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Salmon Sperm Skin Care: Your New Anti-Aging Ally
Experts say the buzzy ingredient can effectively help plump, firm, and soothe the skin.
Skin care enthusiasts like myself will tell you that there aren’t many ingredients we won’t try at least once, especially if they promise smoother, clearer, and more youthful skin. The latest seemingly wacky yet intriguing ingredient worth investigating? Salmon sperm.
The street name, if you will, sounds a lot more gimmicky than what this ingredient actually is. Its scientific name is Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN), and it consists of DNA fragments derived from salmon sperm cells. “PDRN promises to deliver anti-inflammatory, regenerative, wound healing, and collagen-stimulating properties,” Dr. Kseniya Kobets, Director of Cosmetic Dermatology at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care, tells ELLE.
Top PDRN products of 2025
While the ingredient isn’t technically new among dermatology circles, salmon sperm has only more recently been used for aesthetic purposes. According to board-certified dermatologist and founder of SOM Aesthetics, Dr. Saami Khalifian, PDRN was originally used to treat burns and wounds. “Beneath the skin, the fragments work as biochemical cues to deliver regenerative signals beneath the skin,” he explains. “As your skin absorbs these DNA/RNA building blocks, they trigger cellular processes that promote turnover, enhance radiance, and subtly thicken the skin over time. This is why we now often use it post-procedure or in aging skin that’s lost some of its resilience,” he adds. “It helps your skin behave like younger, healthier skin, more elastic, more hydrated, and better able to repair itself from stress, sun damage, or inflammation.”
The injectable form of salmon sperm, which originated in Korea, has gone viral, but Kobets points out that in the U.S., PDRN is only approved for topical use. While the category is still growing, several topical products laced with the ingredient have hit the market, offering similar benefits without the needle—and, some are even vegan.
Ahead, we tapped our experts to uncover the best PDRN products available so far, plus even more need-to-know information about the buzzy ingredient and how to incorporate it into your routine.
Pros
- Expert-approved brand
- Users saw results quickly
- Hydrating and soothing
Cons
- May not be suitable for sensitive skin
“PDRN is still relatively new to the U.S. market, and because medical-grade skin care requires extensive clinical testing before claims can be made, we haven’t seen many widely available topical options here, yet,” explains Dr Khalifian. “That said, there are a few international brands I recommend to patients who are specifically looking for PDRN skin care. Rejuran is one of the most established and well-researched, especially in Asia.” This serum pairs salmon DNA fragments with retinol to smooth uneven textures and tighten. Additionally, it features soothing ingredients like aloe leaf juice and panthenol, which works to trap moisture into the skin.
A Rejuran reviewer says: “The retinol is great and doesn’t burn. I see a reduction in fine lines used with the ampoule!”
Pros
- Expert-approved brand
- Encourages cell turnover
Cons
- Not many clinical results to prove efficacy
“Iope has some innovative formulations that incorporate PDRN for hydration and barrier support,” says Khalifian. Specifically, this formula uses a plant-based form of PDRN derived from green tea. (According to Khalifian, some vegan forms of PDRN may be as effective as PDRN sourced from salmon, though more research is needed.) What’s more, the formula includes caffeine to further stimulate cell turnover, niacinamide to brighten, and probiotics to help strengthen the skin barrier.
A Soko Glam reviewer says: “Wow, this packs a punch. I can see why it’s so hyped up. Within two uses, my skin was noticeably firmer and more glowy. It honestly looks like I had some light work done! The formula is great, too. Dries in a pinch and super hydrating. I’m in love.”
Pros
- Tackles multiple signs of aging
Cons
- Pricey
Valmont built its prestige skin care collection around PDRN. This eye cream, for example, has silanol DNA, a derivative of salmon sperm that is proven to mitigate signs of aging. There’s also cooling menthyl lactate to help reduce puffiness.
Pros
- Has antibacterial ingredients
- Under $20
Cons
- Too sticky for some users
Another vegan PDRN serum, this popular option from Medicube includes rose-PDRN, plus a complex of five peptides and niacinamide to hydrate and plump the skin. Holy basil leaf extract also helps fight acne-causing bacteria and calm any redness.
An Amazon reviewer says: “I’ve been using the Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum for a few months, and I’m really impressed with how it’s been working for my skin. It’s a really decent serum that feels lightweight and absorbs easily, leaving my skin feeling hydrated and plump without any greasy residue. What stands out the most is how it’s helped strengthen my skin barrier—my skin feels much more resilient and less reactive to the elements.”
Pros
- Non-sticky
- Plays well with other skin care
Cons
- Some users say the bottle leaks easily
While most studies focus on salmon-derived PDRN, limited research has shown that ginseng PDRN is effective at regenerating the skin. VT Cosmetics’ top-rated essence stars a whopping 10 percent concentration of ginseng PDRN, which works to absorb quickly into the skin, as well as ceramides to further support barrier function.
An Amazon reviewer says: “I’ve been using the VT Cosmetics PDRN 100 Essence for about a month or so, and it’s been a solid addition to my skin care routine, especially with my needle shot. The texture is lightweight and silky, absorbing quickly without leaving any sticky residue behind. The essence calms, hydrates, and enhances the overall results. My skin feels plumper, smoother, and has a healthy glow. If you love hydrating essences that play well with other products, this one’s worth trying!”
