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Once limited to in-office treatments, PDRN has emerged as a breakout ingredient in Korean skin care, and the best PDRN serums now bring that innovation to daily beauty routines.
PDRN, short for polydeoxyribonucleotide, is a DNA-derived compound most commonly sourced from salmon sperm, though plant-based and lab-synthesized vegan alternatives are also available. It’s widely used in Korean skin care, a category known for being both gentle and effective, particularly for sensitive or stressed skin. As interest in Korean beauty continues to grow, PDRN has gained popularity for its potential to improve elasticity, calm irritation and support the skin barrier without relying on harsh actives.
Scientific research suggests that PDRN may help improve overall skin quality, slow visible aging and promote dermal regeneration, though further studies are needed to fully understand the breadth of its benefits. We compared the top PDRN formulas based on ingredients, texture and performance to identify the best PDRN serums on the market.
Our top pick is the REJURAN Turnover Ampoule (c-PDRN) because it delivers a high-quality PDRN complex in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula that supports skin renewal without irritating or overwhelming the skin.
Editors’ Favorite
Size: 1.01 oz | PDRN Type: Salmon | Supporting Ingredients: Adenosine, niacinamide, raspberry leaf juice | Concentration: 5,000 ppm | Fragrance-Free: Yes | Best for: Firming, smoothing
Formulated with salmon-derived PDRN at a 5,000 ppm concentration, the REJURAN Turnover Ampoule (c-PDRN) is designed to support skin regeneration and a healthier turnover cycle. The beginner-friendly product targets concerns like uneven tone, rough texture, and early signs of aging, while also delivering lasting hydration and barrier support. The formula pairs c-PDRN with adenosine to help boost collagen production and improve firmness, plus niacinamide and raspberry leaf juice to brighten and smooth skin. The fragrance-free, hypoallergenic serum is formulated to firm and smooth skin, and it’s suitable for daily use.
It has a lightweight, fast-absorbing texture that leaves skin dewy rather than sticky. Reviewers frequently describe it as “silky” on application and note visible improvements in overall skin quality with consistent use, including smoother texture and more even tone. Several users report that it hydrates without triggering flare-ups like eczema, though a small number mention sensitivity.
Overall, the REJURAN Turnover Ampoule (c-PDRN) earns its spot as the best PDRN serum on our list because it combines a clinically inspired PDRN concentration with proven supporting ingredients in a formula that’s both effective and wearable. It stands out for balancing regeneration, hydration and tone improvement in one streamlined product.
Great Value
Size: 1.01 oz | PDRN Type: Salmon (plant-based version also available) | Supporting Ingredients: Peptides, niacinamide, adenosine, holy basil leaf extract | Concentration: 10,000 ppm | Fragrance-Free: No | Best for: Firming, hydration
A 10,000 ppm concentration of salmon-derived PDRN gives Medicube’s Salmon DNA PDRN Pink Peptide Serum its effectiveness. (Medicube also offers a plant-based alternative made with rose-derived PDRN for shoppers who prefer vegan ingredients.) The formula is further supported by five types of peptides, niacinamide, adenosine and holy basil leaf extract to boost firmness and hydration while improving dull or uneven-looking skin, strengthening the skin barrier and enhancing elasticity.
The serum’s lightweight texture is designed for everyday use and aims to deliver a “glass skin” effect over time. Reviewers highlight its hydrating feel, with many noting that it wears well under sunscreen and makeup.
Users report softer, plumper skin and visible improvements in tone and overall glow, and some say it helps calm acne-prone skin. It’s lightly scented, a detail most customers describe as pleasant. At around $20 for just over one ounce, its high PDRN concentration and multi-ingredient blend rival formulas that typically cost significantly more.
Best Plant-Based
Size: 1.01 oz | PDRN Type: Plant-based from wild ginseng | Supporting Ingredients: Ceramide complex, panthenol | Concentration: 100,000 ppm | Fragrance-Free: Yes | Best for: Fine lines
The plant-based VT Cosmetics PDRN 100 Essence Serum features an impressive 100,000 ppm concentration of PHYTO PDRN extracted from wild ginseng. Designed to target fine lines and improve elasticity, the formula pairs PDRN with a ceramide complex and panthenol to strengthen the skin barrier, lock in moisture and soothe irritation.
Lightweight and fragrance-free, it’s crafted to deliver deep hydration and support a radiant glow without feeling heavy on the skin. Users consistently praise its silky, fast-absorbing texture, noting that it leaves the skin soft, smooth and visibly plump without weighing it down. Many reviewers highlight its versatility, using it as a night-time moisturizer, primer before makeup, or even mixed into foundation for a natural glow. Some minor differences in stickiness were reported, but the majority describe it as comfortable and easy to layer.
The VT COSMETICS PDRN 100 Essence is a standout choice for daily use or layering under other products. The gentle, fast-absorbing texture works well for all skin types.
Size: 0.77 oz per mask in 10-pack | PDRN Type: Salmon | Supporting Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid | Concentration: Not listed | Fragrance-Free: Yes | Best for: Barrier support, hydration
Supporting the skin barrier is crucial because it protects against environmental stressors, locks in hydration and helps prevent irritation and sensitivity — and the Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum Mask does exactly that.
