Boots drops new £20 ‘salmon DNA' serum that promises to reverse signs of ageing

Daily Mirror

15-05-2025

Salmon DNA injectables have become a go-to treatment for anti-ageing and plumping up skin, but now Korean skincare brand ANUA offers it in a serum formula that's available at Boots
When it comes to aesthetics treatments, polynucleotide injections – also known as salmon DNA or 'salmon sperm' – have become one of the quickest-rising procedures. The treatment takes purified DNA from salmon sperm and injects it under the skin to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, helping reduce fine lines, dark circles and saggings skin.
The treatment has raised a few eyebrows, but it has been proven to work on reversing the appearance of ageing. However if you're not one for injectables there's finally a solution that doesn't have a needle in sight – Anua's PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule Serum.
The £20 serum hails from viral Korean skincare brand Anua, and includes PDRN (salmon DNA), as well as hyaluronic acid and collagen to help hydrate and plump up your skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and leaving you with the coveted 'glass skin' that was made popular by K-beauty. The serum's smart capsule technology helps those active ingredients absorb even deeper into your skin, reaching multiple layers of your epidermis to create fuller, more hydrated skin almost instantly.
It has a lightweight and fast-absorbing texture, so you're able to apply the PDRN Capsule Serum in two or three layers at a time to create a mask effect overnight, or mix it into your foundation to create a dewy glow. It's suitable for every day use, and most importantly you don't need to worry about injections, needles or making appointments – you can simply slot it into your daily skincare routine.
You simply apply a few drops to your face and pat it in with your finger tips before using moisturisers or oils. If you're using it during the day, it's recommended you make sure you use SPF30 to protect your skin.
As well as reducing those tell tale signs of ageing and hydrating your skin, it also repairs and maintains your skin barrier, giving it a lasting radiant glow. However the PDRN Capsule Serum isn't the only unusual skincare serum to come from Korean beauty.
The COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence, £24.99 (was £27.99) is also a big hit with beauty fans. It contains real snail secretions, and promises to give your skin ultra intense hydration and repair dry, damaged skin.
Rodial's bee venom-infused skincare range also contains an unusual skincare ingredient. Each item really does include bee venom – or, more accurately, melittin peptides which are ethically derived from bee venom – and is said to give your skin a fuller, plumper appearance.
However the PDRN Capsule Serum is the first of its kind to be available in the UK, and is currently exclusively stocked at Boots. Although its new launch means it hasn't racked up any reviews on the Boots website, it has plenty of reviews on US Amazon.
One reviewer wrote: 'My skin has changed almost overnight. I was very happy with my skin care routine before, but I wanted to add in a hyaluronic acid. It began to look so much healthier after only just the first few uses- and better and better every day! I do have sensitive skin, and I tend to have outbreaks when starting new products. I have had zero issues at all incorporating this product into my routine. Highly recommend'
One was less impressed, saying: 'I wish I could say this did something but I am half way through the bottle and I'm not seeing a difference.'
However another raved about it, writing: 'INSTANT PLUMPNESS, the hydration is insane and the anti aging benefits in this serum is even better. Get it asap and thank me later.'