PDRN is the trending K-beauty skincare ingredient that dermatologists say supports skin repair and hydration – here are the best products to try in 2026
Every few years there seems to be a new hero skincare ingredient to incorporate into our routines. Hyaluronic acid has been universally revered for its hydration properties, vitamin C has earned essential status for its glow-giving abilities, while retinol is a must for anti-ageing focused evening routines. Now, as we head into 2026, PDRN is taking centre stage – but what exactly is it and how should we be using it?
Already a staple in medical aesthetics and K-beauty, which has dominated social media and beauty aisles over the last 12 months, PDRN is being hailed as the next generation of barrier-first, recovery-led skincare. As such, skincare fans are likely to start seeing it crop up a lot more in high-street launches in the coming months, with many formulas relying on the ingredient to deliver bouncy, hydrated and protected skin.
I asked dermatologists for the low down on the latest skincare essential, and have hunted down some of the top products starring the ingredient available now, perfect for anyone wanting a skincare refresh. I’ve even been using one of them myself for the last couple of weeks, and I’ve already noticed a difference in my complexion.
What Is PDRN?
PDRN stands for polydeoxyribonucleotide, which is a biological compound made up of short DNA fragments. In skincare, it’s most commonly derived from purified salmon DNA, though fermentation-based and vegan alternatives are now emerging.
Dr Ewa Kania, an aesthetic doctor and regenerative skin specialist, explained: “PDRN is a DNA-fragment-derived regenerative ingredient originally developed for medical wound healing. In skin, it signals fibroblasts and other cells to support collagen and elastin synthesis, enhance barrier repair, improve hydration, and reduce low-grade inflammation.”
Consultant Dermatologist Dr Aiza Jamil added that PDRN has long been used in clinical dermatology before making the jump into at-home products. She added: “It acts as a regenerative ingredient that interacts with cellular mechanisms involved in repair and homeostasis. It was originally used in aesthetic and medical dermatology for wound healing, but is now formulated into topical products like serums, creams, ampoules and toners.”
What does PDRN actually do for skin?
Traditional actives like retinols or AHAs that exfoliate and resurface, PDRN works by supporting the skin’s own repair systems.
“PDRN stimulates pathways involved in tissue repair and cellular renewal,” said Dr Aiza Jamil. “It also improves the skin’s hydration through enhancing moisture retention and structural resilience, supporting the skin’s barrier function”
According to the cosmetic dermatologist, the ingredient is believed to ‘help improve elasticity and texture through influence on collagen pathways and fibroblast stimulation’.
Key benefits of using the ingredient topically include improved barrier strength and resilience, enhanced hydration and plumpness, calmer, less inflamed skin and gradual improvements in elasticity and texture.
Dr Ross Perry, Medical Director of Cosmedics Skin Clinics, describes it as a long-game ingredient. “PDRN encourages the skin to repair itself more efficiently. It helps kick-start fibroblast activity – the cells responsible for collagen and elastin – improving skin quality over time rather than offering a short-term cosmetic fix.”
“It’s not about dramatic overnight changes,” Dr Perry noted. “It’s about improving how the skin functions long term.”
Why PDRN is going to be everywhere in 2026
On TikTok, PDRN has gained viral traction thanks to its nickname – “salmon DNA skincare.” The hashtag #PDRN already has 180K posts, while #GlassSkin has surpassed 1.3 million. Searches for K-beauty on TikTok Shop are up 125% in the last six months of 2025, with #kbeauty now the third most-used beauty hashtag in the UK.
According to Grace Vernon, Head of Boots Ignite, Foresight & Trends, PDRN is firmly on the radar at the health and beauty retailer, too. “As seen in the Boots Beauty & Wellness Trend Report 2026, PDRN is shaping up to be 2026’s buzziest skincare ingredient. It’s a popular aesthetic treatment, where PDRN is injected straight into the skin to improve regeneration—but skincare products offer a more accessible way to get the benefits (and a lot less painful!).”
“The shift toward ‘recovery-first’ skincare has driven interest in scientifically grounded actives,” Dr Kania added. “Consumers and brands are moving away from aggressive exfoliation and stripping routines toward barrier-supportive, regenerative ingredients. PDRN bridges clinic and daily care with a strong regenerative narrative.”
“Trends such as regenerative treatments and repair and recovery for our skin barrier has become very popular in the past few years, which PDRN champions, so it’s no wonder it is believed to become a leading skincare trend for 2026,” Dr Jamil agrees. “Repair and regeneration has replaced the ‘anti-ageing’ rhetoric. People are focused on cell turnover, barrier protection and hydration from a younger age.”
