PDRN for Dark Circles: Does It Work?

Short answer: Polynucleotide injections may improve crepey texture and fine lines under the eyes. Their effect on colour, whether brown pigment or a purple tone from visible blood vessels, is not well established, and they do not fill hollows. PDRN eye creams mainly hydrate. The cause of your dark circles decides whether PDRN is worth trying.

PDRN for dark circles is one of the most searched uses of polynucleotides, and under-eyes are one of the most popular areas treated in UK clinics. But "dark circles" is not one problem. They can be caused by pigment, visible blood vessels, thin skin, hollows or shadows, and each responds to different treatments. This guide explains which types PDRN may help, what the evidence shows and what to expect. For how PDRN differs from filler, see is PDRN a filler.

Key takeaways

• A 2025 systematic review of under-eye treatments found polynucleotides target texture and fine lines; fillers remain the main option for volume loss[1].

• A 2026 review concluded hyaluronic acid fillers are superior for structural correction, while polynucleotides improve elasticity, hydration and fine lines[2].

• A 2026 review of the eye area described early positive data for polynucleotides but insufficient evidence to compare them with other treatments[3].

• A 2026 split-face study of a PDRN eye cream reported improvement in under-eye wrinkles and eye bag measures over 28 days[4].

What causes dark circles?

Most people have a mix. A good practitioner will assess which type dominates before recommending treatment.

How PDRN may help under the eyes

The under-eye skin is among the thinnest on the body. As it thins further with age, the dark muscle and blood vessels beneath show through more, giving a purple or bluish tone. PDRN and polynucleotides are thought to support repair, hydration and collagen in the dermis[6,7]. It is often suggested that slightly thicker, better-hydrated skin lets less of the colour beneath show, but this has not been well tested. Eye-specific products, such as Rejuran I and Plinest Eye, are designed for this delicate area.

What the evidence says about PDRN for dark circles

A 2025 multispecialty systematic review of 50 under-eye studies grouped treatments by type[1]. It concluded that fillers remain foundational for volume loss, lasers address pigment, blood vessels and laxity, while microneedling and polynucleotides target texture and fine lines[1]. A 2026 review comparing HA fillers with polynucleotides found consistent improvements in skin quality with polynucleotides, but warned that varied products and study designs limit firm conclusions[2]. A third 2026 review described early positive results for polynucleotides as "insufficient evidence to determine comparative efficacy rather than evidence of absent effect"[3].

For PRP, a 2025 review found it may help under-eye pigmentation more than texture[8]. A 2026 real-world study of a polynucleotide product in 61 people with periorbital hyperpigmentation reported improvement, but it had no control group and was run by authors working with the product[5]. So for brown dark circles, sunscreen, topical treatments, lasers or PRP remain the options to discuss first.

Overall, PDRN is a reasonable option to discuss for crepey, thin under-eye skin, with limited evidence. It is not proven for pigment, vascular colour or hollows.

Practical tip: Before booking, look in the mirror in daylight and gently stretch the under-eye skin. If the colour lightens, thin skin and visible vessels may be contributing. If it stays brown, pigment is more likely. If it is a shadow that changes with lighting, a hollow may be the cause. This helps you ask the right questions; it is not a diagnosis.

What to expect from under-eye PDRN

1. Consultation to assess the cause of your dark circles.

2. Numbing cream, then small injections or a cannula along the under-eye.

3. Small bumps that usually settle within a day or two.

4. Possible bruising, which is more common in this area.

5. Usually two to three sessions, two to four weeks apart.

6. Gradual change over the following weeks.

One London clinic listed under-eye polynucleotides at £850 for two vials when checked in October 2026[9]. Prices vary widely. See how many PDRN sessions you need.

PDRN eye creams for dark circles

PDRN eye creams are cheaper and lower risk. Most of their benefit is hydration, which can make fine lines less visible. A 2026 split-face study reported that a 0.1% PDRN eye cream improved under-eye wrinkles, skin density and eye bag measures more than 0.1% retinol over 28 days[4]. It included 31 women, several authors were industry-affiliated, and it tested one formula. Eye creams will not fill hollows or remove genetic pigment.

