For Those Curious About PDRN
If you have been researching skin regeneration or "salmon injection" treatments, you have probably come across the term "PDRN." Explanations like "rejuvenating the skin with salmon DNA" appear everywhere — yet when you ask exactly what the ingredient is and what it does, or whether it is the same substance found in Rejuran, clear and organized information is surprisingly hard to find.
In this article, Dr. Kim Gun-woo, Medical Director of Cellinique on Dosan-daero in Gangnam, explains what PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide) actually is, how it is thought to work, and how it differs from PN (polynucleotide) — the key ingredient in Rejuran — exactly as he covers it during consultations. If you would like to compare skin boosters that use different ingredient families, take a look at our Rejuran vs. Juvelook Comparison Guide or the Rejuran Treatment Information Page.
3-Line Summary
1. PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide) is a mixture of DNA fragments extracted and purified from the testes of salmon and trout, a biologically derived substance with a reported molecular weight range of approximately 50–1,500 kDa.
2. The mechanisms described in the literature involve the adenosine A2A receptor pathway and the DNA salvage pathway, with reported directions including collagen synthesis support, extracellular matrix (ECM) recovery, and anti-inflammatory activity (individual variation is significant).
3. The key active ingredient in Rejuran, commonly mentioned alongside PDRN, is not PDRN but rather PN (polynucleotide) at 20 mg/mL — a product licensed by Korea's MFDS as a medical device (License No. 14-825). PDRN and PN differ in molecular weight and definition; the article explains the distinction in detail. Suitability is determined during a pre-treatment consultation.
1. What Is PDRN? The Nature of the Ingredient
PDRN stands for polydeoxyribonucleotide. The name is long, but breaking it down makes it straightforward. "Deoxyribonucleotide" refers to the basic building block of DNA, and "poly-" means that multiple units are joined together in a chain. In other words, PDRN is a high-molecular-weight mixture of linked DNA fragments.
This DNA does not come from humans — it is primarily extracted and purified from the testes (reproductive cells) of salmon and trout. That is where the nicknames "salmon DNA" and "salmon injection" come from. Some people misinterpret the nickname to mean that a whole salmon is being injected, but in reality only the DNA fragments that remain after purification are used. The reported molecular weight range is approximately 50–1,500 kDa (kilodaltons), and commercial formulations are processed within that range.
💡 Fact-check ✓
Source: PubMed/PMC literature review (PDRN composition and origin) · Product IFU (Instructions for Use)
- PDRN is described in the literature as a mixture of DNA fragments extracted and purified from the testes of salmon and trout (reported molecular weight approximately 50–1,500 kDa).
- The exact concentration, molecular weight distribution, and indications differ by product; this article does not assert specific figures for any individual product. Domestic licensing status and indications for each product are confirmed only through that product's IFU and Korea's MFDS approval scope.
- Results and duration of effect vary between individuals.
The key point is that PDRN is an ingredient name, not the name of a specific product. Various regenerative treatments on the market use PDRN or closely related ingredients, but the concentration, purification method, and approved indications differ by product.
2. How Does PDRN Work?
The way PDRN is thought to act in the skin is described in the literature along two main pathways.
The first is the adenosine A2A receptor pathway. When breakdown products of PDRN bind to adenosine A2A receptors on the cell surface, intracellular signaling is activated, and the literature reports directions including collagen synthesis support, vascular formation, and anti-inflammatory activity. The second is the DNA salvage pathway. The nucleotide fragments provided by PDRN are said to be recycled as "raw materials" when cells build new DNA. In summary, PDRN is understood to work in the direction of both activating signals and supplying raw materials.
💡 Fact-check ✓
Source: PubMed/PMC literature review (PDRN mechanism) · Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025 (PMC12429772, PN mechanism)
- PDRN's mechanism of action is described in the literature via the adenosine A2A receptor pathway and the DNA salvage pathway.