Sold in a 10-pack, the ultra-thin water gel masks are designed to deliver concentrated hydration and barrier support in a single treatment. Each 0.77-ounce mask combines salmon-derived PDRN with hyaluronic acid and hydrolyzed collagen to improve skin elasticity, lock in moisture and leave skin looking smooth and luminous. Its lightweight, sheet-style design ensures the serum absorbs quickly and evenly. Fragrance-free and gentle, it’s suited for sensitive skin.
Reviewers praise the mask for its ability to plump dehydrated skin and reinforce the moisture barrier, often describing a supple, bouncy finish immediately after use. While the exact PDRN concentration isn’t listed, the brand notes it uses a low molecular PDRN, making it a beginner-friendly product.
Size: 1.01 oz | PDRN Type: Salmon | Supporting Ingredients: Collagen, niacinamide | Concentration: Not listed | Fragrance-Free: Yes | Best for: Plumping, hydration
The Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Glow Jelly Serum stands out for its lightweight, water-jelly texture, which users describe as nonsticky and cooling. BestReviews executive editor Maria Guido tried it out and says, “I’ve been using this serum in conjunction with the Medicube Age-R Booster Pro, and my pores are visibly refined after just a few weeks of daily use.”
This airy formula has quick absorption, making it ideal for daytime use or layering under makeup. It’s hydrating without feeling heavy, and its soft pink hue and cooling jelly finish give skin a luminous, refreshed look while supporting elasticity and tone.
Each 1.01-ounce bottle delivers 99% high-purity salmon PDRN, combined with 65% collagen water and 5% niacinamide, to target firmness, plumping and overall radiance. The combination of collagen water and hyaluronic acid helps replenish moisture and improve elasticity while niacinamide refines uneven tone and brightens fatigued-looking skin.
It’s fragrance-free, gentle, and suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. At under $20, it’s an excellent value for a high-concentration product.
To determine the best PDRN serums, we conducted in-depth product research across 15 leading formulas, comparing ingredient lists, concentrations, textures and intended skin benefits. We paired that research with customer review analysis to identify consistent patterns in performance, absorption, irritation and overall satisfaction. Products that combined meaningful PDRN levels with supportive ingredients, like niacinamide, peptides, or barrier-repairing agents, scored highest. We also weighed the application method and value for the price to narrow the list to the strongest overall picks.
Salmon PDRN
The most common PDRN is derived from salmon DNA and is used in clinical treatments and Korean skin care. It’s valued for its strong skin-repair and regeneration properties, which may help improve elasticity, texture and overall skin quality. The main downside is that it isn’t suitable for vegans and may not appeal to shoppers who prefer plant-based or synthetic alternatives. Some people with very sensitive skin also report higher chances of irritation compared to gentler botanical versions.
Plant-based PDRN
Plant-based PDRN is typically extracted from botanical sources such as wild ginseng or rose and is designed to mimic the effects of traditional salmon-derived PDRN. It offers similar skin-supporting benefits, including improved hydration, firmness and barrier health without the use of animal byproducts. While generally perceived as gentler, plant-based PDRN may be less extensively studied than salmon-derived versions, and some formulas rely more heavily on supporting ingredients to deliver visible results.
Purity
Purity matters because higher-quality PDRN is more likely to be stable, effective and less irritating on the skin. Look for products that specify high-purity or pharmaceutical-grade PDRN and list it clearly on the ingredient label. Avoid formulas that rely on vague claims without disclosing sourcing or that include unnecessary fillers, artificial dyes or heavy fragrances that can increase the risk of irritation.
Concentration
Concentration refers to how much PDRN is actually present in the formula, often listed in ppm or as a percentage. Higher concentrations can deliver stronger skin-regenerating and firming benefits, but they’re not automatically better for everyone, especially for people with sensitive skin, who may respond better to moderate levels. What matters most is a balanced formula, where PDRN is paired with hydrating and barrier-supporting ingredients to improve tolerance and results.
PDRN serums include a range of ingredients that can help with different skin concerns, including minimizing fine lines or soothing redness and dryness. Here’s a list of some of the most commonly used ingredients to help you find the right ones for your skin care needs.
Here are some practical tips to help maximize results and minimize irritation:
A. PDRN is generally well tolerated, but some people may experience mild redness, itching or breakouts when first using it, especially if they have sensitive or reactive skin. Products made with salmon-derived PDRN may also cause reactions in those with fish allergies. Doing a patch test before the full application can help reduce the risk of irritation.
A. Yes, PDRN and retinol can be used in the same routine, and they may even complement each other by pairing regeneration with cell turnover. However, because retinol can be irritating, it’s best to introduce the combination slowly (ideally starting with a patch test) and use a soothing moisturizer on top. If your skin becomes dry or sensitive, try using retinol at night and PDRN in the morning instead of layering them.
Talia Ergas is BestReviews’ content editor specializing in beauty and personal care products. She’s been covering beauty for more than a decade and has tested countless beauty products and treatments in the process. She has a passion for skin care and always has an eye out for the latest trends and innovations in the space.
