A Korean skin-care treatment that involves injecting DNA derived from salmon semen, colloquially dubbed “the salmon sperm facial,” is rising in popularity in the US, thanks in part to celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Aniston saying they’ve tried it in the past. While injecting salmon sperm into the skin is not yet FDA-approved in the United States, the ingredient will likely still influence products to come.
Salmon sperm contains a substance called polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN), which experts say may offer skin-supporting benefits. “PDRN is a mixture of DNA fragments, which works as a collagen bio-stimulator and supports the skin’s natural regenerative properties, including blood vessel growth and wound healing,” explains Ryan Turner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. “There are preclinical and clinical studies that support the regenerative properties of PDRN.” Specifically, some studies indicate PDRN may promote collagen production and a reduction in inflammation. But, Dr. Turner cautions, it’s not a miracle worker: “It’s not going to reverse decades of sun damage or replace a facelift.”
Dr. Turner says PDRN is most effective when used as an injectable treatment or as an add-on to a topical treatment that involves breaking the skin, like microneedling or laser skin resurfacing. Rejuran, he adds, is one of the most common PDRN treatments being used in professional settings in the US, but the ingredient isn’t yet widely found in at-home products.
Dr. Garshick also expresses the need for more safety and efficacy research on PDRN: “While I do see it eventually being incorporated into topical products, for now it is best to be cautious given the limited studies and evidence,” she says.