In the development of cosmetic formulations, interest in ingredients capable of interacting with the skin’s biological processes has steadily increased. In this context, PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide) has evolved from being an active mainly associated with the medical-aesthetic field to generating growing interest within the cosmetic industry.
Its incorporation into skincare products follows a clear rationale: PDRN is based on DNA fragments that play a relevant role in processes related to tissue regeneration, inflammation modulation, and the maintenance of skin function. These mechanisms, widely studied from a biomedical perspective, have opened the door to its application in cosmetics, always within an approach adapted to the concentrations and usage conditions specific to this sector.
Currently, PDRN is available through different approaches, ranging from traditional animal-derived sources to new alternatives obtained through plant biotechnology. This landscape highlights the need to understand how this ingredient is produced and the role it can play, from a technical perspective, in the development of cosmetic products.
1. What Is PDRN in Cosmetics?
PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide) is a DNA-derived compound composed of chain fragments within a defined molecular weight range, traditionally obtained from salmon germ cells through controlled extraction, purification, and hydrolysis processes.
For decades, PDRN has been used in the medical and aesthetic fields due to its ability to support tissue repair, skin regeneration, and inflammation modulation. Over time, and thanks to a better understanding of its mechanisms of action, this active has transitioned into the cosmetic sector, where it is used as a high-value ingredient in products aimed at skin rejuvenation and recovery.
2. Origin of PDRN in Cosmetics: From Animal Sources to Plant Biotechnology
Animal-Derived PDRN
The most well-known form of PDRN is derived from salmon germ cells, a DNA-rich source. This type of PDRN has been extensively studied and has become a standard in medical-aesthetic treatments, which has facilitated its subsequent adoption in cosmetic applications.
Its technical profile and history of use have contributed to positioning it as a benchmark active ingredient in formulations designed for skin requiring intensive care.
Plant-Derived PDRNPDRN de origen vegetal
More recently, biotechnology applied to plant sources, such as rose or Centella asiatica, has enabled the development of non-animal-derived PDRN alternatives. In these cases, plant DNA undergoes biotechnological extraction and fragmentation processes to obtain functional polydeoxyribonucleotides with comparable biological activity.
This approach opens up new possibilities in terms of sustainability, vegan formulation, and reduced sensitization risk, factors that are increasingly valued by both brands and end consumers.
3. How does PDRN act at the cellular level?
Interest in PDRN is not based solely on its origin, but on its biological mechanism of action, which has been widely described in scientific literature.
At the cellular level, PDRN is mainly associated with two major pathways:
Activation of adenosine receptors (A2A)
Several studies have described the ability of PDRN to interact with purinergic adenosine receptors, particularly the A2A receptor. This interaction is associated with key processes such as:
- Fibroblast activation
- Stimulation of factors involved in tissue regeneration
- Modulation of inflammatory responses Modulación de respuestas inflamatorias
These mechanisms help explain why PDRN is associated with improvements in parameters related to skin quality and appearance.
Nucleotide supply and the “salvage pathway
During its controlled degradation, PDRN releases purine and pyrimidine bases that can be reused by cells as supportive material for metabolic processes and cellular renewal. This concept, known as the salvage pathway, is particularly relevant in tissues exposed to stress, such as skin subjected to environmental factors or aesthetic treatments.
4. PDRN in Our Portfolio
Animal-Derived PDRN (Sodium DNA – Salmon)
Animal-derived PDRN is obtained from salmon germ cells through controlled DNA extraction and purification processes. At the biological level, its activity is mainly associated with the activation of the A2A adenosine receptor, a pathway involved in skin regeneration and tissue repair processes.
Available studies include:
- In vitro studies demonstrating support for cellular regeneration, stimulation of collagen synthesis, and modulation of inflammatory processes.
- Clinical data showing improvements in parameters such as wrinkles, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin elasticity (R2), pore appearance, and firmness after several weeks of use.
This type of PDRN has a well-established track record in regenerative medicine and advanced dermocosmetics, supporting its use in intensive care formulations
PDRN de origen vegetal (Sodium DNA – rosa)
Plant-derived PDRN is obtained from rose DNA through a controlled biotechnological process. Identified under the INCI name Sodium DNA, this approach makes it possible to preserve the biological rationale of traditional PDRN while using a non-animal source.
Its technical profile is supported by in vitro studies focused on cosmetic applications, which show:
- Antioxidant activity, with increased SOD activity
- Soothing effect, associated with TNF-α inhibition
- Support for hydration through increased HAS2 expression
- Depigmenting activity related to tyrosinase inhibiti
This PDRN is particularly attractive for vegan formulations, sensitive skin products, and concepts aligned with sustainability and plant-based innovation.
5. Aplicaciones del PDRN en cosmética
In the cosmetic field, PDRN is mainly incorporated into:
- Intensive treatment serums and ampoules
- Creams focused on regenerative care
- Productos post-procedimiento
- Formulations for sensitive or compromised skin
Post-procedure products
- Support for cellular renewal processes
- Improvement in skin elasticity and firmness
- Contribution to maintaining hydration
- Enhanced comfort and recovery after external aggressions
From a formulation perspective, PDRN shows good compatibility with different cosmetic systems, facilitating its incorporation into a wide range of textures.
Interest in PDRN has grown significantly in recent years, in parallel with the search for ingredients with a more biological and regenerative approach in cosmetics. Its increasing presence in the market has highlighted the importance of properly understanding its role in cosmetic formulations, without directly extrapolating conclusions from the pharmaceutical field.
In this regard, PDRN represents an interesting line of development within advanced cosmetics, both from traditional sources and through new plant-based biotechnological approaches.
At Ismael Quesada, we provide technical information on the use of PDRN in cosmetics. If you would like to receive further details, please feel free to contact our team.
References
- Akaberi, S. M., Sharma, K., Ahmadi-Ashtiani, H. R., & Hedayati, M. (2025). Polydeoxyribonucleotide in skincare and cosmetics: Mechanisms, therapeutic applications, and advancements beyond wound healing and anti-aging. Journal of Skin and Stem Cell, 12(1), e159728. https://doi.org/10.5812/jssc-159728