Which PDRN Is Best? Salmon, Plant, c-PDRN and PN Compared

Short answer: It depends on how you use it. For clinic treatments, medical-grade salmon PDRN or polynucleotide injectables have the most evidence. For home skincare, a salmon PDRN product from a transparent brand is the most established choice. If you are vegan or allergic to fish, plant PDRN is a reasonable, earlier-stage alternative.

Which PDRN is best? "PDRN" is now used for several different ingredients, from pharmaceutical salmon DNA to fragments taken from ginseng or made by bacteria. Before you can choose the best one, you need to know which type you are looking at and how you plan to use it. If you want a quick personalised answer, try our PDRN Reality Check.

Key takeaways

• Salmon or trout PDRN is the original form and has the most research, mostly from injections[1].

• Polynucleotides (PN) are longer DNA chains used mainly in injectable skin boosters[6,7].

• Plant PDRN shows promising laboratory and early human results, but evidence is still limited[2,3].

• How PDRN reaches your skin (injection or topical) matters more than its source[4,9].

The main types of PDRN

1. Salmon or trout PDRN

This is the original. DNA fragments are purified from the milt of rainbow trout or chum salmon[1]. It is the type used in the medical research on wound healing and the basis of most injectable products. In skincare it appears as Sodium DNA, sometimes alongside "Milt Extract" or "Salmon Egg Extract".

Best for: people who want the form with the most research and have no fish allergy.

2. Polynucleotides (PN)

Polynucleotides come from the same source but are longer chains with a higher molecular weight[7]. They are used mainly in injectable "skin boosters". Many are CE-marked class III medical devices, such as Plinest One[8]. The longer chains give the gel more body, which is why PN products are often used around the eyes and for scars.

Best for: clinic treatments for skin quality, fine lines and some types of scarring.

3. c-PDRN and other branded forms

Some companies process PDRN into their own trademarked forms. PharmaResearch, the Korean company behind Rejuran, makes products based on its DOT PDRN and DOT PN technologies, and its skincare range uses a cosmetic PDRN called c-PDRN[6].

Best for: people who want skincare from a company with medical PDRN experience.

4. Plant-derived (phyto) PDRN

These are DNA fragments taken from plants such as ginseng, rose, camellia, centella or peony. A 2023 laboratory study found PDRN from Korean ginseng roots increased skin cell growth and improved barrier markers in cells and an artificial skin model[2]. A small 2025 human study of a 1% low-molecular-weight peony PDRN cream found a modest improvement in under-eye elasticity after four weeks, compared with a cream without it[3].

Best for: vegans, people with fish allergies and those who prefer non-animal ingredients. If your fish allergy is severe, speak to a pharmacist or GP before trying any PDRN product. Read more in is PDRN vegan.

5. Microbial and recombinant PDRN

Newer PDRN ingredients are produced by bacteria or fermentation, such as a green tea PDRN that innisfree describes as made through microbial fermentation[10]. These offer consistency and are animal-free, but published human data is very limited.

Best for: early adopters who prioritise sustainability and consistency.

How the types of PDRN compare

Injection vs topical: the bigger decision

The type of PDRN matters less than how it reaches your skin.

• Injections and clinical microneedling place PDRN directly into the dermis, where the target cells are. That is where nearly all the clinical results come from, although a 2026 review of randomised trials rated skin rejuvenation effects as more modest than wound-healing effects[5].

• Topical serums have to get through the skin barrier, which keeps out molecules much larger than about 500 daltons[9]. Even the best serum will deliver far less.

So for a visible change in fine lines or acne scars, a clinic treatment with a registered practitioner is more likely to help. For gentle everyday support, a topical product is fine. Our ranking of which PDRN is most effective goes into more detail.

Pharmacist’s tip: When a clinic says "PDRN", ask for the product name. PDRN and PN injectables are different products with different instructions, and a good practitioner will happily tell you which one they use and why.

Which PDRN is best for your goal?

