I Never Thought I’d Say This, But Salmon Sperm Might Be the Secret to Youthful, Glowing Skin

As a beauty editor, I do a lot of things to my face that are a bit unconventional. From having small liquid spicules injected into my skin to getting a PRP "vampire facial," there's no treatment I won't try in the name of glowing, out-of-this-world skin. There's one treatment I had recently that I was a bit skeptical about at first but now can't get enough of.

You may have seen a treatment making the rounds on social media that's gained traction for its somewhat bizarre origin. Many TikTok users and celebs alike swear that the trendy "salmon sperm facial" is actually the secret to youthful skin. Unsurprisingly, it's an innovative treatment that's been used and loved in Korea for years because it produces some serious results. Everyone from Jennifer Aniston to Kim Kardashian has sung its praises, and the results speak for themselves. The key component in these facials is polydeoxyribonucleotide, or PDRN—a compound found in salmon sperm and other plant sources that is known for its regenerative properties. Naturally, being the beauty enthusiast that I am, I knew I had to dig a little deeper on what exactly this magical little ingredient is. Because the treatment originated in Korea, many K-beauty products for at-home care also now feature the ingredient, so you can try it in the comfort of your own home.

Even if you're vegan, don't worry. PDRN can be sourced from more than just salmon sperm, so no one has to miss out! If you're curious about this powerhouse ingredient and what it can do for your skin, keep scrolling. I'm sharing it all ahead along with the best products to try with it.

What Is PDRN?

Honestly, the idea of PDRN being derived from salmon sperm kind of turned me off at first, but the more I learned about it, the more I warmed up to it. If you aren't familiar with PDRN and where it comes from, Formula Fig's medical director, William Harris, filled us in on a few more details. "PDRN, or polydeoxyribonucleotide, is a DNA-derived compound most commonly extracted from salmon sperm," he explains. "It's widely recognized in regenerative medicine and aesthetic dermatology for its remarkable ability to accelerate tissue repair and stimulate cell regeneration. While it’s been a cornerstone in South Korean skincare since the late 2000s, it’s only more recently gained traction in North America for its clinical efficacy in skin rejuvenation."

If you're vegan, though, don't worry—PDRN can be sourced from plants like ginseng too. You'll find this one is common in a lot of K-beauty products readily available to buy. Harris has a few other notes, though. "Vegan PDRN is typically biosynthesized from plant or microbial sources rather than fish," he says. "While this makes it an excellent alternative for those with fish allergies or following vegan lifestyles, it's important to note that most of the robust clinical studies and efficacy data currently available support fish-derived PDRN. Vegan alternatives are promising, but research is still emerging when it comes to their regenerative capabilities compared to traditional sources. At Formula Fig, we offer micro-needling with exosomes or a growth factor and peptide serum for those who don’t wish to have fish-derived PDRN."

What Can PDRN Do for Your Skin?

Harris shares that PDRN is widely known for its reparative and anti-inflammatory properties. "It promotes fibroblast activity, boosts collagen production, and accelerates cellular turnover—leading to firmer, more elastic, and visibly smoother skin. It’s especially effective in improving post-procedure recovery, reducing redness, and enhancing overall skin vitality. In short: It helps the skin heal better, faster, and stronger."

As someone who has struggled with their skin barrier and overall skin damage, this treatment is so beneficial. If my budget allowed for it, I would truly get it once a month. Typically, getting a PDRN facial also involves micro-needling to deliver visible improvements in your skin, making it healthier and stronger. Harris also said that advanced micro-needling technology in a "salmon sperm facial" creates tiny microchannels in the skin, prompting a powerful healing response that's bolstered by the potency of PDRN. You can expect to see a boost in collagen production, smoothed-out fine lines and wrinkles, an improvement in acne scarring and hyperpigmentation, and plump, firm, more hydrated skin.

Harris and his team at Formula Fig offer PDRN facials with a potent PDRN serum—that's the secret sauce when it comes to the facial experience. "We use VTech PDRN—a clinically validated formulation known for its purity and efficacy in regenerative skincare," he shares.

Even if a PDRN facial isn't in your budget, don't worry. Like I mentioned above, there are a ton of K-beauty products with PDRN you can try that have quickly reached viral status—even here in the U.S. For a few faves, take a peek below.

The Best PDRN Products to Try

VT COSMETICS

PDRN 100 Essence

I'm a huge fan of VT Cosmetics, specifically its Reedle Shot 100 formula, which is an at-home version of liquid micro-needling. This PDRN-rich essence from the brand is designed to be used after Reedle Shot for maximum youth-enhancing effects. The PDRN is derived from ginseng here, and it's combined with other super-hydrating ingredients to give you that "glass skin" effect.

VT COSMETICS

PDRN Reedle Shot 100

If you can't be bothered with an essence, this version of the brand's Reedle Shot formula contains ginseng-derived PDRN and cica reedle spicules to help the PDRN penetrate better into the skin. It's the closest thing you'll get to an at-home PDRN facial. In addition to PDRN, it also has eight weights of hyaluronic acid for extra hydration, a peptide complex, and glutathione to calm skin.

Medicube

PDRN Pink Peptide Serum

Medicube's PDRN Pink Peptide Glow Serum addresses uneven tone while giving your skin an extra glow. The PDRN is derived from rose extract, and it also contains other hero ingredients like peptides, niacinamide, and holy basil leaf to soothe irritation.

ANUA

PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum

This Anua serum contains classic ingredients like hyaluronic acid and collagen but also has the addition of salmon-derived PDRN. It deeply hydrates skin and helps reinforce the skin's natural barrier.

SCINIC

Centella PDRN Cica & Soothing Cream

Just because you're on a budget doesn't mean you have to miss out on all the benefits PDRN has to offer. This $13 cream is rich in K-beauty superstar ingredients like cica and glutathione but also contains an amino acid complex to strengthen the skin barrier and vegan PDRN.

Mediheal

Rose PDR Essential Sheet Mask 4 Pcs

For a quick boost, try a PDRN-rich sheet mask. Containing low-molecular-weight rose PDRN, these ones from Mediheal are an absolute dream for hydration and skin repair. They leave your skin glowing and hydrated with less visible pores after just one use.

GANGNAM GLOW

Rejunol Mucin PDRN Facial Cream

This cream from Gangnam Glow contains a unique combination of PDRN, snail mucin, niacinamide, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid to really supercharge its results. Snail mucin is another star K-beauty ingredient that helps repair damaged skin and brings extra hydration and a glow. Combined with PDRN, the two can work serious wonders together.

IOPE

Bio-PDRN Caffeine Shot Serum

To lift and firm the skin, try Iope's Bio-PDRN Caffeine Shot, which includes vegan PDRN, probiotics, and beta-glucan to help heal and repair the skin. It plumps the skin while helping cells to regenerate, making it the perfect daily addition to your skincare routine.

Genabelle

PDRN Rejuvenating Toner

I know, I know. Many people aren't about toners, but hear me out on this one. It's rich in salmon-derived PDRN and contains other amazing ingredients like cica extract, tranexamic acid to brighten, beta-glucan, and panthenol to hydrate skin. A quick swipe and your skin will thank you.