Is salmon sperm the secret to amazing skin? We asked derms about the buzzy beauty trend
Serum: Rejuran Advanced Anti-Aging Retinol + c-PDRN Serum
Under-eye patches: Abib PDRN Retinal Eye Patch
Moisturizer: Gangnam Glow Rejunol Mucin PDRN Facial Cream
Sheet mask: Medicube Salmon PDRN Pink Collagen Jelly Gel Mask
Neck cream: Valmont V-Lift Neck Cream If salmon sperm skin care is a phrase you've heard before, it was likely within the context of the anti-aging facials celebrities can't seem to get enough of right now. With claims of instantly glowing and youthful skin, it's no wonder the K-beauty ingredient has become a beauty trend in and of itself, spreading beyond in-office treatments into face moisturizers, serums, face masks and beyond.
So, what exactly is salmon sperm doing in our skin care, and what are the benefits of this seemingly off-putting ingredient? I consulted four experts, including three dermatologists and a licensed esthetician, to answer the questions on all of our minds as well as share some of their top product recommendations you can try out for yourself.
First popularized in South Korea, salmon sperm skin care refers to skin care products that include salmon-derived polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN), or purified DNA fragments. 'PDRNs are polynucleotides that are derived from salmon sperm,' Dr. Michelle Henry, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin & Aesthetic Surgery of Manhattan, said. 'The products themselves don't contain salmon sperm; they contain fragments that are derived from salmon sperm.'
Salmon PDRN has become increasingly popular, particularly in South Korea and parts of Europe, for a couple reasons. 'The DNA extracted is surprisingly rich in protein and nucleic acid,' Dr. Ellen Marmur, board-certified dermatologist and founder of MMSkincare, said. 'These ingredients hold rejuvenating qualities that are perfect for an anti-aging effect.'
According to Dr. Dendy Engelman, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at the Shafer Clinic, this extracted DNA also closely resembles human DNA, making it effective and well tolerated in skin care products. Benefits include the stimulation of skin regeneration, hydration and collagen production.
In-office salmon sperm treatments, such as the buzzy and provocative 'salmon sperm facial,' have a star-studded clientele, with high-profile fans that include Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Aniston. 'Treatments often combine microneedling or lasers with PDRN to drive the ingredient deeper, leading to firmer, healthier, more luminous skin,' Engelman said.
The best part is that incorporating salmon PDRN products into your at-home routine won't have to feel like you're ingesting it on an episode of 'Fear Factor' since they can be used topically too. These products, which include everything from sheet masks to serums, combine PDRN with other popular skin care ingredients to target a range of skin concerns from home and without the high price tag associated with in-office treatments.
'Salmon PDRN is used for its ability to stimulate collagen production, accelerate the healing of open skin, deeply hydrate and reduce inflammation,' Engelman said. 'It helps repair the skin barrier, improve elasticity and can even soften fine lines and texture over time.'
According to Olga Skydan, a licensed aesthetician with a medical degree in dermatology in Ukraine and medical expert board member at Luvly, many dermatologists use it in an injectable form for post-acne scarring or dull skin, and even after lasering for its anti-inflammatory effect, Henry added. Topical products with salmon PDRN aim to mimic these effects and benefits over time, and they're particularly useful for people who are dealing with sun damage, early signs of aging or compromised skin barriers, Skydan said. 'Because it's highly biocompatible, it integrates well into our skin's natural repair processes, making it a powerful tool for overall rejuvenation,' Engelman said.
Rejuran Advanced Anti-Aging Retinol + c-PDRN Serum
The most well-known brand when it comes to PDRN products, Rejuran's anti-aging serum is a favorite amongst our experts. 'I'm particularly impressed by this product, which combines salmon DNA with stabilized vitamin C and retinol to target fine lines, texture and pigmentation,' Engelman said. Both she and Marmur recommend it for those in search of a comprehensive anti-aging approach.
Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Exosome Shot
For those just dipping their toes into the world of PDRN skin care, both Henry and Marmur recommend this under-$25 spicule serum that enhances your skin care's absorption. It's available in two different parts per million (PPM) formulas of varying concentrations, both of which target a range of skin care concerns, from boosting elasticity to smoothing textured or rough skin to boosting hydration, Henry said. If you have sensitive skin, be sure to start with the gentler option.
VT Cosmetics PDRN 100 Essence
'You can get PDRN from salmon, but there are other plant-based sources being studied like rose or ginkgo,' Henry said. This lightweight yet nourishing essence boasts PDRN derived from ginseng, which the brand claims to be more stable and have a lower molecular weight than its animal-derived counterpart. The vegan PDRN alternative also includes a nourishing ceramide complex and soothing panthenol.
Genabelle PDRN Vita Toning Ampoule
Skydan describes this ampoule — a term generally used to describe highly concentrated and targeted liquid skin care products — as a solid introduction to PDRN skin care. 'It blends salmon DNA with niacinamide and vitamins to brighten, hydrate and improve texture,' she said, adding that it's a great option 'for people dealing with dull or uneven skin and want that 'glass skin' finish without irritating ingredients.' She recommends applying two to three drops of the product after cleansing but before your moisturizer, both in the morning and at night.
Abib PDRN Retinal Eye Patch
Beauty and fashion editor Sophie Shaw recently added these anti-aging under-eye patches into her routine. They're saturated in a vegan PDRN serum that's derived from cica, ginkgo and bamboo, and the formula also contains caffeine, niacinamide and retinal to help reduce puffiness and fine lines.
Gangnam Glow Rejunol Mucin PDRN Facial Cream
Salmon PDRN and snail mucin, two K-beauty staples, meet in this face moisturizer. While PDRN is commonly touted for its anti-aging benefits, it's also an effective way to keep your skin hydrated, according to Marmur. 'The DNA strands have a rich network of hydrogen bonds capable of carrying water,' she said, providing deep hydration to your skin for that plump and healthy look. A nourishing cream, such as this option, is also an easy way to maximize your overnight skin care routine.
