Ingredient Deep-Dive: Everything You Need to Know About PDRN and Peptides
Nikki is a writer, former makeup artist, and Communications Specialist at Adore Beauty. She kicked off her writing career at Fashion Journal, penning beauty articles and interviewing musicians she’d still name-drop seven years later. In 2023, she made a very big and bold career leap (writing about fashion instead of beauty). Now, she’s come full circle – but still loves to think outside the box.
If you’re old enough to recall astringent, mattifying toners and scrubs that really went to town, skincare now probably feels extra innovative. There are new ingredients, non-negotiable rituals and buzzwords that it-girls and skinfluencers repeat until finally, someone has to ask:
What are peptides? And what’s this I hear about salmon sperm?
Luckily, I’ve scoured our Beauty IQ archive for expert insights and editor-approved products – and summed it all up in one handy article.
Class is now in session.
The low-down on PDRN
PDRN (short for polydeoxyribonucleotide) is a DNA fragment derived from salmon, traditionally used in medical research. Thanks to K-beauty innovations, this regenerative ingredient made its way into topical skincare and gained buzz a few years ago when ‘salmon sperm facials’ started trending online.
Though, it’s not all salmon sperm. With ethical concerns around animal-derived PDRN, many brands have developed plant-based versions that deliver the same restorative, radiance-boosting results.
PDRN has a whole heap of benefits, but it’s best known for boosting collagen production, soothing irritation and supporting skin repair. It’s also been heavily associated with ‘glass skin’ – a K-beauty aesthetic that focuses on achieving a plump, clear, glowing complexion.
As with any ingredient, whether or not you need to incorporate PDRN into your routine depends on your skincare goals. It’s not a magical fix-all, but if you’re looking to improve your barrier function and enhance your skin’s radiance, it’s certainly worth trying.
Apply your PDRN product in the ‘treatment’ stage of your routine – after cleansing and before moisturising – to maximise its benefits. Use it in the morning for an instant glow, and/or at night to support cellular renewal.
The low-down on peptides
Made up of amino acids, peptides are the building blocks of essential proteins like collagen, elastin and keratin. These proteins work to keep your hair, skin and nails healthy and resilient.
There are four main categories of peptides which each serve a different function – carrier peptides help boost collagen production, enzyme inhibitor peptides slow the breakdown of collagen, signal peptides tell the skin to produce more collagen, and neurotransmitter peptides block the release of the chemical that causes your muscles to contract.
Overall, peptides can help improve the appearance of fine lines, strengthen your skin barrier, firm your skin and lock in hydration. Think: plump, smooth, bouncy results. They can be more targeted to specific concerns too, depending on the skincare formulation.
Peptides play well with ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide and retinol, so you can incorporate them into your morning and evening routines. However, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) will make peptides less effective, so be sure not to use these ingredients at the same time.
What about using peptides and PDRN together?
The experts agree: it’s a good pairing.
Together, PDRN and peptides work to restore firmness, strengthen your skin barrier and improve elasticity. Win-win.
Peptide and PDRN products we love
A multi-tasking serum formulated with salmon PDRN and peptides to firm, brighten and soothe sensitive skin.
Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum review from Adore Beauty customer:
"I swear I have the pickiest skin, breaks outs for any new product I try, but this! No way! My skin LOVED IT! I notice when I don't use, my skin looks dull and sad, but when I use this, it absolutely thrives! On my 4th bottle!" - Em
An overnight scalp serum formulated with a clinically-studied blend of Baicapil and peptides to promote hair growth.
Typebea G1 Overnight Boosting Peptide Serum review from Adore Beauty customer:
"It feels incredibly lightweight and absorbs quickly into the scalp without leaving any greasy feeling. After using it consistently, my hair looks noticeably healthier, stronger, and fuller. I love that it works overnight and fits easily into my routine. My hair feels more resilient, and I've started seeing more volume and healthier growth. The formula feels very professional and luxurious, and it truly gives the feeling of a high-quality scalp treatment." - Hakan.
Virtue Healing Oil, $66
A lightweight oil formulated with Virtue’s Alpha Keratin 60ku protein to repair, strengthen and protect your hair.
VIRTUE Healing Oil review from Adore Beauty customer:
"The GOAT of hair oils. I have repurchased over and over, it never disappoints. I have thick long 2a/b hair and it offers the most hydration I have found in a hair product, and you can achieve different results with more or less product. I always come back to this after venturing off to other new shiny products but it just does what it says it does. It offers the perfect glossy shine we are all trying to achieve and is super lightweight so doesn't weight your hair down after styling. The luxurious smell is the cherry on top, I always get compliments on how yummy my hair smells after using. My holy grail for sure." - Bronwyn.
A powerful serum packed with 10 peptides in a 30% blend to visibly reduce fine lines.
Medik8 Liquid Peptides Advanced MP review from Adore Beauty customer:
"I've never felt my skin barrier this healthy before, an absolute game changer, especially if you're on tretinoin like I am. It's definitely pricey, but 100% worth it. I originally bought this specifically for barrier repair and for my regenerative nights during my skin cycle to help fade acne scars, this product does so much more though, my skin feels so plump and has a glow to it like never before. Since using it, I no longer feel the need to apply a thick layer of Cicalfate every night to calm irritation. This product has genuinely helped my skin build resilience. I could honestly go on and on about it. Highly recommend!" - D.
A next-generation serum designed to rejuvenate, restore radiance and support stronger, healthier-looking skin.
Medik8 Exo-PDRN Prismatic+ review from Adore Beauty customer:
"Been a month now since I started using this, skin is definitely more dewy and glowy. The serum itself is an incredible texture a little goes a long way it spreads so nicely." - Chloe.
A multi-peptide serum designed to visibly smooth, plump and firm skin for immediate and long-term results.
Alpha-H Multi-Peptide Revitalise Serum review from Adore Beauty customer:
"Great product to smooth fine lines, the texture feels lightweight and absorbs easily." - Av.
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