- For PN (polynucleotide), the ingredient in Rejuran, the literature reports directions including collagen synthesis and extracellular matrix (ECM) recovery support (macrophage-mediated pathway). This article does not use expressions such as "directly stimulates fibroblasts."
- The above is a general explanation of mechanism; the degree and duration of effect vary between individuals.
However, these mechanistic descriptions are general guidance on the reported direction of action — not a claim that the same result occurs in every individual. Actual perceived change varies considerably depending on skin condition, age, and lifestyle habits.
3. Are PDRN and PN (Rejuran) the Same Thing?
This is the most frequently asked question. Many clients arrive saying "I would like to get PDRN" while actually thinking of Rejuran. The short answer is that PDRN and PN (polynucleotide) are close relatives, but they are not the same ingredient.
Both originate from salmon DNA, but they differ in molecular weight and definition. In general terms, PN is described as having a higher molecular weight chain form compared to PDRN, which is described as a more finely processed fragment. The distinction between "PDRN" and "PN" therefore stems not from a marketing difference but from a difference in size and definition of the molecule.
💡 Fact-check ✓
Source: Korea's MFDS medical device product information · PharmaResearch Co., Ltd. product information (IFU)
- The key active ingredient in Rejuran, commonly known as "salmon injection," is PN (polynucleotide) at 20 mg/mL (salmon DNA-derived), registered under Korea's MFDS medical device license No. 14-825 (2014, PharmaResearch Co., Ltd.).
- PN and PDRN differ in molecular weight and definition; PN is generally described as having a higher molecular weight. Although the two terms are sometimes used interchangeably in clinical settings, they are not the same ingredient.
- The exact concentration, indications, and approved scope for each individual product must be confirmed through that product's IFU and MFDS license. Results and duration of effect vary between individuals.
| Category | PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide) | PN (polynucleotide) — e.g. Rejuran |
|---|---|---|
| Basic definition | High-molecular-weight mixture of linked DNA fragments | High-molecular-weight polymer of linked nucleotides (DNA-derived) |
| Molecular weight | Reported at approximately 50–1,500 kDa (relatively finely processed) | Generally described as having a higher molecular weight than PDRN |
| Source material | Testes DNA of salmon and trout | Salmon DNA |
| Reported mechanism direction | A2A receptor + DNA salvage pathway (regeneration / anti-inflammatory) | Collagen synthesis / ECM recovery direction (individual variation) |
| Domestic approval example | Varies by product — confirm via individual IFU and MFDS license | Rejuran: MFDS medical device license No. 14-825 (2014) |
One-Line Summary
PDRN and PN both belong to the salmon DNA family, but they are different ingredients with distinct molecular weights and definitions. Because the nickname "salmon injection" lumps both together, confusion is common — at consultation, we always clarify which ingredient from which specific product is being used.
4. What Concerns Bring People to Consider PDRN/PN-Based Treatments?
PDRN/PN-based treatments are not for everyone. In consultations, we typically explore the possibility together with clients who express concerns like the following.
Concerns That May Lead to Consideration
- Clients bothered by skin texture and elasticity that no longer feels the same as before
- Clients concerned about surface skin quality such as dryness and fine lines
- Clients interested in exploring a recovery and regeneration direction rather than adding volume
- Clients who prefer to consider treatments as part of a long-term skin management plan rather than a one-time change
Of course, having these concerns does not automatically mean PDRN/PN-based treatments are the right choice. It simply means they are one option among several to evaluate together. The selection of ingredient and product, and whether they are suitable, is determined on an individual basis during a pre-treatment consultation.
Cases Where Caution Is Advised
- Clients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy
- Clients with active infection or inflammation in the treatment area
- Clients taking anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents, or immunosuppressants
- Clients with a history of autoimmune disease
- Clients with a known allergy to the ingredient (salmon DNA-derived substances, etc.) or to anesthetic agents
If any of the above applies to you, please let us know in advance during the pre-treatment consultation. We will confirm whether the treatment is appropriate and, if necessary, discuss alternative care options.
