Medik8 vs The INKEY List vs Byoma: UK PDRN Serums Compared

Short answer: Medik8 Exo-PDRN Prismatic+, The INKEY List PDRN Serum and Byoma Longevit-8 Peptide Serum are the three non-Korean PDRN serums UK shoppers ask about most. All three use vegan, plant-type PDRN, not the salmon-derived PDRN found in most Korean serums and in most research. Medik8 pairs it with exosomes and growth-factor-style proteins, The INKEY List with a rich emollient blend, and Byoma with peptides and ceramides. Only The INKEY List states an amount, and none has independent published trials of the finished serum. Choose by formula and skin type, not by the PDRN claim.

We have not tested these serums. For The INKEY List we read the brand's own page and ingredient list. For Medik8 and Byoma we could not read the brands' ingredient lists directly, so the details below are as reported by named UK beauty publications, and we say so each time. Check the pack before you buy.

Key takeaways

• All three are vegan PDRN serums. None uses salmon DNA[1,2,3].
• The INKEY List states 20,000 ppm (2%) of a plant-derived ingredient from Artemisia capillaris; its ingredient list places Hydrolyzed DNA last[1].
• Medik8 and Byoma do not publicly disclose a PDRN amount, according to Who What Wear UK[2].
• Medik8's serum is described as Vegan Society-certified and fragrance-free; Byoma's as fragrance-free and marketed for all skin types, including sensitive[2].
• The clinical claims for all three come from the brands or their suppliers[1,3]. Most independent PDRN research used salmon- or trout-derived PDRN, usually by injection.
• If you specifically want salmon-derived PDRN, the Korean serums are the ones that use it.

At a glance

Medik8 Exo-PDRN Prismatic+ Serum

What is reported. Marie Claire UK describes three lead ingredients: a triple exosome complex, a vegan "Prismatic PDRN" and growth-factor mini proteins, in a lightweight gel applied morning and evening[3]. Who What Wear UK lists niacinamide, centella asiatica and hyaluronic acid as well, and notes that the serum is Vegan Society-certified and fragrance-free[2].

The claims. Medik8 reports visible improvement across seven skin measures in as little as seven days, according to Marie Claire UK[3]. These are the brand's own study results. We could not find them published in a journal, so we cannot tell you how many people took part or what the serum was compared with.

Points to weigh.

• It combines several newer ingredients at once. If your skin improves, you will not know which one was responsible.
• Who What Wear UK notes that the PDRN amount is not disclosed and that it was among the most expensive serums in its round-up[2].
• "Exosome" on a cosmetic label covers very different materials. Our exosome skincare guide explains what the term can mean.

Best suited to someone who already likes Medik8 formulas and wants a fragrance-free, vegan, multi-ingredient serum, and who accepts that the evidence is the brand's own.

The INKEY List PDRN Serum

What the brand states. A 30 ml fragrance-free serum using INJIN Vegan PDRN from the plant Artemisia capillaris, at a stated 20,000 ppm (2%), with an 18% emollient blend and a pH of 4.0 to 4.5[1].

What the ingredient list shows. Hydrolyzed DNA is the last ingredient, after the preservatives[1]. That suggests the DNA itself is present at under 1%, and that the 2% describes the supplier's raw material. The brand says its clinical figures come from studies run by the ingredient supplier[1].

Points to weigh.

• It is the only one of the three whose full ingredient list we could read on the brand's own site.
• The emollient blend, shea butter and sunflower oil make it richer than a watery serum. Who What Wear UK notes this may not suit people who want a very light texture[2].

Best suited to someone who wants an affordable, vegan, fragrance-free serum with a glossy finish. Read our full INKEY List PDRN Serum review.

Byoma Longevit-8 Peptide Serum

What is reported. Who What Wear UK lists vegan phyto-PDRN, copper tripeptide-1, niacinamide, NMN, ceramide NP and vitamin E, with cholesterol and fatty acids to support the skin barrier. It describes the serum as fragrance-free, lightweight and marketed for all skin types, including sensitive skin[2].

Points to weigh.

• This is a peptide and barrier serum that includes PDRN, not a PDRN serum first. PDRN is one of many actives.
• The amount of PDRN is not disclosed[2].
• As Who What Wear UK puts it, the number of active ingredients may make it harder to tell which one is doing the work[2].

Best suited to someone who wants one barrier-supporting serum with peptides and niacinamide, and is not buying mainly for PDRN. Our peptides guide and niacinamide guide cover the better-studied ingredients in it.

How they differ from Korean PDRN serums

If you want salmon-derived PDRN, look at the Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum or the Medicube Salmon DNA PDRN Pink Peptide Serum. If you want vegan PDRN from a Korean brand, the VT Cosmetics PDRN 100 Essence is plant-derived. Our UK PDRN Formulation Index compares the ingredient lists of the Korean products side by side.

Neither type has strong independent evidence as a cream or serum. Our PDRN clinical evidence timeline shows where the research stands.

Which should you choose?

• You want vegan and fragrance-free at a lower price: The INKEY List.
• You want one serum with peptides, niacinamide and ceramides: Byoma.
• You want a premium multi-ingredient formula and trust Medik8's own testing: Medik8.
• You want salmon-derived PDRN: a Korean serum. See our guide to the best PDRN serums in the UK.
• You have a fish allergy: a vegan option avoids fish-derived ingredients, but check the full list on the pack and ask a pharmacist if your allergy is severe.

Whichever you choose, introduce it on its own, patch test first, and wear sunscreen in the morning.

Frequently asked questions

Are Medik8, The INKEY List and Byoma Korean brands?

No. All three are UK brands. We cover them because UK shoppers compare them with Korean PDRN serums.

Is vegan PDRN as good as salmon PDRN?

Nobody knows yet. Some suppliers say their vegan ingredient performs as well or better[1], but those are supplier studies. Our guide to vegan and salmon PDRN explains the difference.

Which has the most PDRN?

It cannot be compared. Only The INKEY List gives a figure, and that figure appears to describe a raw material and not pure DNA[1]. Our label guide shows how to read these claims.

Can I use these with retinol?

The INKEY List says its serum can be used with retinol[1]. No published study has tested these serums with retinoids. See our PDRN and retinol comparison.

References

1. The INKEY List. What is PDRN? Complete guide and best products (PDRN Serum details, supplier-study statement and full ingredient list). Updated 12 May 2026. Accessed 11 November 2026.

2. Day G. PDRN is having a major skincare moment: 9 serums a facialist recommends. Who What Wear UK. 7 November 2026. Accessed 11 November 2026.

3. Pearson L. Medik8 Exo-PDRN Prismatic+ Serum review. Marie Claire UK. 19 May 2026. Accessed 11 November 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.