• Hydration and comfort: any well-formulated topical PDRN serum or gel, salmon or plant. Expect the hydrating base to do much of the work.

• Fine lines and skin quality: clinic treatments with PDRN or polynucleotides have the most evidence, though effects are modest[4,5]. At home, a retinoid has stronger topical evidence than any PDRN serum.

• Acne scars: clinic-delivered PDRN or polynucleotides, after active acne is controlled. See is PDRN good for acne.

• Sensitive or reactive skin: a fragrance-free topical product; plant PDRN if you have a fish allergy.

• Vegan routine: plant or microbial PDRN, checking the rest of the formula for collagen or other animal ingredients.

What makes a good PDRN product

Whatever type you choose, look for:

• A named source. "Salmon PDRN", "ginseng PDRN" or a branded form is more transparent than "PDRN complex".

• Information on size or delivery. Low-molecular-weight fragments or encapsulation suggest the brand has thought about penetration.

• A disclosed amount. A figure in percent or ppm is better than none.

• A sensible supporting formula. Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, panthenol and ceramides help; fragrance-free is gentler.

• A UK-compliant label. Products sold in Great Britain need a UK Responsible Person[11]. Buy from reputable retailers.

To see these criteria applied to real products, read which PDRN serum is best and which PDRN product is best.

The bottom line

There is no single best PDRN for everyone. Salmon PDRN has the most research, polynucleotides lead in clinic treatments, and plant PDRN is a credible animal-free option still building its evidence. For most people, choosing the right format and a transparent brand matters more than the source.

FAQs

Is PN or PDRN better?

In injectables, PN gives more structural support because of its longer chains. PDRN's shorter chains are used more for repair and in skincare[7]. Your practitioner may use either, depending on the area.

Is salmon PDRN better than plant PDRN?

Salmon PDRN has far more clinical evidence[1]. Plant PDRN shows similar activity in laboratory studies[2], but human data is limited.

Is Rejuran PDRN?

Rejuran injectables are made by PharmaResearch from salmon DNA and are generally described as polynucleotide (PN) products. The Rejuran skincare range uses the company's c-PDRN[6].

Does the label show where PDRN comes from?

Not always. "Sodium DNA" can come from fish or plants. Look for clues such as "Milt Extract" or a plant name, or ask the brand.

Which PDRN is best for sensitive skin?

A fragrance-free topical product with a simple formula. If you have a fish allergy, choose plant PDRN. Patch test first, as explained in is PDRN safe.

Related reading

• Which PDRN Product Is Best? Serum, Cream, Toner or Mask?

• Which PDRN Is Most Effective? Injections vs Serums Ranked

• Which PDRN Serum Is Best? A Pharmacist's UK Shortlist

• Which PDRN Product Is Best? Serum, Cream, Toner or Mask?

• Is PDRN Vegan? Salmon PDRN vs Plant PDRN Explained

References

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

• Lee KS, Lee S, Wang H, et al. Analysis of skin regeneration and barrier-improvement efficacy of polydeoxyribonucleotide isolated from Panax ginseng adventitious root. Molecules. 2023;28(21):7240.

• Bak SU, et al. Anti-aging efficacy of low-molecular-weight polydeoxyribonucleotide derived from Paeonia lactiflora. Int J Mol Sci. 2025;27(1):220.

• 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).

• PharmaResearch introduces REJURAN Triple Radiance Ampoule (company background on DOT PDRN and DOT PN). Press release. Accessed October 2026.

• Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) in post-procedure recovery in aesthetic medicine: a narrative review. Cureus. 2026.

• Plinest One (polynucleotide injectable) product listing, CE-marked class III medical device. Consentz product directory, accessed October 2026.

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

• The Beauty Edit. Inside innisfree's vegan PDRN line. Accessed October 2026.

• The Product Safety and Metrology etc. (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019, Schedule 34 (UK Responsible Person). legislation.gov.uk, 2019.

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.