Serums, creams, restorative treatments: this active ingredient with an unglamorous name is making its mark in the most popular products of the moment. It promises to improve the appearance of the skin, while reducing the signs of aging.
In recent months, a cosmetic ingredient has been constantly appearing in beauty launches. Korean brands display it prominently on their packaging, specialized stores highlight it and skincare enthusiasts want to understand what it has that is different from the others.
However, this ingredient was not born in the beauty aisles. It was first used in a medical and aesthetic context, particularly in injectable form to accelerate tissue healing, treat skin ulcers or regenerate the skin after surgical procedures. Korean brands quickly understood its potential and integrated it into textures that were easy to use on a daily basis, offering it in highly concentrated lotions, essences and serums.
Why is he so popular? Because it is associated with several highly sought-after benefits: more supple, better hydrated, smoother and more comfortable skin. Concretely, it is used to stimulate cell renewal and restart collagen production directly at the source. It is also of interest to people who want to improve the appearance of tired, marked or weakened skin. Some brands present it as an ally after periods of skin stress, after imperfections, to reduce acne scars or when the skin seems less toned. Clearly, it is aimed at all those who want to get their skin back on track.
Should we jump on it though? Not necessarily. As with any active ingredient, it all depends on the skin, the product chosen and real expectations. The ideal is to introduce a new treatment little by little, a few times a week, then observe the skin’s reaction. Let’s remember that there is no instant miracle, nor a magic ingredient that transforms everything in three nights. This ingredient, which has become one of the most sought-after at the moment, is PDRN, for polydeoxyribonucleotides.
Behind this complex name hides a very particular origin: these DNA fragments are traditionally extracted from salmon (or trout) sperm. The germ cells of these fish are chosen because their genetic structure is surprisingly close to that of humans, which guarantees excellent tolerance and optimal effectiveness on our skin barrier.
Another recent development is the arrival of so-called vegan versions. Historically, this active ingredient is linked to this animal origin, which pushes certain brands to develop alternatives derived from biotechnology, in particular from the DNA of plants such as ginseng or the fermentation of algae. Among the flagship products we can cite the Absolue Longevity anti-aging treatment from Lancôme, sold for 299 euros with a 100% plant-based PDRN from roses. In a more accessible range, we also find the Skinject Effect treatment from the Yepoda brand, sold for 24 euros, with, again, an entirely vegan PDRN.
