PDRN

What is it?

A biopolymer derived from salmon or trout DNA, used in regenerative skincare for its tissue-repair and anti-inflammatory signalling properties, most commonly delivered via microneedling or injectable "skin booster" procedures rather than passive topical application.

What does it do?

According to PubMed, a 2021 review found PDRN promotes wound healing by activating adenosine A2A receptors, encouraging cell migration, growth and angiogenesis while reducing inflammation across in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies (DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ph14111103). A separate 2023 mechanistic study found PDRN increased collagen accumulation and reduced inflammatory cytokine expression in human skin fibroblasts and keratinocytes via differing effects on ERK signalling in each cell type (DOI: https://doi.org/10.3892/mmr.2023.13035). A 2022 animal-model study found a topical PDRN, vitamin C and niacinamide formulation delivered via microneedling reduced UV-induced pigmentation and increased skin elasticity (DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27041276). Most PDRN skin literature involves microneedling or injectable delivery rather than a passive leave-on topical, which should temper expectations for PDRN in a standard moisturiser or serum.

Sources