PDRN is an injectable ingredient: DNA fragments purified from salmon and trout that are placed into the skin. Search queries for “salmon injection” lump this name together with Rejuran, but the label on the product you receive today writes the two separately.
3-line summary
PDRN is a mixture of fragments purified from salmon and trout sperm DNA; it is an ingredient name, not a unique product name.
The literature describes two paths—turning on cell signaling and supplying DNA building blocks—and what was measured is mainly wound and ulcer healing.
The main ingredient on the Rejuran instructions for use is PN (sodium polynucleotide). In consultation, the first question is the name written on today’s vial.
The material PDRN places
PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide) is an injectable material made by cutting DNA into short pieces and collecting them. An overseas research overview records the source as sperm DNA from salmon and trout, and describes a mixture of fragments that has gone through purification and sterilization to remove protein. The corresponding author of that overview received research support from a PDRN manufacturer, and some co-authors were later listed in a correction as inventors of related patents.
Several injections on the market are called PDRN. Concentration, purification method, and the intended use on the instructions for use differ by product, so the product name next to the ingredient name and the instructions for use are checked separately. Where it sits among skin boosters can be read further in the skin booster types guide.
How it is described to act in the skin
The same overview summarizes PDRN as moving in two directions. As the fragments break down, they turn on signaling at the cell surface, and they supply the material cells use when they make DNA. The reported direction is toward lowering inflammation and tissue reattachment.
The place where that literature is thickest is wound and ulcer healing. Writing that addresses hard-to-heal wounds such as diabetic foot ulcers is central. When you look at facial texture and wrinkles, what those sources measured is the speed of wound closure.
Side by side with the Rejuran label
Rejuran is an injectable product from PharmaResearch Co., Ltd. The instructions for use record the main ingredient as sodium polynucleotide and the intended use as temporary improvement of facial wrinkles in adults. In Korea it is a product authorized as a medical device that supplements tissue.
PDRN and PN are both large molecular fragments that start from fish DNA. Another overview notes that the two names are used interchangeably in the literature, and among that article’s authors are people affiliated with a regenerative-materials company. What splits in consultation is not the academic name so much as the labeling on today’s vial.
| Item | PDRN | Rejuran |
|---|---|---|
| What the name refers to | Ingredient name | Product name. Main ingredient is PN |
| Source material | Salmon and trout sperm DNA | Sodium polynucleotide obtained from fish DNA |
| Use with the thicker body of data | Wound and ulcer healing | Instructions for use: temporary improvement of facial wrinkles in adults |
| Labeling to confirm in consultation | Ingredient name on today’s vial | Product names such as Healer, i, and S |
※ The table is a guide for comparing names. Rejuran authorization wording and contraindications continue at the product level in the Rejuran Healer guide.
Experiments that looked at PN in cells and animals reported a pathway that connects through immune cells to collagen synthesis. Among the authors are people affiliated with a related company. The subjects of observation in this experiment are cells and animals. The treatment page is the Rejuran treatment information.
The day of injection and after
Whether it is called PDRN or Rejuran, it is an injection placed into the skin with a needle. The site is marked, disinfected, anesthetized if needed, and the material is placed in a predetermined layer. On the day, redness, swelling, and bruising follow.
| Step | What is done on the day |
|---|---|
| Check | Today’s product name, recent filler, medicines being taken, the site to be treated |
| Prepare | Disinfect, and local anesthesia if needed |
| Inject | It is placed at the predetermined depth |
| Immediately after | Redness, swelling, and bruising; when to resume makeup and heat |
The Rejuran instructions for use state that redness, edema, and erythema at the injection site may occur with itching and pain, and that these reactions may last about 1 week. The site may also firm up or change color. Makeup is deferred for 12 hours after the procedure, and for the following 2 weeks, environments of prolonged heat such as sunlight, ultraviolet light, and saunas are avoided. If inflammation lasts beyond 1 week, you are examined at the place where you received the procedure. How the day of Rejuran treatment feels can be read in the Rejuran pain and recovery guide.
Products labeled only as PDRN have instructions for use that differ by product. When to resume makeup and sauna is noted from today’s product leaflet. Cost varies with volume, session count, and site; the factors that decide it can be confirmed in the cost information.
