8 Best PDRN Serums to Give Skin a Healthy Glow

04.07.2026, 15:10 allure.com

PDRN seems to be everywhere right now, but can even the best PDRN serums really deliver all the skin-smoothing, barrier-strengthening benefits people claim? Before you start slathering on salmon sperm DNA (yes, really), it helps to understand more about one of the buzziest ingredients to emerge from K-beauty. “PDRN, or polydeoxyribonucleotide, refers to DNA fragments that are most commonly derived from salmon sperm DNA,” says Jane Yoo, MD, a dual board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon based in New York City. It's been used in regenerative medicine for years in Europe and Asia, where "there is credible clinical use of [injectable] PDRN in medical settings for wound healing and ulcers,” Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Hamden, Connecticut, previously told Allure, who noted that it's generally well-tolerated.

The thinking behind PDRN is that it can supposedly target certain receptors on your cells. “Think of the skin cell as a ball, and the receptor is sticking out on top of it like a light switch,” said Dr. Gohara. “PDRN injections are basically turning on the switch to wake up the cells and hopefully get them to produce more collagen.” It's historically been used as an injectable skin booster abroad, where it's offered as a “regenerative” skin booster as well as part of post-procedure recovery after lasers, chemical peels, and microneedling. PDRN injections are not approved by the FDA for cosmetic skin rejuvenation and are not legally used for those purposes in the United States.

Whether that translates to topical products, though, is still unclear. There’s a difference between hype and hard evidence, “and I’m skeptical as to how well the data is substantiating PDRN’s skin-care claims,” Kelly Dobos, a Cincinnati-based cosmetic chemist, previously told Allure. So far, much of the research on PDRN as a skin-care ingredient has taken place in petri dishes, which don't account for the many complexities of human skin cells. “The evidence that we have on PDRN’s benefits is in cell cultures, where it can do things like turn off melanin production. That’s not the same thing as saying, ‘If you put this in a cream, and put that on your skin, it’s going to work,’” Perry Romanowski, a Chicago-based cosmetic chemist, previously told Allure.

And while topical PDRN has become a buzzy skin-care ingredient, there's currently little clinical evidence showing that PDRN serums deliver the same benefits seen when it's injected. That doesn't necessarily mean these formulas can't improve the look of your skin, but rather that it's difficult to know how much of the credit belongs to PDRN itself. Many of the products on this list also contain well-studied ingredients like hyaluronic acid, peptides, niacinamide, and retinoids, which have years of evidence to back up their ability to hydrate, smooth, brighten, and plump the skin.

So while the jury is still out on topical PDRN, the supporting cast in these formulas may be doing much of the heavy lifting. Still game to see whether it works for you? The PDRN-infused products our editors and dermatologists keep reaching for.

Iope

Amazon

Sephora

Why it's worth it: Plenty of brands claim to be pushing skin-care innovation forward, but few have the track record to back it up quite like IOPE. Widely recognized as one of the first brands to introduce retinol to the Korean market (Allure’s resident K-beauty expert, commerce editor Sarah Han, is a long-time fan of the brand’s Expert Retinol RX 1% Super Bounce Serum), IOPE once again leans into cutting-edge skin science with its XMD Stem III Clinical Recovery Serum, a formula inspired by the professional PDRN treatments.

The formula features the brand's proprietary PDRN H.A. Liposome Complex, which combines salmon-derived PDRN, micro-molecular hyaluronic acid, and an Allanto Complex—a blend of soothing allantoin, antioxidant-rich spiraeoside, and skin-supporting peptides—to "support barrier repair, refine pores, boost hydration, and even out texture," says Dr. Yoo. In addition, soothing Centella asiatica-derived compounds nourish, calm, and strengthen skin for that coveted glass glow. “Every time I use this serum, I'm reminded that not all PDRN is created equal,” says Charlotte Cho, aesthetician and co-founder of Soko Glam based in New York City.

