Korean-Inspired Ingredient Now Dominates Top Sought-After Skincare Products

In recent months, one cosmetic ingredient has consistently popped up in beauty product launches. Korean brands prominently display it on their packaging, specialty stores highlight it, and skincare enthusiasts are eager to discover its unique benefits.

This component wasn’t originally a beauty product staple. It started in the medical and aesthetic field, primarily in injectable forms to speed up tissue healing, treat skin ulcers, or regenerate skin following surgical procedures. Korean companies quickly recognized its potential and incorporated it into daily-use formulations like lotions, essences, and highly concentrated serums.

What makes it so appealing? It is associated with several highly desired benefits: improved skin elasticity, enhanced hydration, smoother texture, and increased comfort. Specifically, it’s used to stimulate cellular renewal and kick-start collagen production at the source. It also appeals to those looking to improve the appearance of tired, marked, or weakened skin. Some brands market it as a solution for periods of skin stress, post-blemish scarring, acne scars, or when the skin appears less firm. In essence, it’s aimed at anyone wanting to get their skin back on track.

Should you rush to try it? Not necessarily. As with any active ingredient, the results depend on your skin type, the chosen product, and your actual expectations. The best approach is to introduce a new treatment gradually, using it a few times a week, then observing how your skin reacts. Remember, there are no instant miracles or magical ingredients that transform skin overnight. This sought-after ingredient is known as PDRN, or polydeoxyribonucleotides.

Behind this complex name lies a unique origin: these DNA fragments are typically derived from salmon (or trout) sperm. The germ cells of these fish are selected because their genetic structure is remarkably similar to that of humans, ensuring excellent tolerance and effectiveness on our skin barrier.

Another recent development is the introduction of vegan versions. Historically linked to its animal origin, some brands have been pushing for alternatives derived from biotechnological sources, such as DNA from plants like ginseng or from algae fermentation. Notably, the anti-aging treatment Absolue Longevity by Lancôme, priced at $299, features 100% vegan PDRN extracted from roses. In a more affordable range, the Skinject Effect by Yepoda, priced at $24, also offers fully vegan PDRN.