Questions to ask as written in consultation
Ask the items below as written to check whether today’s material and the exclusion criteria match the instructions for use.
- □ Whether the name on today’s vial is a PDRN product or Rejuran
- □ Whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or a minor
- □ Whether you have had hypersensitivity to fish DNA or sodium polynucleotide
- □ Whether you are taking anti-inflammatory pain medicines, blood-thinning medicines, or an immunosuppressant
- □ Whether the site recently received filler, and whether there is currently infection or inflammation in the skin
Exclusions on the Rejuran instructions for use also include sites that have received non-absorbable filler, allergic disease or autoimmune disease, and intravascular injection. If any of these apply, other methods are considered. Shared precautions can be read further in the treatment safety information.
Frequently asked questions
Q1. Does a PDRN injection hurt?
A needle goes in, so there is a stinging sensation. If needed, local anesthesia is used. Immediate pain and tightness vary with the site and the volume placed.
Q2. How many sessions are needed?
Session count and interval are set to today’s product and site. The Rejuran instructions for use only say to adjust the volume according to the area; they do not set a number of sessions that finishes the whole face.
Q3. How long does it last?
The Rejuran instructions for use limit the intended use to temporary improvement. They state that safety and effectiveness of long-term use beyond the clinically observed period have not yet been confirmed. The timing of the next procedure is set after reviewing the course.
Q4. Can it be combined with other procedures?
The Rejuran instructions for use exclude sites that recently received filler and sites that have received non-absorbable filler. If another skin booster name also came up in the same consultation, first choose which one will actually be placed today. A comparison of materials can be read in the Rejuran vs Juvelook comparison.
Q5. Who should avoid it?
On the Rejuran instructions for use, exclusions are pregnancy and breastfeeding, minors, infected or inflamed skin, hypersensitivity to the ingredient, use of anti-inflammatory pain medicines, anticoagulants, or immunosuppressants, and allergic disease or autoimmune disease. For products labeled only as PDRN, the exclusion list on that product’s instructions for use is followed.
Results, duration, and suitability vary with individual skin condition, age, and lifestyle, and the same outcome cannot be guaranteed.
Procedures may cause temporary redness or swelling, and contraindications may apply, so please confirm these during your consultation.
This article is general information and does not replace individual medical care. Please confirm diagnosis and treatment suited to your condition during a consultation.
Sources
- PDRN pharmacology overview (PMID 28491036) — Abstract and PMC full text verified. Source material (salmon and trout sperm DNA), molecular-weight range, adenosine-receptor stimulation and DNA building-block supply, use on the wound and ulcer side. 2017 overview. A 2022 correction added the corresponding author’s research support from Mastelli (a PDRN manufacturer) and listing of some co-authors as inventors of related patents. Europe PMC retraction/expression-of-concern search at the time of review: 0 records (correction only). The scope is pharmacology and wound healing, and is separate from facial aesthetic authorization documents.
- Overview that sorts the PDRN and PN names (PMID 39858543) — Abstract and PMC full text verified. Statement that the two names are used interchangeably in the literature. Some authors are affiliated with or advise regenerative-materials companies such as LOUNA REGENERATIVE. The proposed name distinction is the authors’ view and is separate from a regulatory definition. Europe PMC retraction/expression-of-concern search at the time of review: 0 records.
- Experiment on the PN collagen-synthesis pathway (PMID 40943641) — Abstract and PMC full text verified. A pathway in cells and animals that connects through immune cells to collagen synthesis. Some authors are employed at LIBON Inc., and one is employed at a dermatology clinic. The subjects of observation are cells and animals. Europe PMC retraction/expression-of-concern search at the time of review: 0 records.
- PharmaResearch Co., Ltd. Rejuran instructions for use (2024-12) — Full PDF verified. Authorization number 14-825, item name biomaterial for tissue restoration, main ingredient sodium polynucleotide, intended use (temporary improvement of facial wrinkles in adults), contraindications, adverse effects, makeup 12 hours, heat and ultraviolet light 2 weeks, safety and effectiveness of long-term use not confirmed. Manufacturer instructions for use, separate from general descriptions of PDRN products.
Related reading
Sources
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