So it seems that for those left with sensitive or reactive skin having previously taken a ‘more is more’ approach, PDRN could just be the product to combat that.
Who should be using PDRN – and how?
PDRN works best as a supportive, daily active rather than a once-a-week treatment. It layers easily with retinoids, acids and vitamin C, making it ideal for both morning and nightly use. As part of an am skincare routine, it’s ideal for delivering a hydration boost, while evening use is reportedly most effective, working overnight to support skin regeneration.
As for who can use it, Dr Aiza Jamil suggests it is typically suitable for almost all skin types. She said: “It’s generally quite safe for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin. I would stress that PDRN on its own isn’t a miracle worker, but it’s extremely beneficial for recovery, regeneration and barrier support when included in a routine.”
It’s also important to note that topical products won’t replicate injectable results, but they’re excellent for maintenance, prevention and long-term skin health, especially between in-clinic treatments. Dr Ewa Kania added: “Clinically, PDRN fits post-procedure and sensitive skin protocols beautifully. I emphasise repair, resilience and measured results over hype, which helps set realistic expectations while leveraging its robust biological rationale.”
Top PDRN product picks
The PDRN market in the UK is growing rapidly with K-beauty imports and homegrown launches. Dr Ewa Kania has recommended a number of affordable high street options, ranging for those ideal for post-procedure care, to TikTok favourites.
One of her recommendations is the Dr Reju-All Advanced PDRN Rejuvenating Cream, which is £32.89 at Superdrug. She describes it as ‘excellent for post-procedure repair and barrier support’. Often sold-out at Korean pharmacies, according to Glam Touch, it’s designed for oily, dry, and combination skin types and helps the skin recover from daily environmental stress while restoring hydration, glow, and firmness overnight.
At LookFantastic, the Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum costs £20 and is said to be a ‘great affordable option for sensitive or retinoid-averse skin’ according to the doctor. Consultant Dermatologist, Dr Aiza Jamil, is also a fan of Anua, in particular their PDRN Hyaluronic Acid 100 Moisturising Cream. She said: “It’s formulated with PDRN and Hyaluronic Acid to give the skin a deep boost of hydration and barrier protection.”
A TikTok favourite, Medicube’s PDRN Pink Peptide Serum has been praised by Dr Kania for ‘balancing hydration, radiance and elasticity’. It costs £24 at Boots, with one shopper commenting: “Amazing! This serum has helped my dry skin so so much! I had one stubborn patch around my nose that no moisturiser has helped, but one week of Salmon PDRN and it’s clearing up.”
However, another shopper claimed it caused them to break out in blemishes, which goes to show that not every skincare product or ingredient will suit everyone. It’s also worth remembering to complete a patch test when introducing any new product or ingredient into your skincare routine, especially as in some rare cases, those with fish allergies may not find the product suitable for them.
For a vegan alternative, there’s the Yepoda The Skinject Effect, which Dr Kania said is made with’exosomes and microspicule delivery, appealing to ethically minded clients and next-gen regenerative positioning’. With its gentle yet powerful formula, it refines skin over time, stimulates collagen production, and supports the skin’s natural barrier.
My personal favourite, though, is the newly-launched Boots PDRN Serum, which was released in January as part of a capsule skincare range from the brand, which draws influence from K-Beauty. It’s priced at a purse-friendly £8, and is said to leave skin ‘feeling firmer, more supple, and radiant after use’.
I’ve been using the serum daily for two weeks and love its lightweight, non-sticky feel. I’ve already noticed a marked improvement in my skin’s overall appearance, looking healthier, brighter and more glowy – and I’m not the only one.
One Boots shopper has commented: “This serum literally makes me skin glow like crazy! My skin feels so hydrated and soft, it’s my go to serum now. The glow it gives is not greasy or wet either so you glow even under makeup.”
Another added: “I’ve only been testing this product for a week so can’t comment on long term benefits, but I’m impressed so far. My skin feels so hydrated, and it looks super glowy! I would definitely repurchase.”
The bottom line?
PDRN isn’t here to replace products containing the likes of retinol or hyaluronic acid, but slots effortlessly into most skincare routines as an additional boost for skin health and glow. As Dr Perry puts it: “It’s not a miracle ingredient. But as part of a considered skincare plan, it can significantly improve how skin behaves, heals and ages.” And we can expect to see a lot more of it knocking around in 2026, that’s for sure.