5. What Does the Process Look Like?
At Cellinique, PDRN/PN-based treatments follow the steps below. Because ingredient selection, injection site and depth design, and recovery management all influence outcomes, we aim to keep the process straightforward and stable.
- Pre-treatment consultation and skin assessment — Dr. Kim Gun-woo, Medical Director, personally reviews your skin condition, areas of concern, previous treatment history, medications, and lifestyle habits. Which ingredient and product are most appropriate is typically determined at this stage.
- Ingredient and treatment area design — We assess which areas would benefit from regenerative support, and review any combinations or sequencing with other treatments.
- Recovery and scheduling review — We factor in downtime availability when deciding on timing.
- Treatment application — Applied via micro-injection after topical anesthesia. (Injection depth and volume are individually calibrated to the area and condition.)
- Aftercare and next session guidance — Post-treatment precautions, recovery checkpoints, and, where needed, intervals for follow-up sessions are provided separately.
💡 A Client's Experience — Among clients who visit for an initial consultation, some say: "I only knew it as 'salmon injection,' but after hearing the explanation that PDRN and PN are different ingredients, it became much clearer exactly what I would be receiving." That said, individual recovery and response patterns vary considerably — if anything comes up during your recovery, please feel free to contact Cellinique.
6. How Is Downtime and Recovery Managed?
Downtime varies somewhat depending on the ingredient, area, and extent of treatment. It is generally brief, but given that this is an injection-based procedure, temporary swelling, redness, and bruising may occur — and recovery varies depending on healing capacity and lifestyle habits.
Reactions Commonly Communicated After Treatment
- Temporary swelling and redness at the treatment site
- Injection marks and mild bruising (when they occur, they typically resolve within a few days)
- Temporary tenderness and a sensation of tightness
- Depending on the area, a slight bumpiness to the touch (typically settles over time)
First 24 Hours After Treatment
- Please avoid irritating skincare products, heat exposure, and vigorous cleansing
- Light makeup may be started while monitoring the condition of the treated area
- If you notice any changes, please feel free to contact Cellinique
First Week After Treatment
- Please avoid saunas, hot baths, and intense exercise
- Please apply sunscreen diligently
- Reducing alcohol and smoking where possible is recommended
The key point is that recovery patterns differ between individuals — reviewing recovery timing and the treatment schedule together in advance makes all the difference.
7. Safety Standards and Precautions
PDRN/PN-based treatments are genuine medical procedures, and it would not be accurate to say there is zero risk. In particular, when combined with other treatments, managing expectations realistically and adjusting the order of procedures is important — which is why Cellinique allows ample time for consultation, treatment design, and post-treatment check-ins.
💡 Fact-check ✓
Source: PubMed/PMC literature review (PDRN safety and side effects) · Product IFU
- Even when performed appropriately, side effects such as temporary swelling, redness, and bruising are possible; in rare cases, nodules, infection, and allergic reactions have been reported.
- Because PDRN/PN-based treatments use salmon DNA-derived material, clients with a history of allergy to such substances must disclose this in advance.
- The frequency of side effects and the course of recovery vary between individuals.
Reactions Generally Reported
- Temporary swelling, redness, and bruising at the treatment site (resolves within a few days in most cases)
- Occasionally mild tenderness, warmth, or a nodule-like sensation
- Very rarely: infection, allergic reaction, or persistent nodule
Contact Cellinique Immediately If You Experience
- Severe swelling, heat, or redness at the treatment site
- Fever or chills
- A nodule that remains firm for more than two weeks or continues to grow
- Suspected allergic reaction (hives, difficulty breathing, etc.)
Information to Share Before Treatment
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding status (including if planning)
- Current medications (especially anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents, immunosuppressants)
- Allergy history (including to salmon DNA-derived substances and anesthetic agents)
- Active infection or history of autoimmune disease
- Recent procedures (interval and sequencing adjustments may be needed)
Side-effect protocols, emergency response procedures, contraindications, and infection management standards that apply to all procedures can be found in detail on the Cellinique Treatment Safety Information page. If you are considering PDRN/PN-based treatments, we recommend reviewing that page before your treatment.
