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

Short answer: No PDRN serum has been proven best in head-to-head trials. For most people, Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum is a well-rounded, fragrance-free choice. Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum suits budgets, REJURAN Turnover Ampoule suits those wanting medical PDRN heritage, and VT PDRN Essence 100 is the plant-based pick.

We have not hands-on tested the products mentioned here: picks are editorial research based on published ingredient lists, format and UK availability checked in October 2026.

Which PDRN serum is best? PDRN serums have multiplied quickly, and many make similar promises. Because no independent trials compare them directly, this guide judges them on what can be checked: the PDRN source, the rest of the formula, fragrance, and how well each suits different skin types. For the bigger picture on whether PDRN is worth it, see is PDRN good for skin.

Key takeaways

• No popular PDRN serum has published, independent head-to-head data, so "best" means best fit for your skin.

• Anua and Medicube use salmon PDRN, Rejuran uses c-PDRN from salmon, and VT uses plant PDRN from ginseng[1,2,3,4].

• Topical PDRN delivers far less to the deeper skin than injections, so expect hydration and comfort[5,6].

• Fragrance and richer ingredients matter more than PDRN for sensitive or acne-prone skin.

How we judged PDRN serums

We reviewed published ingredient lists and brand information, and scored each serum on five checks:

• PDRN source. Is it salmon, plant or a branded form, and does the brand say so?

• Transparency. Does the brand give an amount, fragment size or delivery technology?

• Supporting ingredients. Are there well-studied helpers such as hyaluronic acid, niacinamide or peptides?

• Irritation risk. Is it fragrance-free? Does it contain ingredients acne-prone skin often dislikes?

• UK availability. Can you buy it from reputable UK retailers with a UK Responsible Person on the pack[8]?

We did not run our own clinical tests, and we say so where a claim comes from the brand or a retailer. Independent evidence for every serum here is limited, so our picks reflect formula quality and fit rather than proven superior results.

Our PDRN serum shortlist

Best all-rounder: Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum

• PDRN source: salmon, listed as Sodium DNA[2]

• Key supporting ingredients: a 3% hyaluronic acid complex, niacinamide, hydrolysed collagen and glutathione[2]

• Delivery: the brand's "smart capsule" system, designed to help absorption

• Fragrance: none in the published ingredient list[2]

• Suits: dehydrated, normal and sensitive skin

Why it stands out: a named PDRN source, plenty of hydrators and no added fragrance make it a sensible first PDRN serum for most skin types.

Best budget multi-tasker: Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum

• PDRN source: salmon (Sodium DNA, plus milt extract and salmon egg extract); retailer listings describe it as containing 10,000 ppm salmon PDRN[1]

• Key supporting ingredients: five peptides, niacinamide, adenosine, hydrolysed collagen and vitamin B12, which gives the pink colour[1]

• Fragrance: contains parfum[1]

• Suits: normal, combination and dry skin wanting firmness and glow

Why it stands out: widely available in the UK, good value and rich in supporting ingredients. The fragrance and isopropyl myristate may not suit very sensitive or acne-prone skin. Read the full breakdown in what is Medicube PDRN.

Best for medical PDRN heritage: REJURAN Turnover Ampoule

• PDRN source: c-PDRN from salmon, made by PharmaResearch, the company behind Rejuran injectables[3]

• Delivery: the brand's DNA Optimizing Technology, designed for absorption[3]

• Suits: people wanting a premium option, and skin recovering from treatments, with clinician approval

Why it stands out: few skincare brands have as direct a link to medical PDRN. It costs more, and the extra price reflects the brand as much as any proven extra benefit.

Best plant-based: VT PDRN Essence 100

• PDRN source: plant PDRN from wild ginseng, which VT calls PHYTO PDRN

• Suits: vegans, people with fish allergies, and anyone avoiding animal-derived ingredients

Why it stands out: ginseng PDRN activated similar repair pathways to salmon PDRN in a 2023 laboratory study, including in an artificial skin model[4]. Human evidence is limited, as it is for all topical PDRN. See is PDRN vegan.

Also worth a look

These serums are sold by UK retailers and are worth considering if the shortlist does not suit you[10]:

• Haruharu Wonder Rose PDRN serum: vegan PDRN from rose in a gentle formula.

