PDRN

PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide) is a mixture of DNA fragments used in cosmetics to support skin renewal, hydration and the appearance of tired or stressed skin. On the label it is declared under the INCI name Sodium DNA. Formulators use it in serums, ampoules, repair creams and post-procedure care. In a cosmetic, PDRN acts on the skin surface and epidermis, so product claims should stay cosmetic and be substantiated by testing the finished formula.

The key difference is the DNA source: fish PDRN is extracted from salmon or trout milt, while plant PDRN comes from plant tissue such as aloe, centella, rice or rose. Both share the INCI name Sodium DNA but differ in fragment profile, positioning and the claims a brand can build around them. Plant grades such as the HERBAGEN series suit vegan and plant-based brands; fish grades like TPDR and S-DNA suit formulas built on the most documented traditional source.

Sodium DNA is the INCI name for the sodium salt of deoxyribonucleic acid, used to declare PDRN and related DNA fractions on cosmetic labels. It does not reveal the origin: salmon, trout, plant and ferment-derived DNA all carry the same name. For that reason, formulators should check the specification and batch certificate of analysis when choosing a supplier, and communicate the origin, for example plant-based, through product claims rather than the ingredient list alone.

PDRN and PN are DNA fractions that differ in chain length: PDRN consists of shorter fragments with lower molecular weight, while PN (polynucleotides) are longer chains with higher molecular weight. In cosmetics, PN is mainly associated with film-forming and moisturising effects, PDRN with supporting skin renewal. Both are labelled as Sodium DNA. S-DNA 1% sol., derived from salmon DNA, is an example of a raw material that combines both PDRN and PN fractions.

The plant water is the carrier phase in which the plant-derived Sodium DNA is dissolved, which is why it comes first in the INCI, for example Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water, Sodium DNA. It replaces plain water and adds a botanical ingredient from the same plant as the DNA, such as moisturising aloe or soothing centella. For the formulator, one raw material delivers a consistent ‘PDRN plus plant’ story and a clean, recognisable label declaration.

Yes. The plant-based HERBAGEN grades and FERMAGEN LAB-PDRN, based on Lactobacillus ferment lysate, contain no raw materials of animal origin. They are the natural choice for vegan brands and for markets where a fish-derived ingredient would put consumers off. If a brand plans vegan or other certification, the manufacturer’s declarations for the specific grade should be requested together with the quote and checked before the product is launched.

PDRN is usually added to the water phase at the end of the process, after the emulsion has cooled, because prolonged high temperatures can degrade DNA. The recommended use level, pH range and storage conditions are given in the technical data sheet of each grade. In practice, run stability tests of the finished product with the intended preservative system and packaging, and check compatibility on a lab batch for formulas with extreme pH or high electrolyte content.

PDRN samples can be requested through the form on this page, by email at sales@viakosmo.pl or by phone at +48 88 66 78 955. Include the grades you are interested in (for example HERBAGEN, TPDR or S-DNA), the product type and the planned scale. ViaKosmo supplies documentation with samples and commercial deliveries, including TDS, SDS and a batch certificate of analysis, and a technologist can help match the grade to your product concept.