8. What Is the FDA Approval Status?
"Is PDRN / salmon injection FDA-approved?" is another frequently asked question. This is an area where misunderstanding is easy, so here is an accurate summary.
💡 Fact-check ✓
Source: PubMed/PMC literature review (regulatory status) · Korea's MFDS medical device product information
- PDRN/PN injectable treatments, including Rejuran (PN-based), have no confirmed U.S. FDA approval for cosmetic use (not approved for cosmetic injection in the United States). This article therefore makes no claim of "FDA approval."
- Rejuran is licensed by Korea's MFDS as a medical device (License No. 14-825, 2014). Whether individual PDRN products hold domestic MFDS approval varies by product and must be confirmed within that product's MFDS licensing scope.
- Results, duration of effect, and suitability vary between individuals and cannot be guaranteed.
The key distinction is that "a treatment widely used in Korea" and "FDA approved" are separate facts. Cellinique does not conflate the two, and provides information strictly within the scope of domestic MFDS licensing.
9. How Cellinique Approaches Regenerative Treatments
Cellinique is an anti-aging dermatology clinic on Dosan-daero in Gangnam. For treatments such as PDRN/PN — where ingredient selection and injection design determine outcomes — accurately distinguishing which ingredient is in which specific product, and communicating that clearly, is where the process begins.
Dr. Kim Gun-woo personally oversees the process from the initial consultation through treatment and post-treatment check-ins. (Detailed information regarding qualifications and training history follows the clinic's own guidance; when credential details are relevant, they are explained accurately during consultation.)
The convenient location on Dosan-daero also makes return visits and post-treatment check-ins easier — a genuine advantage for regenerative treatments that benefit from monitoring changes over time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. What exactly is PDRN?
PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide) is a mixture of DNA fragments extracted and purified from the testes of salmon and trout. Molecular weight is reported in the literature at approximately 50–1,500 kDa. The nicknames "salmon DNA" and "salmon injection" come from this origin, but in practice only the purified DNA fragments are used.
Q2. Are PDRN and Rejuran (PN) the same thing?
They are close relatives, but they are not the same ingredient. Both originate from salmon DNA, but they differ in molecular weight and definition. The key active ingredient in Rejuran is PN (polynucleotide) at 20 mg/mL, licensed as a medical device by Korea's MFDS (License No. 14-825, 2014, PharmaResearch Co., Ltd.). PN is generally described as having a higher molecular weight than PDRN.
Q3. How does PDRN work?
The literature describes two main pathways. One is the adenosine A2A receptor pathway (directions including collagen synthesis support, vascular formation, and anti-inflammatory activity); the other is the DNA salvage pathway (nucleotides recycled as raw materials for DNA synthesis). These are general mechanistic descriptions, and actual perceived results vary considerably depending on skin condition, age, and lifestyle habits.
Q4. When can I expect to notice results?
Changes in the regeneration and recovery direction tend to appear gradually over time. However, there is considerable variation depending on skin condition, age, and lifestyle habits, and we cannot guarantee the same outcome for every client. Please discuss the changes you can realistically expect during a pre-treatment consultation.
Q5. Is one session of PDRN/PN treatment enough?
The recommended number of sessions and intervals vary depending on skin condition, goals, and the treatment area. While a multi-session approach at regular intervals is generally mentioned, there is no single "correct number" for this type of treatment — an individualized plan is discussed during your initial consultation.
Q6. Has PDRN/salmon injection received U.S. FDA approval?
PDRN/PN injectable treatments, including Rejuran (PN-based), have no confirmed U.S. FDA approval for cosmetic use. Being widely used in Korea and holding FDA approval are separate facts. Rejuran holds domestic MFDS medical device licensing (License No. 14-825), and whether individual PDRN products carry MFDS approval varies by product — each must be confirmed within its own MFDS licensing scope.
