I never imagined I would say this, but salmon sperm could be the key to youthful, radiant skin.

      As a beauty editor, I engage in various unconventional treatments for my face. From getting small liquid spicules injected into my skin to undergoing a PRP "vampire facial," I am willing to try any treatment that promises radiant, remarkable skin. Recently, I experienced a treatment that I was initially doubtful about, but now I can't get enough of it. You might have come across a treatment that's been trending on social media, gaining attention for its unusual origins. Many TikTok users and celebrities swear that the trendy "salmon sperm facial" is the key to youthful skin. It's no surprise that this innovative treatment has been favored in Korea for years due to its impressive results. Several stars, including Jennifer Aniston and Kim Kardashian, have praised it, and the outcomes certainly speak volumes. The main ingredient in these facials is polydeoxyribonucleotide, or PDRN, a compound derived from salmon sperm and other plant sources, recognized for its regenerative qualities. Being a passionate beauty enthusiast, I felt compelled to explore what makes this ingredient so special. Since the treatment originates from Korea, many K-beauty products for at-home care now incorporate this ingredient, allowing you to experiment with it in the comfort of your own home. Even if you're vegan, there's no need to be concerned as PDRN can be obtained from sources other than salmon sperm, ensuring everyone can participate! If you're interested in this powerful ingredient and its benefits for your skin, keep reading. I'll share everything you need to know along with some of the best products to try.

      What Is PDRN? Initially, the fact that PDRN is derived from salmon sperm was off-putting to me, but as I learned more, I began to appreciate it. If you’re not familiar with PDRN and its origin, William Harris, the medical director at Formula Fig, provided some insights. "PDRN, or polydeoxyribonucleotide, is a DNA-derived compound primarily extracted from salmon sperm," he explains. "It is widely recognized in regenerative medicine and aesthetic dermatology for its impressive capacity to accelerate tissue repair and stimulate cell regeneration. While this has been a staple in South Korean skincare since the late 2000s, it's only recently started gaining popularity in North America for its clinical effectiveness in skin rejuvenation." For those who are vegan, there’s no need to worry—PDRN can also be sourced from plants such as ginseng. You'll find it commonly used in many K-beauty products easily available for purchase. However, Harris notes an important distinction: "Vegan PDRN is usually biosynthesized from plant or microbial sources rather than fish," he mentions. "This makes it an excellent choice for individuals with fish allergies or those following a vegan diet, but it’s important to keep in mind that most robust clinical studies and efficacy data currently relate to fish-derived PDRN. Vegan alternatives show promise, but research into their regenerative properties compared to traditional sources is still ongoing. At Formula Fig, we provide micro-needling with exosomes or a growth factor and peptide serum for those who prefer not to use fish-derived PDRN."

      What Can PDRN Do for Your Skin? According to Harris, PDRN is well-known for its reparative and anti-inflammatory effects. "It enhances fibroblast activity, increases collagen production, and speeds up cellular turnover—resulting in firmer, more elastic, and visibly smoother skin. It’s particularly effective at improving recovery after procedures, reducing redness, and boosting overall skin vitality. In brief: it helps the skin heal more efficiently, quickly, and robustly." As someone who has faced issues with skin barrier and overall skin damage, this treatment is incredibly beneficial. If budget permitted, I would genuinely consider getting it monthly. Typically, a PDRN facial includes micro-needling to achieve noticeable improvements in your skin, making it healthier and stronger. Harris mentioned that advanced micro-needling technology in a "salmon sperm facial" creates tiny microchannels in the skin, triggering a significant healing response enhanced by PDRN's potency. You can expect to see increased collagen production, a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles, improvement in acne scarring and hyperpigmentation, and skin that appears plump, firm, and more hydrated. Harris and his team at Formula Fig provide PDRN facials with a potent PDRN serum—that's the crucial element of the facial experience. "We utilize VTech PDRN—a clinically validated formulation recognized for its purity and effectiveness in regenerative skincare," he states. Even if a PDRN facial isn't within your budget, there's no need to worry. As mentioned before, there are numerous K-beauty products enriched with PDRN that have quickly gained viral recognition, even in the U.S. Here are a few favorites:

      The Best PDRN Products to Try

      **VT COSMETICS**

      *PDRN