Other options for dark circles

For a regenerative alternative, see PDRN vs PRP, and for filler vs PN, PDRN vs hyaluronic acid.

Who should take care

• Fish allergy: most PDRN is salmon-derived[6].

• Eye conditions, recent eye surgery or dry eye: tell your practitioner.

• Blood thinners: bruising risk is higher; check with your GP or pharmacist.

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding: avoid elective injections.

• Hay fever or eczema around the eyes: treat flares first.

Licensing of non-surgical cosmetic procedures in England is planned but not yet in force[10].

Simple habits that help dark circles

• Wear sunscreen and sunglasses to limit pigment.

• Treat hay fever and avoid rubbing your eyes.

• Sleep on your back with your head slightly raised if puffiness is worse in the morning.

• Use a gentle, fragrance-free eye cream.

Crepey skin vs hollows: why it matters

Crepey under-eye skin looks finely wrinkled, thin and sometimes shiny, a bit like crepe paper. It is a skin quality problem, and this is where polynucleotides have the most supporting data[1,2]. Hollows, or tear trough deformity, are a volume problem: fat and bone support change with age, creating a shadow. No amount of skin booster will fill a hollow. Many people have both, which is why some practitioners combine a small amount of filler with polynucleotides, while others avoid filler in this area because of swelling risks. Ask your practitioner to explain which problem they are treating and why.

How long do under-eye PDRN results last?

Clinics describe results lasting several months, with top-ups every six to twelve months[9]; these are clinic descriptions, not trial findings. Long-term data are limited. Lifestyle matters too: sun protection, not smoking and good sleep help results last longer.

The bottom line

PDRN may help crepey under-eye skin, with early and limited evidence. It is not established for brown pigment or vascular colour, and it does not fill hollows. Find out what causes your dark circles first, choose an experienced practitioner and expect subtle, gradual improvement over two to three sessions.

FAQs

Does PDRN get rid of dark circles?

It may improve crepey under-eye skin; it is not established for pigment, vascular colour or hollows[1,2].

How many PDRN sessions for under-eyes?

One clinic describes two to three sessions[9]; protocols vary.

Is PDRN better than tear trough filler?

They do different things. Filler fills hollows; PDRN targets skin quality[2].

Do PDRN eye creams work for dark circles?

They mainly hydrate; one small study showed benefit for lines and eye bags[4].

Is under-eye PDRN painful?

Most people describe mild discomfort with numbing cream.

Related reading

• PDRN vs Hyaluronic Acid

• Is PDRN a Filler?

• PDRN vs PRP

References

1. Beer J, Boghosian T, Sherif R, et al. What's new with under eye treatment: a multispecialty systematic review of recent under eye treatments. Dermatol Surg. 2026;52(2):155–163.

2. Khan RS, Hafeez K. Hyaluronic acid fillers versus polynucleotides for under-eye rejuvenation. J Clin Med. 2026;15(13):4971.

3. Martucci A, Quaranta Leoni F, Di Marino M, Romano E. Periocular rejuvenation: current concepts and evidence-based management. Front Med. 2026;13:1943441.

4. Ye R, Wang Q, Du L, et al. Topical medium-length PDRN enhances dermal extracellular matrix repair in photodamaged skin via PI3K-Akt/TGF-β-regulated pathways. PLoS One. 2026;21(7):e0350905.

5. Amado R, Al-Mukhtar Y, Lanza E, et al. A real-world study of polynucleotides HPT for treating periorbital hyperpigmentation. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2026;19:605046.

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

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

8. Sollitto CF, Narduzzi M, Wolinsky C. A systematic review of platelet-rich plasma versus platelet-rich fibrin for periorbital rejuvenation. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2025;24(11):e70524.

9. Dr Leah Clinics. Polynucleotide eyes: treatment information. Accessed October 2026.

10. 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.