Innisfree Retinol Green Tea PDRN™ Skinbooster Serum
Pros
- Vegan
- Contains retinol for extra smoothing benefits
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Bottle is small
This concentrated formula from Innisfree consists mainly of a green tea-derived PDRN, which works in tandem with a retinol complex to tighten loose skin and smooth fine lines. It also contains nourishing hyaluronic acid and is fragrance-free to help prevent irritation.
An Innisfree reviewer says: “This is my new staple in my p.m. routine. You can use it in the a.m. as well, but always use SPF after moisturizing! I was able to use this daily without any irritation or reaction to my acne-prone, sensitive skin! I noticed after about five or six days that my skin felt and looked more supple. Also, my redness around my pores smoothed out.”
Pros
- Helps even out skin texture
- Vitamin C is stabilized
Cons
- Fragrance may be too too strong for some
This ampoule from Genabelle combines salmon DNA with three layers of hyaluronic acid and peptides to nourish, firm, and plump. Vitamins B, C, and E are also encapsulated within the formula, helping to increase their potency with each application.
An Amazon reviewer writes: “I love that it combines vitamin C with PDRN. And since the vitamin C is encapsulated in little beads, it should retain its efficacy. I like serums that tick a lot of the boxes...hydration, skin brightness/glow, pigmentation consistency, skin texture, anti-aging, etc., and this particular serum seems to address all of those.”
Heveblue Salmon Caring Centella Ampoule
Pros
- Moisturizing
- Ultra-soothing
Cons
If you have particularly sensitive skin, this PDRN-infused ampoule from Heveblue is a great pick. Instead of using purified water as its base, it features a trio of soothing centella leaf water, madecassoside, and portulaca oleracea water—which work together to ward off redness and irritation and protect the skin from external stressors.
An Amazon reviewer writes: “This Salmon PDRN serum is so hydrating and plumping! I can actually see the plumping work on my skin. My skin is dry, and sometimes my smile lines show up more than usual, and this has helped it.”
Pros
- Affordable
Cons
- Some users dislike the scent
Before PDRN went viral, snail mucin was the star. This serum combines the brightening and smoothing powers of both ingredients, as well as niacinamide and panthenol to keep skin looking and feeling ultra-nourished.
An Amazon reviewer says: “This serum stands out with its 97 percent snail mucin formulation, along with panthenol and niacinamide, making it a powerhouse for skin hydration. The texture is a bit slimy, reminiscent of a slug trail, but don’t let that deter you—it feels fantastic on the skin.”
What’s the best way to incorporate PDRN products into your routine?
Most PDRN products come in serum form and should be layered onto skin before heavier moisturizers. As with any skin care product that’s new to your regimen, do a patch test first to see how your skin responds. Also, consider the ingredient combinations. If you’re using a PDRN product infused with retinol, start by applying it at night a few times per week, and be sure to apply sunscreen in the morning. No matter which product you choose, be sure to stick closely to the usage instructions.
How long does it take to start seeing results?
“When paired with in-office treatments like microneedling or laser, we’re seeing results come on faster,” notes Dr. Khalifian. “My patients typically notice dewier, glassier skin that looks more plump and elastic, even though PDRN doesn’t add volume in the filler sense."”As with any skin treatment, consistency is key to seeing results. “These changes usually appear within a couple weeks of daily use, or within a week when paired with a cosmetic procedure.”
What about "PPM"?
Some formulas will list a “PPM” on the label, which indicates “the number of DNA fragments in a total of a million molecules in solution,” explains Dr. Kobets. While theoretically a higher percentage would equate to better results, our experts agree that’s not always the case. (For reference, a 10,000 PPM is equivalent to one percent of the product’s total makeup.) “I always recommend looking beyond just the percentage on the label and sticking with trusted brands that are transparent about their sourcing and clinical testing,” suggests Dr. Khalifian. “With PDRN, a lower percentage from a well-researched brand can be far more effective than a higher percentage from a company that doesn’t disclose what’s inside. For example, Rejuran’s 0.5 percent c-PDRN contains purified, clinically-validated fragments, while other serums claim as high as 40 percent PDRN, which likely contain less bioactive fragments.”
Is PDRN safe for all skin types?
“PDRN is gentle and well-tolerated across all skin types,” says Dr. Khalifian. “Originally used to treat burns and wounds, it’s designed for sensitive, compromised, or aging skin that needs repair and resilience. I’ve used it in patients with melasma, acne-prone skin, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, you name it. Just be mindful of what it’s formulated with; if it’s combined with acids or other actives, that’s where irritation can sneak in.”
Are there any potential side effects to applying PDRN topically?
“Topical PDRN is generally very low-risk,” notes Dr. Khalifian. “Occasionally, if it’s used right after a procedure like microneedling or laser, patients might notice mild redness or warmth, but that’s more from the treatment than the product itself. On its own, PDRN tends to calm the skin rather than aggravate it, which is why we often reach for it when the barrier is stressed or inflamed.”
Is PDRN harmful to fish?
Salmon-derived PDRN is extracted from salmon eggs, so no, the fish are not harmed in the extraction process.
Meet the Experts
- Dr. Kseniya Kobets is the Director of Cosmetic Dermatology at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care.
- Dr. Saami Khalifian is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of SOM Aesthetics.
Why Trust ELLE Beauty?
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, Nykia Spradley spoke with trusted skin care experts and board-certified dermatologists, tested some of the products herself, and looked to customer reviews to find the best PDRN products available.
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