PDRN has quickly become the internet’s newest skincare obsession, with celebrities such as Hailey Bieber swearing by products containing the mysterious ingredient to produce glowing, dewy skin.
But this raises the question: what exactly is PDRN, and why is it gaining popularity right now?
What is PDRN in skincare?
Melody Yuan – founder of Skin Cupid, the UK’s leading destination for authentic Korean skincare – shares that while PDRN may only just be hitting the mainstream in Western beauty, the ingredient is something that has long been relied upon in Korean skincare.
“PDRN (which stands for Polydeoxyribonucleotide) is a DNA-derived ingredient, made up of small DNA fragments typically between 50 and 1500kDa in molecular weight.
Small enough to penetrate into skin and trigger biological activity to support long-term skin repair, these low-molecular-weight chunks of DNA work by activating A2A adenosine receptors in the skin, which control anti-inflammatory responses, stimulate cell growth, and encourage new blood vessel formation.
This improves oxygen and nutrient delivery to the skin, which is one of the keys to long-term skin health.
PDRN also encourages the proliferation of fibroblasts, the skin’s collagen-producing cells, which helps to boost skin firmness, elevate skin hydration levels, and enhance tissue regeneration, speeding up wound healing.
As such, PDRN is especially helpful for treating dull, mature, sensitive, and irritable complexions, though its high biocompatibility with human skin makes it suitable for use on all skin types.”
In Korea, where PDRN remains a highly desirable injectable, beauty brands such as GENABELLE have pioneered the use of PDRN in everyday products, but despite the popularity and widespread diffusion of the ingredient in the East, it has yet to gain mainstream recognition in the UK. Most consumers remain focused on more familiar actives like Vitamin C, Retinol, or Hyaluronic Acid, meaning they may be missing the next big innovation in their routines.
Melody says: “Korean consumers are typically less leery of ingredients that Western audiences may find out-of-the-ordinary. We’ve seen Western audiences finally catch on to things like snail mucin, for example, but that took a long time – I think we’re seeing that similar reluctance to embrace the unexpected in the case of PDRN. However, this could change following its increase in popularity on social media, which always tends to accelerate trends.
“UK consumers who don’t have PDRN in their routine are missing out on one of the most advanced, multi-tasking ingredients in skincare today. It doesn’t just hydrate or brighten – it actively helps your skin regenerate, which is what truly keeps it youthful, healthy, and resilient over time.”
With consumers increasingly prioritising science-led, results-driven skincare, PDRN looks set to become a skincare staple in 2026.
What does PDRN do for the skin?
“PDRN is more than a trendy ingredient; it’s the future of skincare. PDRN represents a fundamentally different way to think about treating our skin. Instead of seeking to treat skin troubles as quickly as possible with harsh acids or covering imperfections, PDRN helps the skin repair itself and build resilience over time.
That’s why it’s been such an important part of Korean beauty innovation, and why it’s beginning to gain traction more widely.”
With the past few years being dominated by ingredients like Retinol and Hyaluronic Acid, we could very well be seeing a new skincare superstar take centre stage.
Check out some PDRN products here.
