Ingredient glossary
PDRN
On your shelf ✓What PDRN does for your skin, who it suits, and what to watch for.
INCI: Sodium DNA · Also: Polydeoxyribonucleotide
In short: PDRN delivers repair and hydration, suits most skin types, and the evidence behind it is moderate. One thing to know: clear it with your doctor if pregnant.
- What it does
- Repair, hydration
- Best for
- Most skin types
- Watch out
- Clear it with your doctor if pregnant
- Evidence
- Moderate
The Glow take
Genuinely worth a spot in your routine.
When your goal is softening fine lines and keeping skin firm, PDRN pulls genuine weight, with a solid amount of evidence behind it. Gentle enough that most skin types can reach for it.
— Maya
What it does
- repair
- hydration
- anti aging
moderate evidenceA double blind randomized trial of intradermal polydeoxyribonucleotide injections showed significant gains in hydration elasticity and collagen density versus saline yet comparable evidence for topical use is sparse.
Who it's for, and who should skip it
Tends to suit
- normal
- dry
- photoaged
- compromised barrier
Approach with care
- pregnancy
- breastfeeding
- fish allergy
- Clogs poresLow
- Irritation riskLow
How it fits each skin type
- DrySuits
- CombinationSuits
- OilySuits
- SensitiveSuits
Often chosen for photoaged, compromised barrier. Take extra care if any of these apply to you: pregnancy, breastfeeding, fish allergy.
Where it fits in your routine
Plays well with
- hyaluronic acid
- vitamin c
- peptides
PDRN, answered
Is PDRN safe during pregnancy?
Clear it with your doctor first. PDRN is flagged as use-with-caution during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so check with your doctor or midwife before adding it.
Who should avoid PDRN?
Approach PDRN with care if any of these apply to you: pregnancy, breastfeeding, and fish allergy.
What concentration of PDRN actually works?
Its concentration is rarely printed on the label, so use the ingredient list as your clue: near the top third it is likely doing real work, near the bottom it is more of a sprinkle.
During pregnancy
Treat PDRN as a maybe rather than a yes for now. It is flagged as one to use with caution while pregnant or breastfeeding, so it is worth clearing before you carry on.
When in doubt, check with your doctor or midwife. They outrank any website, including this one.
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