Key takeaways
- PDRN, often from salmon DNA, is used in clinics as an injectable. The serum versions ride the same “glass skin” trend.
- Be realistic: the molecule is large, so topical PDRN mainly works as a strong hydrator that gives a plumped glow, not an injectable-level result.
- Look for salmon-derived or clearly-labelled vegan PDRN, and patch test first if your skin reacts easily.
- Apply it after toner and before moisturiser, on slightly damp skin.
PDRN, or salmon-DNA skincare, is the K-beauty trend behind a lot of this year’s “glass skin” videos. The pitch is plumper, glowier, more hydrated skin, and the serums have jumped from niche to bestseller in a few months.
It is worth knowing what you are buying before you join in, so there is a plain-English explainer below. Short version: these are excellent hydrating serums that give a real glow, not injectable miracles in a bottle. Here are five worth buying in the UK in 2026.
What is PDRN, and does it really work?
PDRN is a DNA fragment, usually from salmon, that clinics have long used in injectable treatments to support skin repair. The skincare versions put a topical form into serums. The honest take: the molecule is large, so how much actually penetrates from a serum is debated, and the strongest evidence is for the injected form. Applied to skin, PDRN behaves like a very good hydrator that leaves a plumped, dewy finish. That glassy look is real. Just judge these as glow-and-hydration serums, not as a needle in a bottle.
What to look for (and how we picked)
We chose on source and honesty: salmon-derived or clearly-labelled vegan PDRN, a sensible texture for different skin types, and good value per millilitre. Treat headline concentration numbers (like 100,000ppm) as marketing rather than proof. Because this is a glow-and-hydration step, not a miracle, we judged these as good serums first. For where it sits in your routine, see our guide on the right order to layer a Korean skincare routine.
At a glance
| Product | Best for | Type | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anua PDRN HA Capsule 100 | Overall | Serum | ~£14 |
| VT PDRN 100 Essence | High strength | Essence | ~£21 |
| Anua PDRN Collagen Glow | A mist | Spray | ~£15 |
| Dr.Reju-All PDRN Cream | One-step | Gel-cream | ~£25 |
| VT Reedle Shot 100 | Companion | Spicule serum | ~£15 |
The best PDRN serums to buy
Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum
Best overallThe one that took off. Anua pairs salmon-derived PDRN with hyaluronic acid in a light, fast-sinking serum, and the 4.6 rating from thousands of buyers is hard to argue with at this price. It plumps and hydrates without feeling sticky.
The catch: the “100” is a formula name, not a high clinical dose, so keep expectations sensible: this is glow and hydration, not an overnight transformation.
salmon PDRN + HA · around £14
Check price on AmazonVT Cosmetics PDRN 100 Essence
Best high-strengthFor people who want the buzziest version. VT markets a very high 100,000ppm vegan PDRN in a watery essence you can layer, and it is a favourite for that bouncy, dewy finish.
The catch: vegan PDRN is plant-derived rather than salmon, which the purists debate, and it costs a bit more than the Anua.
100,000ppm vegan PDRN · around £21
Check price on AmazonAnua PDRN Collagen Glow Serum Spray
Best mistA spray-on take you can mist over makeup or through the day for a quick hit of hydration and glow. Genuinely handy in summer when skin goes flat in the heat.
The catch: a mist puts down less product than a dropper serum, so treat it as a top-up rather than your main treatment step.
mist format, PDRN + collagen · around £15
Check price on AmazonDr.Reju-All Advanced PDRN Rejuvenating Cream
Best as a creamIf you would rather skip a serum step, this gel-cream builds PDRN (99% pure salmon DNA, per the brand) into a moisturiser. One product for hydration plus the PDRN trend.
The catch: the priciest pick here, and bundling everything into a cream gives you less control than layering a dedicated serum.
salmon DNA gel-cream · around £25
Check price on AmazonVT Cosmetics Reedle Shot 100
Best companionNot a PDRN serum, but the K-beauty step everyone pairs with one. Tiny spicules, the “reedles”, create micro-channels so the rest of your routine sinks in better. A cult, 4.6-rated product.
The catch: the tingling spicules are not for sensitive or broken skin, and you need to build up frequency slowly.
spicule microneedling serum · around £15
Check price on AmazonPDRN skincare questions, answered
What is PDRN, or salmon DNA, skincare?
PDRN stands for polydeoxyribonucleotide, a fragment of DNA usually taken from salmon. Aesthetic clinics have used injectable versions for years to support healing and skin repair. The skincare versions put a topical form into serums and creams, riding the same “glass skin” trend.
Does topical PDRN actually work?
Be a little sceptical. The PDRN molecule is large, so how much sinks in from a serum is debated, and the strong clinical evidence is for injected, not applied, PDRN. In practice these products work as very good hydrators that give a plumped, glassy look. Enjoy the glow, do not expect injectable results from a bottle.
Is PDRN skincare safe, and are there vegan options?
Topical PDRN is generally well tolerated. If you avoid animal-derived ingredients, look for “vegan PDRN” (plant-derived), as VT uses. As always, patch test first if your skin reacts easily.
How do I use a PDRN serum?
After cleansing and any watery toner, press a few drops into damp skin, then seal with moisturiser and, in the day, sunscreen. Morning or night is fine, and it layers happily with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide.
PDRN, retinol or vitamin C, which should I pick?
They do different jobs. Vitamin C is for brightness, retinol for texture and fine lines, PDRN for hydration and a plumped glow. PDRN is the gentlest of the three, so it is an easy add for most skin, including alongside the others on alternate days.
Sources
- Patch test guidance and routine order: American Academy of Dermatology.
- See also our explainer on layering a skincare routine.