Every in-the-know beauty lover is well aware that Korean skin care is a force to be reckoned with, and the best PDRN serums are its latest power player. Derived from salmon sperm DNA, PDRN (otherwise known as polydeoxyribonucleotide) is a gentle yet effective ingredient that keeps gaining momentum.
South Korea is always ahead of the curve when it comes to skin health and recovery, and PDRN’s ability to restore and repair skin—especially post-treatment—is a huge part of why it’s such a loved K-beauty skin care ingredient, says Christine Hall, MD, GP, in medical aesthetics at TakTouk Clinic. “K-beauty routines prioritize the skin’s barrier function, and PDRN helps with exactly that, offering both calming and healing effects. It’s commonly used to hydrate, reduce redness, and ease sensitivity, making it invaluable for sensitive or compromised skin,” she says.
Thanks to the rise of the salmon sperm facials, PDRN is the latest buzzword in the world of aesthetics, having earned endorsements from celebs and beauty editors alike. Although most effective as an injectable, topical PDRN serums offer an easy alternative to incorporate into your skin care regimen.
As a K-beauty enthusiast myself, I’ve been using PDRN facial serums for months, and I’ve already noticed improvement to the quality of my skin. They’ve helped me soothe my rosacea flare-ups and reduce any inflammation associated with my polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)-related breakouts—all while giving my complexion the glowy boost it so desperately needs.
Below, I’ve curated an edit of the best PDRN serums that have launched so far, including my personal favorites.
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How I tested the best PDRN serums
As a beauty journalist who specializes in all things K-beauty, I’ve written hundreds of articles on the best Korean skin care products. And more recently, I can’t stop raving about PDRN-infused face serums. Since implementing PDRN serums into my daily routine, I’ve learned a thing or two about what makes a formula genuinely effective.
Through analyzing ingredient lists and consulting with my trusted dermatologists, I’ve become more intuitive about identifying formulas that actually deliver on their claims. When reviewing each formula, I always take note of factors like consistency, value for money, fragrance and, most importantly, efficacy.
