Can Men Use PDRN?

Short answer: Yes, men can use PDRN. There is no evidence that PDRN skincare works differently on men's skin: it is mainly a hydrating ingredient. Light PDRN gel-creams suit oilier skin and can comfort skin after shaving. Men can also have PDRN injections for under-eyes or skin quality, with the same safety checks as anyone else.

Can men use PDRN? Most PDRN marketing is aimed at women, but there is nothing about PDRN that makes it unsuitable for men. Men are increasingly using Korean skincare and booking polynucleotide treatments, especially for tired-looking under-eyes. This guide explains how men's skin differs, which PDRN products suit it and how to build a simple routine. For the basics, read is PDRN good for skin.

Key takeaways

• There is no evidence that PDRN works differently in men and women.

• On average, men's skin is thicker, with more collagen at all ages than women's[1], but individuals vary widely.

• Choose texture by skin type, not by sex: lighter textures for oily skin, richer ones for dry skin.

• Daily sunscreen matters as much for men as for women[2].

How men's skin differs

These are averages. Many men have dry or sensitive skin, so choose products for your skin type rather than your sex.

PDRN for men's skin types

Oily skin: a lightweight PDRN serum or gel-cream gives hydration without shine. Avoid heavy creams. Our Korean skincare routine for oily skin has more tips.

Dry or sensitive skin: a richer PDRN cream with ceramides or panthenol can help, especially in winter.

Acne-prone skin: PDRN products are not acne treatments, but non-comedogenic, fragrance-free formulas are usually fine. See a pharmacist for acne treatment.

PDRN after shaving

Shaving removes some of the skin's outer layer and can cause redness, razor burn and ingrown hairs. Many aftershaves contain alcohol and fragrance, which can sting. A fragrance-free PDRN gel-cream or soothing serum is a gentler alternative. There are no studies of PDRN specifically for shaving irritation, so think of it as a comfortable moisturiser rather than a treatment.

Avoid applying any skincare to cuts. If razor bumps are frequent, try shaving with the grain, using a sharp blade and not stretching the skin.

A simple PDRN routine for men

1. Wash with a gentle cleanser morning and evening.

2. Shave, if needed, after cleansing.

3. Apply a PDRN serum or gel-cream to the face and neck.

4. In the morning, finish with sunscreen; the NHS recommends at least SPF 30 with 4-star UVA protection[2].

5. Optional: at night, add a retinoid two to three times a week for fine lines or texture.

Many men prefer one product that does it all. A moisturiser containing PDRN, plus sunscreen, is a solid minimum. For product ideas, see our best PDRN serum UK guide.

PDRN injections for men

Men are among the growing number of people having polynucleotide injections. Common reasons include dark, hollow or crepey under-eyes, dull skin and acne scarring. The treatment and safety checks are the same as for women. Because men's skin is thicker[1], some practitioners adjust technique or the amount of product used. Beard areas can make injection planning slightly different, so discuss this at consultation.

PDRN injections do not add volume or lift. They are not a substitute for fillers where volume loss is the main concern. Prices are the same as for women; see how much PDRN injections cost in the UK.

What the evidence says about PDRN for men

PDRN's proposed mechanism, signalling through A2A receptors to support repair, does not depend on sex[3]. Systematic reviews of polynucleotide and PDRN injections report improvements in skin quality and scars, but few studies report results separately for men, studies are small and follow-up is short[4,5]. So evidence specific to men is limited. For topical PDRN, large DNA fragments penetrate intact skin poorly[6], so serums mainly offer hydration for anyone who uses them.

Practical tip: Irritation from alcohol-based aftershave or harsh face washes is common. The fix is usually fewer products, not more: a gentle cleanser, a plain or PDRN moisturiser and sunscreen.

Who should take care

• Fish allergy: most PDRN is salmon-derived[3]. Plant-based options exist.

• Blood thinners: check with your GP or pharmacist before injections.

• Active infection, cold sores or folliculitis in the area: postpone injections.

• Sensitive skin: patch test new products for a few days.

Licensing of non-surgical cosmetic procedures in England is planned but not yet in force[7], so check training and insurance before booking injections.

Do men need "men's" PDRN products?

No. Products marketed for men are often the same formulas with different packaging, sometimes with added fragrance. Choose by skin type and ingredient list, not by the label. Unscented products are usually better for skin that is shaved daily. If you have a beard, a light serum spreads more easily through facial hair than a thick cream. Apply it to the skin underneath, not just the hair, and wash the beard area gently to avoid build-up and flaking.

PDRN for men's under-eyes

Tired-looking under-eyes are one of the most common reasons men ask about PDRN. Dark circles can be caused by genetics, thin skin, pigmentation, hollowing or lack of sleep, and PDRN does not fix all of these. A PDRN eye cream may help hydration and fine lines, with early but limited evidence[6]. Injections for crepey or thin under-eye skin are more studied, but results are subtle and not proven to help hollows. A consultation can identify the cause before you spend. Good sleep, sunscreen and not rubbing your eyes also help more than most men expect.

The bottom line

Men can use PDRN. Skincare works the same as for anyone, mainly hydrating and soothing, and light textures suit oilier skin. PDRN products can be a gentle alternative to alcohol-based aftershaves. Injections are an option for under-eyes and skin quality, with the same safety checks. As always, daily sunscreen matters most.

FAQs

Is PDRN only for women?

No. It works the same way for men[3].

Can men use PDRN after shaving?

Yes, a fragrance-free PDRN product can be gentler than alcohol-based aftershave. Avoid applying to cuts.

Do men get polynucleotide injections?

Yes, commonly for under-eyes and skin quality.

Will PDRN make men's skin oily?

Light gel textures are unlikely to. Heavy creams might on oily skin.

Is PDRN good for men's acne scars?

Injections are sometimes used for scars[4,5], but evidence is limited and they are usually combined with other treatments.

Related reading

• Is PDRN Good for Skin?

• Korean Skincare Routine for Oily Skin

• Best PDRN Serum UK

References

1. Shuster S, Black MM, McVitie E. The influence of age and sex on skin thickness, skin collagen and density. Br J Dermatol. 1975;93(6):639–643.

2. NHS. Sunscreen and sun safety. Accessed October 2026.

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

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

5. 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).

6. Bos JD, Meinardi MM. The 500 Dalton rule for the skin penetration of chemical compounds and drugs. Exp Dermatol. 2000;9(3):165–169.

7. Department of Health and Social Care. The licensing of non-surgical cosmetic procedures in England: consultation response. GOV.UK, 7 August 2025.

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.