Q7. What are the side effects and precautions?
Because this is an injection-based procedure, temporary swelling, redness, and bruising may occur; occasionally mild tenderness or a nodule-like sensation; very rarely, infection or allergic reactions have been reported. Since this is a salmon DNA-derived substance, a history of allergy to such ingredients must be disclosed. Pregnancy or breastfeeding, active infection, use of anticoagulants or immunosuppressants, and a history of autoimmune disease should also be mentioned in advance. Frequency and severity of reactions vary between individuals.
Q8. Can I come in for a consultation only?
Of course. Because PDRN/PN-based treatments vary considerably depending on which ingredient from which product is selected, the areas treated, your goals, and the sequencing with other procedures, we recommend a thorough consultation before making any decision. If you would like a consultation without committing to a procedure, please contact us at 02-6203-3434 or via KakaoTalk. (Consultation and procedure fees vary by individual condition and design, and are communicated during the consultation.)
Closing
PDRN tends to get lumped under the broad label of "salmon injection," but looking more closely, it is a clearly defined ingredient: DNA fragments extracted and purified from salmon DNA. And the key active ingredient in Rejuran, PN, is a close relative — but one that differs from PDRN in molecular weight and definition. What matters is not the nickname but knowing which ingredient from which specific product you are receiving, and whether that fits your skin condition and goals.
At Cellinique (Gangnam, Dosan-daero), Dr. Kim Gun-woo personally handles everything from the initial consultation through treatment and post-treatment follow-ups. If you are interested in PDRN/PN-based treatments, we recommend starting with a consultation where you can openly discuss your skin condition and management goals. For a comparison of skin boosters with different ingredient families, see the Rejuran vs. Juvelook Comparison Guide; for treatment details, see the Rejuran Treatment Information Page; and for shared safety standards across all procedures, see the Cellinique Treatment Safety Information page.
✅ Fact-check Completion Report
The key medical information in this article was confirmed against the following sources.
- PubMed/PMC literature review (PDRN composition, origin, mechanism, safety) — PDRN = DNA fragments extracted and purified from the testes of salmon and trout (reported molecular weight approximately 50–1,500 kDa); mechanism described in the literature via the adenosine A2A receptor pathway + DNA salvage pathway
- Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025 (PMC12429772) — PN (polynucleotide) mechanism: collagen synthesis and extracellular matrix (ECM) recovery support direction reported (macrophage-mediated pathway). The expression "directly stimulates fibroblasts" is not used in this article
- Korea's MFDS medical device product information · PharmaResearch Co., Ltd. product information (IFU) — Rejuran = PN (polynucleotide) 20 mg/mL (salmon DNA-derived), MFDS medical device license No. 14-825 (2014, PharmaResearch Co., Ltd.). PN and PDRN differ in molecular weight and definition
- Regulatory status (MFDS + literature) — PDRN/PN injectable treatments have no confirmed U.S. FDA approval for cosmetic use; this article makes no claim of FDA approval and provides information within Korea's MFDS licensing scope only
- Items verified: ingredient identity (PDRN/PN distinction), mechanism, molecular weight, MFDS license (No. 14-825), side effects, individual variation disclosure. Specific concentration, molecular weight, indications, and domestic licensing status for individual PDRN products were not generalized, as confirmation requires each product's own IFU and MFDS license.
Medical Disclaimer
This content is provided for general health information purposes only. Individual diagnosis, treatment suitability, and expected outcomes must be determined through a consultation with a qualified physician. All medical procedures carry individual variation and the possibility of side effects.
Cellinique Consultation and Appointments
2F, B1, Yeonsseung Building, 228 Dosan-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Tel. 02-6203-3434
Hours: Mon–Fri 10:00–19:00 / Last Saturday of each month 10:00–16:30
