PDRN Skincare: Overview of PDRN Cosmetic Ingredients and Mechanism, Concentration
PDRN in skincare, listed as 'Sodium DNA' on ingredient labels, has recently gained attention in the beauty market.
Extracted from salmon DNA, PDRN was originally used in medical treatments to support wound healing and has now expanded into cosmetics to support skin recovery.
However, medical injections and topical cosmetic applications differ completely in method and expected effects.
This section summarizes the key points you need to check when selecting PDRN skincare products, including concentration, supporting ingredients, and avoiding exaggerated claims.
What is pdrn in skincare: Definition and Labeling
PDRN is a DNA-based regenerative ingredient that supports a calmer, more stable skin condition.
PDRN (Polydeoxyribonucleotide) is primarily extracted from salmon DNA fragments and purified for use. In medical applications, it has been studied as a support for wound healing and tissue regeneration.
In cosmetics, it appears on ingredient lists as ‘Sodium DNA’ and is used to help maintain skin condition and support skin recovery. what is pdrn in skincare usually comes down to understanding this labeling difference.
Chemical Definition and Origin of PDRN
PDRN, short for Polydeoxyribonucleotide, is a polymer composed of nucleotides linked together.
It is mainly extracted from the testes of salmon (Oncorhynchus mykiss, Oncorhynchus keta) and processed through purification steps to produce raw material for medical or cosmetic use. The Korea Cosmetic Association registers it as 'Sodium DNA', indicating the sodium salt form of PDRN.
Because cosmetic ingredient labels cannot list 'PDRN' directly, the same ingredient is recorded as 'Sodium DNA'.
How PDRN Works in Skincare
According to a study published in PMC, PDRN activates A2A adenosine receptors on cell surfaces, supporting fibroblast activity and collagen synthesis to help maintain skin recovery over time.
By boosting dermal cell function and engaging the A2A pathway, it promotes healthier skin structure and supports daily routines without disruption.
A2A Receptor Activation
PDRN activates A2A adenosine receptors on the cell surface, initiating signaling pathways that increase cAMP and activate PKA to support skin recovery.
By engaging the A2A pathway, it stimulates dermal cell function, promoting fibroblast activity and contributing to collagen synthesis during daily routines.
Fibroblast Activity Enhancement
Activated signaling pathways promote fibroblast proliferation and migration, supporting collagen and elastin production to maintain healthy skin structure over time.
Collagen Synthesis Support
PDRN promotes the production of growth factors such as VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) and FGF (fibroblast growth factor), creating an environment that supports collagen synthesis.
This process helps maintain skin structure and enhances dermal regeneration over time.
What Studies Suggest About PDRN
In the medical field, PDRN has been studied as a support for tissue regeneration and wound healing, showing effectiveness in chronic wound treatment. These findings come from medical studies and wound models, including injection-based use, and should not be read as topical cosmetic outcomes.
Key Studies on PDRN in Wound Recovery
Inflammation Reduction
According to a 2021 systematic review published in Pharmaceuticals, PDRN was associated with reduced production of inflammatory cytokines, helping ease chronic inflammatory states.
The review also described a shift from M1 (pro-inflammatory) to M2 (repair-supporting) macrophage activity.
Angiogenesis Promotion
In a diabetic mouse wound model, PDRN administration was associated with increased VEGF expression and enhanced angiogenesis at the wound site, which corresponded with faster recovery.
The study also reported a markedly smaller wound area in the PDRN group by day 14 compared with controls.
Cell Proliferation and Migration
PDRN has been reported to promote proliferation and migration of human epidermal keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts.
The same line of research also described ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase) pathway activation as part of the wound-repair mechanism.
Differences in Scope: Medical Injections vs Cosmetic PDRN
Medical PDRN is used in injection-based treatment settings for tissue regeneration, while cosmetic PDRN (Sodium DNA) is used topically to support skin condition.
Category | Medical PDRN | Cosmetic PDRN |
|---|---|---|
Purpose | Tissue-regeneration treatment (wounds, ulcers) | Skin-condition support (hydration, barrier support) |
Concentration | High concentration (e.g., 5.625 mg / 3 mL in injections) | Lower concentration (varies by product) |
Application | Intradermal injection (dermis) | Topical application (skin surface) |
Legal category | Drug or medical device | Cosmetic (functional or general) |
Allowed claims | Treatment-focused claims (wound healing, tissue repair) | Cosmetic-scope claims (hydration, texture support) |
Regulatory pathway | Drug/medical-device approval | Cosmetic notification or review |
Representative products | Placentex® (Italy), Rejuvenex® (Korea) | PDRN-containing cosmetics (cream, serum, mist, etc.) |
A medical example is Placentex®, approved by Italy’s medicines agency (AIFA) in 1994 for superficial wounds and skin ulcers. In Korea, Rejuvenex®—a salmon-derived PDRN product—has also been approved as a supportive option for wound recovery.
Clinical results such as higher complete closure rates in diabetic foot ulcer studies reflect injection-based medical use, not topical cosmetics.
Cosmetic PDRN is applied to the skin surface and acts within the epidermis and stratum corneum, making it fundamentally different from delivering high concentrations directly into the dermis.
Checklist for Choosing skincare products with pdrn
You should evaluate concentration, INCI labeling, and supporting ingredients together.
When choosing PDRN skincare, check the actual amount, how it is listed on the INCI label, and the co-ingredients that shape the formula’s direction.
This gives a clearer picture than a simple ‘contains PDRN’ claim. Many people searching for skincare products with pdrn overlook disclosure details that materially change expectations.
