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Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN)

TYPE OF INGREDIENT​
tissue repair agent
COMMONLY FOUND IN
serums, sheet masks and creams

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PDRN?

PDRN is a tissue repair agent with robust wound-healing data. For topical cosmeceutical claims, evidence is early. It may be helpful as an adjunctive therapy for photoprotection, retinoids, or barrier repair.

WHAT IS PDRN?

  • PDRN is a DNA-derived biopolymer (MW 50–1500 kDa) extracted from salmon (Oncorhynchus) sperm cells, distinct from longer-chain polynucleotides (PNs, ≥1500 kDa).
  • Mechanism: PDRN selectively agonizes the adenosine A2A receptor (ADORA2A), upregulating VEGF-driven angiogenesis and suppressing TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. It also supplies nucleotides via the salvage pathway to support DNA synthesis in proliferating tissues.  In skin, PDRN increases ERK/collagen I in fibroblasts while reducing inflammatory cytokines in keratinocytes.
  • Clinical evidence: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial(n=216) in chronic diabetic foot ulcers showed that PDRN injection achieved healing in 37.3% vs. 18.9% placebo (p=0.003), with median closure at 30 vs. 49 days.
  • Cosmeceutical use:  Controlled clinical trial data for topical formulations remain limited. Most evidence derives from injectable or medical-grade preparations.

IS PDRN SAFE FOR ALL SKIN TYPES?

PDRN is generally considered safe and well-tolerated across all skin types—including sensitive, acne-prone, and mature skin. Because it naturally aids cellular regeneration and has strong anti-inflammatory properties, it is highly beneficial for soothing redness and repairing compromised skin barriers.

CONTRAINDICATIONS?

You should avoid using if patients have severe fish/seafood allergies, are pregnant or breastfeeding as it has not been studied, or have active skin infections or flares.

References:
  1. Park JM, Nam GB, Lee ES, Kim HM, Kim H, Myoung K, Lee JE, Baek HS, Ko J, Lee CS. Effects of Chlorella protothecoides-derived polydeoxyribonucleotides on skin regeneration and wound healing. Arch Dermatol Res. 2025 Feb 24;317(1):483. doi: 10.1007/s00403-025-03885-w. PMID: 39994014.
  2. Squadrito F, Bitto A, Altavilla D, Arcoraci V, De Caridi G, De Feo ME, Corrao S, Pallio G, Sterrantino C, Minutoli L, Saitta A, Vaccaro M, Cucinotta D. The effect of PDRN, an adenosine receptor A2A agonist, on the healing of chronic diabetic foot ulcers: results of a clinical trial. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2014 May;99(5):E746-53. doi: 10.1210/jc.2013-3569. Epub 2014 Jan 31. Erratum in: J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2015 Feb;100(2):763. doi: 10.1210/jc.2014-4414. PMID: 24483158.
  3. Shin DY, Park JU, Choi MH, Kim S, Kim HE, Jeong SH. Polydeoxyribonucleotide-delivering therapeutic hydrogel for diabetic wound healing. Sci Rep. 2020 Oct 8;10(1):16811. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-74004-0. PMID: 33033366; PMCID: PMC7546631.
  4. Kim TH, Heo SY, Oh GW, Heo SJ, Jung WK. Applications of Marine Organism-Derived Polydeoxyribonucleotide: Its Potential in Biomedical Engineering. Mar Drugs. 2021 May 22;19(6):296. doi: 10.3390/md19060296. PMID: 34067499; PMCID: PMC8224764.

Lily Park, DO, FAAD

Author

Lily Park, DO, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist currently practicing at UC Davis. She completed her dermatology residency at Larkin Hospital in Miami and her internal medicine residency at Henry Ford Health System. She has completed numerous advanced preceptorships with internationally recognized leaders in lasers, cosmetic dermatology, and dermatologic surgery, and will pursue advanced fellowship training in cosmetic dermatology and Mohs surgery at Skin Laser & Surgery Specialists of New Jersey under David J. Goldberg, MD, JD, from 2026–2027.

Dr. Park has authored more than 35 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters and has mentored students and trainees. She presents at dermatology meetings in the U.S. and abroad and actively serves on professional dermatology committees, including those within the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, and the American Academy of Dermatology.

She is board-certified in dermatology, micrographic dermatologic surgery, and internal medicine.