Derma Factory PDRN 4% Ampoule
'This is one of the strongest over-the-counter PDRN products on the market, with a 4% concentration,' Skydan said. 'It's best for people dealing with compromised skin barriers, post-acne inflammation or irritation after treatments like microneedling.' She recommends applying it at night on clean skin and following it up with a gentle moisturizer. 'If your skin is sensitive, start with twice a week and then build up,' she said, adding that it's best to keep it in a cool, dark place to preserve the formula's stability.
Centellian 24 360° Shot PDRN Active Serum
Shaw also likes this PDRN serum that leaves her skin plump and hydrated. It contains collagen, ginseng root, turmeric and niacinamide to fortify the skin. She likes to use her Medicube Mini Booster Pro to smooth the gel formula over her skin and ensure maximum absorption.
Innisfree Retinol Green Tea PDRN Firming and Smoothing Serum
Looking for a vegan product? According to Marmur, vegan alternatives to salmon PDRN are worth exploring for their similarly excellent results. One example is this green tea-derived PDRN, which is extracted from patented lactic acid bacteria from green tea. The cruelty-free formulation also includes retinol to help firm skin and smooth the appearance of fine lines.
Medicube Salmon PDRN Pink Collagen Jelly Gel Mask
Engelman recommends this jelly-textured face mask, which is designed to be left on the skin for about three to four hours. Once your skin has completely absorbed the mask, you'll notice it will transform from opaque to transparent. 'It contains salmon PDRN, hydrolyzed collagen, peptides and niacinamides to hydrate, brighten and plump the skin,' she said.
Valmont V-Lift Neck Cream
If you're looking for an anti-aging product to target both your neck and face, Marmur recommends this luxury cream from Valmont, a brand that incorporates highly polymerized salmon roe DNA into its V-Lift collection. 'I like this specifically because it's made for your neck, which tends to age faster than the skin on our faces,' she said. 'It absorbs easily and gives quick results.'
Genabelle PDRN 3% Hyper Boost Ampoule
Ideal for those looking to restore a dewy and resilient complexion, Engelman recommends this 'beautifully formulated intensive treatment that leverages high-concentration PDRN' for improving skin elasticity and hydration. 'It works best incorporated into an evening regimen,' she said, advising clients with sensitive skin to introduce it into their routine gradually to minimize irritation. The following FAQs have been answered by dermatologists Dr. Dendy Engelman, Dr. Michelle Henry, Dr. Ellen Marmur and Olga Skydan.
Is salmon sperm good for skin?
Is salmon sperm good for skin?
'Salmon sperm supports tissue repair, boosts elasticity and helps calm redness,' Engelman said. 'Many patients notice smoother, stronger, more resilient skin after consistent use.' Skydan calls it a game changer. 'It's gentle, doesn't over-exfoliate or sensitize the skin and suits a range of skin types,' she said. 'But it works best as part of a consistent routine rather than a miracle one-off.' Like most skin care products, consistency is key. Skydan said to think of adding PDRN into your skin care routine as a long-term investment in your skin's recovery and strength as opposed to a quick or instant fix.
Salmon PDRN's benefits are said to extend beyond the aesthetic. Marmur notes it has potential to aid in wound healing and overall anti-inflammatory effects, though more research and larger-scale studies are needed. 'There is anecdotal evidence that is very promising,' she said, sharing that she uses salmon PDRN topically on many of her patients after in-office procedures, and they do see good results. 'However, we can't compare these results to what our colleagues are seeing in Europe or Asia, where PDRN is approved for injection and is very popular,' she said. 'In the US, we're still waiting for the pool of data to grow so we can fully understand its full potential and its long-term safety profile.'
Are salmon sperm facials FDA approved?
Are salmon sperm facials FDA approved?
'No, salmon sperm facials — specifically the injectable forms using PDRN — are not FDA approved in the US at this time,' Engelman said. 'While topical creams or serums with salmon DNA are permitted under cosmetic guidelines, injectable versions still lack formal FDA clearance,' she said. In short, 'anyone considering these treatments should proceed cautiously and always seek trusted, well-trained providers using products that comply with US regulations,' Engelman said.
What are the side effects of a salmon sperm facial?
What are the side effects of a salmon sperm facial?
'Potential side effects of a salmon sperm (PDRN) facial include temporary redness, swelling, bruising or mild irritation, especially if paired with microneedling or injections,' Engelman said. 'Some people may also notice slight peeling or increased sensitivity as the skin renews.'
If you're opting for a topical salmon sperm facial, 'side effects are rare but could include irritation if the formula includes other active ingredients or if your skin is sensitive,' Skydan said. For those allergic to fish, our experts generally advise against salmon-derived PDRN products or facials. 'Because PDRN is derived from salmon, there's a theoretical risk of a reaction if you have a fish allergy,' Engelman said. 'While the DNA is highly purified, we still advise caution. Anyone with a known fish allergy should generally avoid these treatments or discuss them thoroughly with their dermatologist first to minimize any risk.'
For this article, we consulted the following skin experts to gain their professional insights.
Dr. Dendy Engelman, board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Shafer Clinic in New York
Dr. Michelle Henry, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin & Aesthetic Surgery of Manhattan
Dr. Ellen Marmur, board-certified dermatologist and founder of MMSkincare
Olga Skydan, licensed aesthetician with a medical degree in dermatology in Ukraine and medical expert board member at Luvly
CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this story, contributing writer Noelle Ike spoke to dermatologists about salmon PDRN, or 'salmon sperm' skin care, and its benefits.
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