Ingredient explainer
Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) on skincare labels
Evidence reviewed by Khalid Anwar, Clinical Pharmacist (UK), GPhC 2219283, on 13 October 2026. Evidence wording reviewed by a UK clinical pharmacist; not a dermatology review.
INCI: Sodium DNA
PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide) is a mixture of short DNA fragments, usually purified from salmon or trout. On cosmetic ingredient lists it most often appears as "Sodium DNA". In skincare it is used in serums, toners and creams; the same family of ingredients is also given by injection in clinics, which is a different product with different evidence.
Use this reference to compare the label name with the recorded ingredient lists in our catalogue. Check the packaging for the exact formula you buy, as ingredient lists can change between versions and markets.
Products listing Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN)
Matched on the exact INCI name in each product's recorded ingredient list. Presence only: it says nothing about concentration, effect or suitability.
- Anua PDRN 100 Hyaluronic Acid Booster Toner (list checked against manufacturer)
- Anua PDRN 100 Hyaluronic Acid Glow Pads (list checked against manufacturer)
- Anua PDRN Collagen Glow Facial Serum Spray (list checked against manufacturer)
- Anua PDRN Collagen Melting Patch For Glass Skin 4ea (list checked against manufacturer)
- Anua PDRN Collagen Melting Patch For Neck 4ea (list checked against manufacturer)
- Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid 100 Moisturizing Cream (list checked against manufacturer)
- Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum (list checked against manufacturer)
- AXIS-Y Triple PDRN Gel Toner (list checked against manufacturer)
- Biodance Rejuvenating Caviar PDRN Real Deep Mask (list checked against manufacturer)
- COSRX COSRX 5 PDRN B5 Vital Soothing Toner (list checked against manufacturer)
- COSRX COSRX 5 PDRN Collagen Intense Vitalizing Serum (list checked against manufacturer)
- COSRX COSRX 5 PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Vital Hydrating Hydrogel Mask (list checked against manufacturer)
- Dr.Althea 345 Relief Cream (list checked against manufacturer)
- haruharu wonder Rose PDRN Firming Serum with Retinal 0.1% (list checked against manufacturer)
- haruharu wonder Rose PDRN Peptide Glowy Balm Glossy Clear (list checked against manufacturer)
- haruharu wonder Rose PDRN Soothing Serum (list checked against manufacturer)
- medicube PDRN Salmon DNA Milky Toner (list checked against manufacturer)
- medicube Salmon DNA PDRN Pink Collagen Capsule Cream (list checked against manufacturer)
- medicube Salmon DNA PDRN Pink Collagen Jelly Gel Mask (list checked against manufacturer)
- medicube Salmon DNA PDRN Pink Collagen Jelly Pads (list checked against manufacturer)
- medicube Salmon DNA PDRN Pink Peptide Serum (list checked against manufacturer)
- SKIN1004 Centella Teca Ampoule (list checked against manufacturer)
- SKIN1004 Centella Teca Cream (list checked against manufacturer)
- SKIN1004 Centella Teca Soothing Toner (list checked against manufacturer)
- SKIN1004 PDRN 1.5 Cream (list checked against manufacturer)
- VT COSMETICS PDRN 100 Essence (list checked against manufacturer)
- VT COSMETICS PDRN Cica Exosome Ampoule (list checked against manufacturer)
- VT COSMETICS PDRN Daily Mask (list checked against manufacturer)
- VT COSMETICS PDRN Glow Ampoule Mist (list checked against manufacturer)
- VT COSMETICS PDRN Grinding Cleansing Balm (list checked against manufacturer)
- VT COSMETICS PDRN Reedle Shot Hair Ampoule 100dl (list checked against manufacturer)
- VT COSMETICS PDRN Reedle Shot Hair Ampoule 300dl (list checked against manufacturer)
- VT COSMETICS PDRN Reedle Shot Hair Ampoule 700dl (list checked against manufacturer)
- VT COSMETICS PDRN Stick Balm (list checked against manufacturer)
- VT COSMETICS PDRN Tension Toner Pad (list checked against manufacturer)
- VT COSMETICS PDRN Toner (list checked against manufacturer)
Evidence-led guide
Read the linked guide for the research behind this ingredient and its cosmetic uses.
- What Is PDRN in Skincare? Salmon, Plant and Clinic PDRN Explained
What polydeoxyribonucleotide is, what topical research can genuinely support, and how to assess PDRN products without falling for regenerative-marketing claims.
Cosmetic function
Listed in cosmetics mainly as a skin-conditioning and humectant-type ingredient. Brands commonly use it to support the look of hydrated, smoother skin.
What the evidence suggests
Most published research on PDRN and polynucleotides involves injections, wound-healing models or laboratory cell studies. A small number of short studies on topical products report improvements in the appearance of hydration or texture, but they are small and formulation-dependent.
What the evidence does not establish
Evidence does not establish that a leave-on cream or serum containing Sodium DNA works like a clinic injection, repairs skin, increases collagen in people, or treats scars or any skin condition. Product-specific trials are rare, and concentrations are usually not disclosed.
Potential concerns
Usually derived from fish, so it is not vegan and may not suit people with fish allergies; patch test a new product. Some products described as "plant PDRN" contain plant DNA or extracts that are a different ingredient.
Commonly combined with
Generally easy to use alongside hydrating and barrier-support ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides and niacinamide, under daily sunscreen.
Combinations requiring caution
Little specific evidence on combinations. When using retinoids or exfoliating acids, introduce one new product at a time and stop if irritation develops.
Evidence confidence: low. Last evidence review 13/10/2026.
Cosmetic information only. Ingredient effects are formulation-dependent and evidence is often limited. This is not medical advice.