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the IOPE XMD Stem III Clinical Recovery Serum

Han after applying the IOPE XMD Stem III Clinical Recovery Serum

Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

“This is a delightful serum, all around. I use it in conjunction with my retinol (night) or vitamin C serums (day)—oftentimes both. It's a great hydration booster and gives my skin a noticeable plumping boost compared to when I don't use it. It's super gentle—nothing harsh in there—and the silky gel texture feels great on my skin. It also dries down to a weightless finish, layering well with my moisturizer and sunscreen. I haven't noticed a huge difference in my pore size, which it claims to reduce, but my skin has never looked dewier/glossier... so I'm definitely not complaining. As far as PDRN or hyaluronic acid serums go, this is my favorite by far! It's pricier in terms of Korean skin-care brands, but that's par for the course for IOPE, and I think this clinical-focused brand is totally worth it!” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

Rejuran

Amazon

Sephora

Allure social director Kassidy Silva applying the Rejuran Dual Effect Ampoule

Why it's worth it: Rejuran is often credited with putting PDRN on the map. Inspired by the brand's popular in-office skin booster treatments—which have become especially popular in South Korea but, again, aren't available stateside—the Dual Effect Ampoule “ is the closest thing to ‘clinical PDRN skin care’ that you can get, in my opinion,” Marisal Mou, a cosmetic chemist based in New York City, previously told Allure.

The formula stars salmon-derived c-PDRN, the brand’s proprietary version of the ingredient, which can support skin renewal and improves the look of texture and firmness, according to Rejuran. Niacinamide brightens discoloration, refines the appearance of pores, and keeps excess oil in check, while squalane provides lightweight, non-greasy hydration, leaving skin feeling soft and supple. Meanwhile, ceramides, sodium hyaluronate, aloe vera, and licorice root extract strengthen the skin barrier and boost radiance. For that reason, it’s “ideal for mature skin experiencing collagen loss, post-procedure skin,” says Dr. Yoo.

Silva before applying the Rejuran Dual Effect Ampoule

Silva before applying the Rejuran Dual Effect Ampoule

Tester feedback from social director Kassidy Silva

“Rejuran’s PDRN serum is brightness in a bottle. Deep in the throes of toddlerhood, I have been constantly rotating products to help restore my glow and went through many many serums until finding this one. I use about 1/4 of a syringe in my morning routine after applying toner and follow it up with a large dollop of moisturizer, a little eye cream and sunscreen. Around $50, it’s a steal compared to others on the market that I usually gravitate towards.” —Kassidy Silva, social director

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Medik8

Dermstore

Medik8

Why it's worth it: If rough texture, lingering post-breakout marks, and dullness are standing between you and your glowiest skin, Medik8’s Exo-PDRN Prismatic+ & Pro Concentrate takes a three-pronged approach. First, there are exosomes, tiny cell-derived messengers that are thought to help skin cells communicate more effectively and support the skin's natural repair processes. Next comes the brand's proprietary Prismatic PDRN, a vegan alternative to traditional salmon-derived PDRN. While Medik8 doesn't disclose its exact source, it says its unique 3D "prismatic", three-dimensiononal, pyramid-shaped structure is designed to improve absorption and skin penetration.

Finally, the formula relies on Medik8's signature growth factor-inspired technology, including GF MiniProtein and oligopeptide-1, a lab-engineered version of epidermal growth factor (EGF), to support collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, which keep skin looking firm and bouncy. Niacinamide, Centella asiatica, and panthenol further brighten discoloration, calm redness, and strengthen the skin barrier. All told, it’s a high-tech serum loaded with peptides that tackles uneven tone and texture from every angle possible.

Han applying the Medik8 Exo-PDRN Prismatic+ & Pro Concentrate

Han after applying the Medik8 Exo-PDRN Prismatic+ & Pro Concentrate

Tester feedback from Han

"Besides one instance of textural preference, I haven't run into a Medik8 product I didn't like. And when peptides and growth factors are involved? Consider me a fan. The Exo-PDRN Prismatic+ & Pro Concentrate has this incredibly silky slip to it that negates tugging, which is great for someone who wants to avoid accelerating fine lines. My skin looks instantly more hydrated and plump with each application—and over the course of a few weeks, I have felt like my skin is a bit smoother overall, which is to say my makeup has also been applying more seamlessly. A big win!" —Sarah Han, commerce editor

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Medicube

Amazon

Nordstrom

Ulta Beauty

Allure video producer Lauren Alberti applying the Medicube PDRN Peptide Serum

Why it's worth it: Medicube may have become a household name thanks to its viral beauty devices—our editor in chief is a Booster Pro devotee—but the brand's PDRN Peptide Serum is every bit as buzzworthy. The formula combines salmon-derived PDRN with niacinamide to brighten uneven skin tone and support a healthier-looking complexion, while a blend of peptides works to keep skin looking firmer and smoother. Sodium hyaluronate delivers a boost of hydration, and antioxidant-rich ingredients like CoQ10, turmeric, and rose extract round out the formula. One thing to note: Medicube also makes a version featuring rose-derived PDRN, so be sure to double-check the packaging.

According to Sherry Backman, a cosmetic