Salmon Sperm in Skincare: Why Everyone’s Talking About This New Anti-Aging Ingredient
What Is Salmon Sperm in Skincare—and Why Is It Trending?
Move over snail mucin and bee venom—there’s a new (and unexpected) marine ingredient making waves in the skincare world: salmon sperm DNA, also known as polynucleotide (PN) or polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN). Once popular only in select Asian skincare clinics, it’s now emerging in the U.S. market and catching the attention of celebrities and skincare professionals alike.
Yes, it sounds wild—but let’s break down what it is, how it works, and whether it deserves a spot in your skincare routine.
Where Did Salmon Sperm Skincare Start?
The use of salmon-derived DNA in medicine originated in South Korea and Japan, where polynucleotides were first used to promote wound healing, especially in post-laser treatments and aesthetic procedures. In-clinic, PDRN is often injected or combined with microneedling, mesotherapy, or ampoules to accelerate tissue regeneration and improve skin elasticity.
These treatments gained cult popularity thanks to K-beauty’s emphasis on glass skin and regenerative actives—and now they’re making their way into U.S. derm offices, medspas, and even at-home serums.
My Personal Experience With Rejuran's PDRN Ampoule
As a board-certified dermatologist, I’m always curious about what’s actually worth trying—and I recently gave Rejuran's PDRN Ampoule a spin after bringing home a haul of Asian skincare. I’ve only been using it for about 2–3 weeks, but believe it or not, I’m pretty sure I see a difference.
My skin just looks better. It’s hard to describe exactly how—maybe it’s that subtle "glass skin" clarity and that little extra tightening. There are definitely confounding variables (hello, suitcase full of Korean beauty products), but I have a sneaking suspicion that this powerful little ampoule has a lot to do with it.
P.S. We’ll also be talking about this very topic on my new podcast—yes, you heard that right! My friend Reem (also a superstar dermatologist) and I have soft-launched our pod, Derm Next Door. Our first episode is airing soon, and you better believe we’re diving into all the buzzy ingredients—including the ones that actually work.
How Does Salmon DNA Work in the Skin?
PDRN is a low molecular weight DNA fragment extracted from the sperm cells of salmon, typically Oncorhynchus mykiss or Oncorhynchus keta. These DNA fragments stimulate tissue repair, cell proliferation, and anti-inflammatory effects through activation of the A2A adenosine receptor.
Translation? It helps boost collagen, accelerate healing, and restore the skin barrier—all of which can reduce fine lines, improve elasticity, and calm irritated or sensitized skin.
One 2016 study published in Drug Design, Development and Therapy found that PDRN significantly improved wound healing and skin regeneration in both human and animal models.
How Is Salmon Sperm Being Used?
1. In-office microneedling with Polynucleotides
Dermatologists and medspas in the U.S. are now offering microneedling paired with PDRN serums to deliver the ingredient deep into the dermis. Patients report smoother, plumper, and more radiant skin with minimal downtime.
2. Ampoules and Topical Skincare
Brands like Rejuran, Chasin’ Rabbits, and newer U.S. startups are packaging salmon sperm DNA into single-use ampoules or luxe serums. They’re marketed as “skin rejuvenation shots” meant to be used post-exfoliation or on damp skin for enhanced penetration.
3. Injectables in Korea
In South Korea, salmon sperm injections (known as “baby face injections” or “Rejuran Healer”) are common. While not yet FDA-approved for injectable use in the U.S., this treatment is often used post-laser or PRP for accelerated healing.
Why Are Celebrities Obsessed?
Celebrity facialists and dermatologists have begun using PDRN-based treatments on A-listers ahead of red carpet events. Stars like J.Lo and Gwyneth Paltrow are rumored to have tried DNA-based facials (though not all specifically confirmed salmon DNA).
Chrissy Teigen notably shared her experience with a salmon sperm facial on Instagram, joking about how far she’d go for glowy skin. And while the trend might sound like a PR gimmick, the science has real backing.
How Does It Compare to Other Active Ingredients?
Here’s how salmon sperm DNA (PDRN) stacks up:
Ingredient Mechanism Benefits Comparable To PDRN Stimulates cellular repair and collagen synthesis via A2A receptors Healing, anti-aging, barrier support PRP, growth factors Vitamin C Antioxidant and collagen booster Brightening, firming Ferulic acid, niacinamide Retinoids Increases cell turnover and collagen Acne, texture, fine lines Tretinoin, adapalene Hyaluronic Acid Hydration and plumping Dehydration, fine lines Polyglutamic acid
🔬 Verdict: PDRN is not a replacement for vitamin C or retinoids but can be a complementary therapy, especially for barrier repair or post-procedure healing.
Is It Worth It?
For post-procedure skin, aging concerns, or those seeking regenerative care, yes—it may be worth exploring in-office or reputable at-home options. But the key is formulation and delivery. Look for products that list polynucleotides or PDRN high on the ingredient list, and always patch test.
Final Thoughts: The Future of Salmon Sperm in Skincare
What once sounded like a niche treatment out of Seoul is now part of the next-gen skincare toolkit, blending biotech with nature. While more U.S.-based studies would be ideal, the clinical promise of PDRN for skin rejuvenation is real.
If you're intrigued by regenerative skincare trends, salmon sperm DNA may be worth the (glow-inducing) hype.
References:
Kim YJ, Kim MJ, Kweon DK, Lim ST, Lee SJ. Polydeoxyribonucleotide Activates Mitochondrial Biogenesis but Reduces MMP-1 Activity and Melanin Biosynthesis in Cultured Skin Cells. Appl Biochem Biotechnol. 2020 Jun;191(2):540-554. doi: 10.1007/s12010-019-03171-2. Epub 2019 Dec 7. PMID: 31811642.
Colangelo MT, Galli C, Guizzardi S. The effects of polydeoxyribonucleotide on wound healing and tissue regeneration: a systematic review of the literature. Regen Med. 2020 Aug 6. doi: 10.2217/rme-2019-0118. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 32757710.
Rejuran® Official Website. https://www.rejuran.com
PDRN and A2A Receptor Mechanisms. NIH Database.