Mirror’s writer Grace put a viral K-Beauty matcha toner to the test to see if she could achieve visible results in a week
I’ve seen PDRN – often nicknamed as ‘salmon DNA’ – popping up all over my feed, so when I came across Tirtir’s Matcha PDRN Skin Toner, £21, I decided to put it to the test.
This non-irritating toner has been formulated with 10,000 ppm Matcha-PDRN and a Soymilk Complex that helps calm sensitive skin while boosting moisture and reducing redness.
Milky toners have become a bit of a skincare trend this year, and I’m personally a huge fan of them. Having already tried out a few formulas, including BYOMA’s Hydrating Milky Toner, £11.99, and Curel’s Moisture Facial Milk, £20, I love the glow they give and how much they hydrate the skin, ready for make-up.
I also love Tirtir’s Milk Toner, which is another go-to in my skincare collection, so I was excited to try this matcha-infused PDRN formula.
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‘I switched to this £14 glow-boosting skin tint and haven’t worn full coverage since’
Tirtir Matcha Skin Toner
A non-irritating toner, which has been formulated with 10,000 ppm Matcha-PDRN and a Soymilk Complex that helps calm sensitive skin, reduce redness and boost moisture.
So hydrating; great for redness-prone skin, soothing, leaves a glowy glass skin effect
Pricier than some other toners on the market
But what exactly is PDRN? Used for years in Korean beauty and skincare clinics, PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide) helps support skin regeneration, boost elasticity and strengthen the skin barrier. It’s an ingredient derived from salmon DNA (salmon sperm to be exact) and is known for its calming properties, making it ideal for stressed, sensitive and post-breakout skin. Put simply, it can help stimulate collagen production and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Tirtir Matcha Skin Toner review
I applied it in the morning and at night after cleansing, patting it in with my hands rather than a cotton pad to really let it sink in.
The texture was lightweight but deeply hydrating, giving an instant soothing effect while also providing my skin with a fresh, “glass skin” feel that K-Beauty products are often known for.
My skin has been reacting to the harsh, often-changing weather, resulting in an overly red complexion and dry patches. However, thanks to the calming matcha and barrier-supporting PDRN, my skin felt noticeably calmer by day three, and by the end of the week, it looked plumper, clearer and more even. It gave the kind of glow that makes you skip foundation.
Compared to other toners I’ve tried in the past, I really enjoyed just has light and almost watery the texture was. I don’t like the feeling of a thick, greasy feel left behind, and this one definitely passed the test.
My only criticism would be that it is on the pricier side. There are other PDRN toners and serums you can get on the market for under £15. However, given the results I’ve seen in just a short time, I would definitely repurchase this toner.
