because we have not reviewed them in the same way. We list what the makers publish so you can compare like with like.

• Boots Hydrating PDRN Serum (30ml) — Boots' own-brand serum, sold at Boots. A serum, not a cream or toner: use it before moisturiser. We could not verify its full ingredient list, so we have not assessed its formula.
• The INKEY List PDRN Serum (30ml) — from The INKEY List, a UK brand. The brand states it uses a plant-derived PDRN at 2% (20,000 ppm), and says its clinical claims come from studies run by the ingredient supplier rather than independent research (manufacturer page).
• Dr.Reju-All Advanced PDRN Rejuvenating Cream — a cream sold in Boots' Korean skincare range. The brand's published ingredient list includes sodium DNA, niacinamide, panthenol, sodium hyaluronate and hydrolysed collagen (brand page). The brand's performance claims have not been independently verified by us.

How to Choose Between PDRN Cream, Toner, and Essence

Apply thinnest to thickest: toner or essence after cleansing, then serum if you use one, then cream. A toner or essence adds a light layer of hydration; a cream adds emollients that help reduce water loss from the skin surface. You do not need PDRN in every step — one PDRN product in a simple routine, plus daily sunscreen in the morning, is enough to judge whether you like it.

Editorial Methodology

Formula details on this page come from the ingredient lists each brand publishes, recorded in our catalogue. Where we describe what an ingredient may do, we rely on published research about that ingredient — not on testing of these exact products. Research on PDRN is strongest for injections and wound care; evidence for leave-on cosmetics is early and formula-specific (see Sources). We do not accept payment for placement. Spot a mistake? Request a correction.

Frequently asked questions

What does PDRN do in creams and toners?

PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide) is a mixture of DNA fragments. In cosmetics it is commonly used to support hydration and the appearance of smoother skin. Evidence for leave-on products is early and depends on the exact formula; much of the stronger research concerns injections or wound care.

Should I use a PDRN toner or a PDRN cream?

They do different jobs. A toner is a light hydrating first layer; a cream is the moisturiser that holds hydration in. If you only want one, a cream is the more complete step; a toner suits people who like layering.

Is plant-derived PDRN the same as salmon PDRN?

Not necessarily. "Plant PDRN" is a marketing term for DNA-derived material from plants such as ginseng, and it has not been shown to match purified salmon PDRN. Judge each product on its whole formula.

Can I use PDRN with retinol or vitamin C?

Many people combine them, but there is little research on these exact combinations. Introduce one new product at a time and watch for irritation. Our PDRN vs retinol guide explains the differences.

Are PDRN moisturisers suitable for sensitive skin?

Some may be, but sensitivity is individual. Patch-test first; any ingredient — including panthenol, which is usually well tolerated — can occasionally cause allergic reactions.

Which cream has the most PDRN

Reju 10000 has the largest explicit number among the manufacturer disclosures discussed here. That is not a market-wide ranking or proof that it works best.

Is a cream better than a serum

Choose by role and complete formula. A serum may be optional underneath a moisturiser; neither category guarantees stronger PDRN effects.

Can sensitive skin use PDRN creams

Some people may tolerate a particular formula, but the ingredient name cannot establish safety for everyone. Review known triggers and stop if a reaction develops.

Related reading

• Centellian24 Madeca PDRN Cream Review
• Dr Althea PDRN Reju Creams and 345 Explained
• Anua PDRN range review
• PDRN dewy creams explained

In summary

Choose a PDRN product by format and texture first: a watery or milky toner for light hydration, a cream to finish your routine. Expect hydration and comfort from the whole formula rather than dramatic change from PDRN alone, and treat bigger claims with caution until independent evidence catches up.

Sources

• 1. Anua official PDRN cream product information
• 2. Dr Althea official PDRN Reju 10000 Cream
• 3. Dr Althea official current 345 Relief Cream ingredient list
• 4. Medicube official PDRN Pink Collagen Capsule Cream
• 5. Centellian24 official PDRN kit and cream ingredient listing
• 6. Dr Reju All official 30 ml PDRN cream information
• 7. Dr Althea official PDRN Reju 5000 Cream
• Marques C, et al. From Polydeoxyribonucleotides (PDRNs) to Polynucleotides (PNs): scientific definitions, molecular insights and clinical applications. Biomolecules, 2025. Independent review of what PDRN and PN are and where the evidence comes from.
• Ye R, et al. Topical medium-length PDRN enhances dermal extracellular matrix repair in photodamaged skin. PLoS One, 2026. One proprietary topical formula; short study — it does not validate other products.
• Lampridou S, et al. The effectiveness of polynucleotides in esthetic medicine: a systematic review. J Cosmet Dermatol, 2025. Mostly clinic procedures, not leave-on skincare.
• Allergic contact dermatitis to panthenol in a barrier-repair cream marketed for sensitive skin. Dermatitis, 2026. Case report showing that even well-tolerated ingredients can occasionally cause reactions.
• Manufacturer information (not independent evidence): ingredient lists and product details published by Anua, medicube, VT COSMETICS, The INKEY List and Dr.Reju-All.

To compare the recorded ingredient lists of all 14 PDRN products we track, see the UK PDRN Formulation Index.

About this article

Korean PDRN research-based editorial. Sources checked on 16 October 2026. Manufacturer and retailer information can change; the pack supplied to you takes priority for ingredients and directions. This article does not report hands-on testing or an independent clinical trial. It provides general information, not personal medical advice.