• numbuzin No.2 Rose PDRN Collagen 2X Plumping Serum: a plumping, hydrating option.

• mixsoon PDRN Collagen Serum: a simple, hydrating formula from a minimalist brand.

• COSRX 5 PDRN Collagen Intense Vitalizing Serum: a larger-format option from a widely trusted brand.

PDRN serum comparison table

Formulas change, so always check the ingredient list on the box you buy.

Which PDRN serum is best for your skin type?

• Dry or dehydrated: Anua or Medicube, followed by a moisturiser.

• Sensitive or rosacea-prone: a fragrance-free option such as Anua. Patch test first.

• Oily or acne-prone: a lightweight, fragrance-free serum. Lab tests that rate single ingredients as pore-clogging do not always predict how a finished product behaves[11], so judge by your own skin's response. See will PDRN cause acne.

• Vegan or fish allergy: VT PDRN Essence 100 or Haruharu's rose PDRN.

• Post-procedure: ask your clinician which product they recommend, because freshly treated skin needs extra care.

Pharmacist’s tip: If you are choosing between two similar serums, pick the one without fragrance. Fragrance is one of the most common causes of reactions to skincare, and it adds nothing to how PDRN works.

How to use a PDRN serum

• Cleanse, then apply toner if you use one.

• Apply two to three drops, or one pump, to slightly damp skin.

• Follow with moisturiser, and sunscreen in the morning.

• Use once or twice daily for six to eight weeks before judging results.

• Never use a cosmetic serum with a microneedling pen or dermaroller, because cosmetic products are not sterile.

What the evidence says about PDRN serums

Molecules larger than about 500 daltons pass through intact skin poorly[6]. Pharmaceutical PDRN is far larger[7], and a 2025 laboratory study confirmed that native PDRN crosses a skin-like membrane slowly because of its size and negative charge[5]. A dermatology review of PDRN serums made the same point: claims that serums equal clinic treatments are not supported[9]. For a full ranking, see which PDRN is most effective.

Buying PDRN serums safely in the UK

Popular Korean serums are often counterfeited. Buy from established UK retailers or the brand's official UK stockists, and check the packaging names a UK Responsible Person, which cosmetics sold in Great Britain must have[8].

The bottom line

The best PDRN serum is the one that fits your skin and values. Anua is our pick for most people, Medicube for value, Rejuran for medical pedigree and VT for a plant-based option. Whichever you choose, keep sunscreen and, if you tolerate it, a retinoid at the heart of your routine. Not sure a serum is worth it? Take our free PDRN Reality Check.

FAQs

Is Medicube or Anua PDRN better?

Neither has been shown to be better in a clinical comparison. Anua is fragrance-free and focused on hydration. Medicube adds peptides and fragrance and is often cheaper.

Does a higher PDRN ppm mean a better serum?

Not necessarily. Fragment size and delivery affect how much reaches the skin. A brand that discloses ppm is, however, being more transparent.

Can I use two PDRN serums?

There is little point. One PDRN leave-on product is enough.

Are PDRN serums worth the hype?

They are pleasant, gentle hydrating serums with a plausible extra benefit. They are not a replacement for injections, retinoids or sunscreen.

Which PDRN serum is best for acne-prone skin?

A lightweight, fragrance-free option. PDRN does not treat acne, so keep your acne treatment. See will PDRN help with acne.

Related reading

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

• Which PDRN Is Most Effective? Injections vs Serums Ranked

• What Is Medicube PDRN? The Pink Range Explained

• Is PDRN Vegan? Salmon PDRN vs Plant PDRN Explained

References

• Beauty Bay. Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum: product listing and ingredient list. Accessed October 2026.

• Ulta Beauty. Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum: product listing and ingredient list. Accessed October 2026.

• Stylevana UK. REJURAN Turnover Ampoule: product listing. Accessed October 2026.

• 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.

• Park SJ, et al. Plasma-engineered PDRN: surface charge neutralization and nanosizing enhance uptake and regeneration potential. Pharmaceutics. 2025;17(9):1136.

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

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

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

• Dermatology Times. Social media mythbusters: PDRN serums. Accessed October 2026.

• PriceSpy UK. PDRN serum price listings. Accessed October 2026.

• Draelos ZD, DiNardo JC. A re-evaluation of the comedogenicity concept. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2006;54(3):507–512.

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.