How to Find ‘Sodium DNA’ on the Ingredient List
In cosmetics, PDRN cannot be listed as PDRN and is recorded as ‘Sodium DNA’ on ingredient labels.
Checking this entry is the most direct way to confirm its presence.
When the amount is very small, marketing claims may not match the formula.
If Sodium DNA appears near the end of the ingredient list, the amount may be minimal, so compare marketing claims with what the label actually shows.
When possible, rely on disclosed concentration data rather than ‘contains’ wording alone.
Concentration Standards and Disclosure
Required concentration standards differ by product category, and disclosure practices vary by brand.
To assess PDRN cosmetics responsibly, confirm disclosed amounts, review supporting ingredients, and look for irritation or human-use testing rather than relying on broad claims.
This checklist helps keep expectations aligned with how cosmetic products are evaluated and labeled.
Must-Check List Before Buying
✅ Concentration disclosure: Confirm whether the brand discloses PDRN concentration (e.g., in % or ppb) rather than using ‘contains’ wording alone.
✅ Brand explanation: Check whether the product description treats PDRN as a meaningful core ingredient, not just a headline claim.
✅ Supporting ingredients: Review which ingredients are paired with PDRN (hydration, barrier support, tone, firmness), since these shape how the product feels and performs.
✅ Cinical irritation testing: Look for irritation testing or human-use testing, since purification and stabilization matter more for bio-derived ingredients—especially for sensitive skin.
When PDRN Skincare Tends to Fit Best
PDRN skincare is chosen less by skin type and more by skin condition—when the skin needs recovery support rather than a specific oily/dry/combination label.
Damaged skin barrier
PDRN skincare can fit best when the skin feels weakened after cleansing or exfoliation.
Products paired with hydration and barrier-supporting ingredients may feel more comfortable in these situations.
Post-Procedure Sensitive Skin
After procedures such as laser or peels, skin can become more reactive. PDRN-containing products may be used as supportive care, but immediate post-procedure use should follow medical guidance first.
Recurring Inner Dryness
For skin that feels dry underneath even when the surface appears oily, PDRN paired with hydrating ingredients may help support moisture balance within a routine.
Post-Breakout Recovery Phase
PDRN skincare may suit the recovery phase after breakouts, when the goal is to help the skin feel steadier and more even. If breakouts are active, appropriate treatment should come first.
How to Spot Misleading PDRN Claims
PDRN is not a complete regeneration ingredient.
As interest in PDRN grows, some marketing may overstate what cosmetics can realistically do.
Watch for Miracle Regeneration Language
Claims like fully regenerates skin or DNA rebuilds cells are likely exaggerated.
Specific numeric promises such as collagen increases by 200% or repairs DNA 100% fall outside appropriate cosmetic claim territory.
The Realistic Role of Cosmetic PDRN
Recovery support, not medical-level regeneration
In cosmetics, PDRN’s role is supportive—helping skin feel calmer and more stable after stress rather than delivering medical-level regeneration.
Why co-formulation matters
Products tend to feel more balanced when PDRN is paired with hydration, barrier, tone, or firmness-supporting ingredients (such as hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or collagen) instead of relying on PDRN alone.
How Is the Papa Recipe PDRN Line Different?
Papa Recipe does not position PDRN as a single hero ingredient; it builds concern-based combinations and separates usage environments through two formats—mists and masks.
This structure helps users choose how to use PDRN skincare based on context, not just ingredient claims.
Contains 100,000 PPB of PDRN
Across the Papa Recipe PDRN mist line, each mist contains 100,000 PPB of PDRN, setting a clear and consistent concentration baseline.
Compared with products that do not disclose PDRN levels or use trace amounts, this provides a more transparent reference point for selection.
Primary Skin Irritation Test Completed
The Papa Recipe PDRN line completes primary skin irritation testing on the full formula, supporting low-irritation daily use for sensitive skin.
This focuses on overall formula comfort, not just the stability of PDRN as a single component.
Benefits of Expanding Across Mist and Mask Formats
Separated usage environments
Mists are designed for lightweight, on-the-go use to refresh hydration quickly, while masks are intended for longer wear and more focused care during rest periods.
Daily vs weekly intensive care
By separating mists for daily routines and masks for weekly intensive care, the line supports flexible use based on skin condition and timing.
👉 Explore the Papa Recipe PDRN Line by Skin Concern
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. What Is PDRN in Skincare?
Extracted from salmon DNA fragments, PDRN was first studied and used in medical settings to support wound healing and tissue repair, and it is now used in skincare as a topical ingredient.
Q2. Can I Use PDRN Every Day?
Most PDRN skincare is intended for regular use, but recommended frequency can vary by product, so label directions matter.
Within the Papa Recipe PDRN lineup, the mist is suited for flexible, on-the-go use, while the mask is positioned for more focused care.
Q3. Is PDRN the Same as Rejuran?
PDRN cosmetics are not the same as Rejuran.
Rejuran is a PN-based medical treatment delivered by injection in a clinical setting, while cosmetic PDRN (Sodium DNA) is a topical ingredient used for skincare purposes.
The application method and intended role are fundamentally different.
Q4. Can Sensitive Skin Use It?
For sensitive skin, it is safer to start with a small-area patch test before regular use.
Q5. How Can I Check PDRN Concentration?
To estimate how much PDRN a product contains, check where ‘Sodium DNA’ appears on the ingredient list, since INCI entries are generally listed in descending order.
Some brands also disclose PDRN concentration in PPB or percentage, so confirming whether a numeric amount is provided can help set expectations.