Polydeoxyribonucleotide, commonly known as PDRN, is expanding from aesthetic injectable treatments to oral beauty-from-within supplements, with beauty companies introducing ingestible formats. Originally popularized by the South Korean brand Rejuran as an injectable skin booster derived primarily from the sperm cells of salmon trout or chum salmon, the DNA-fragment ingredient is now being formulated into tablets, liquids, and jelly sticks alongside companion compounds like collagen and hyaluronic acid.
Amorepacific and PharmaResearch Launch Ingestible PDRN Products
The offering features a liquid shot with 6,000 mg of low-molecular-weight collagen accompanied by a tablet containing 100 mg of Alaskan salmon-sourced PDRN, 120 mg of hyaluronic acid, and 100 mg of glutathione, and is distributed via retail networks such as Naver, Olive Young, and Amorepacific’s official mall. According to Amorepacific, the formulation also includes red orange complex extract, grape seed extract, and vitamin C.
PharmaResearch, the biopharmaceutical company behind the Rejuran injectable, also markets the Return Inner Dot DNA Glow Jelly. That single-serve supplement combines PDRN with low-molecular-weight fish collagen, hyaluronic acid, elastin, and botanical extracts. Jisung Kim, a researcher in the Healthcare Lab at Amorepacific, noted that consumer awareness in South Korea has surged alongside dermatological procedures, paving the way for film, tablet, and liquid supplements.
Expanding K-Beauty Trends Into Southeast Asia
Created alongside manufacturing collaborator Kolmar, the liquid stick features 1,800 mg of marine collagen, various botanical extracts, and 150 mg of Japanese-sourced salmon PDRN. Steve Wong, founder and group managing director at Glowith Global, explained that while consumers largely recognize PDRN from topical cosmetics, the brand aims to drive education for Southeast Asian customers by exporting the product from South Korea.
The product is currently available at Watsons Malaysia and carries certification from the Korea Muslim Federation Halal Committee to appeal to Muslim consumers in the region. For consumers already using topical skincare, oral supplements are positioned as a complementary approach within a broader beauty regimen rather than a direct replacement.
Scientific Background and Clinical Research on PDRN Skin Repair
The Italian Medicines Agency approved PDRN as a therapy for skin ulcers, dystrophic connective tissue disorders, and superficial wounds in 1994, establishing a decades-long clinical track record for skin repair. An evaluation of randomized clinical trials published recently noted that PDRN interventions can potentially enhance wound-healing metrics, scar quality, wrinkle-related results, and overall patient satisfaction. University researchers in Saudi Arabia noted in the journal Cureus that the most consistent benefits appeared in wound-healing settings, where PDRN accelerated re-epithelialization and shortened healing time.
When administered through tissue injections surrounding the injury and intramuscularly, PDRN treatment doubled the complete healing rate of stubborn diabetic foot ulcers compared to a placebo, as demonstrated in a 2014 investigation featured within The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. Mechanistically, PDRN is understood to work through adenosine A2A receptor activation and the nucleotide salvage pathway to drive anti-inflammatory, angiogenic, and tissue-repair responses. While Rejuran notes that its patented c-PDRN is molecularly small enough to penetrate the epidermis in topical skincare, studies on ingestible PDRN remain emerging.
Quick Fact on Formulation Chemistry
Collagen and PDRN serve distinct roles in ingestible formulations: collagen replenishes structural amino acids, while PDRN supports cell proliferation and activation, according to Amorepacific researcher Jisung Kim.
Technical Challenges in Formulating Oral PDRN Supplements
Incorporating PDRN into oral supplements presents distinct manufacturing hurdles. Jisung Kim of Amorepacific pointed out three primary technical challenges, starting with maintaining ingredient stability in the low-pH gastrointestinal environment. To protect the DNA fragments and support effective delivery, Amorepacific utilized a tablet format designed for controlled release over several hours following ingestion.
The third challenge involves the standardization of raw materials. Because PDRN consists of DNA fragments of varying lengths, its characteristics fluctuate depending on the source material. Kim stated that the company evaluated DNA content, fragment size distribution, and quality specifications of salmon-derived PDRN to optimize the sustained-release matrix and ensure consistent performance across batches.
Common Questions About Oral PDRN Supplements
What is PDRN derived from?
PDRN is primarily sourced from the sperm cells of salmon trout or chum salmon, though vegan alternatives derived from microalgae have also been developed.
How do oral PDRN supplements work with collagen?
Manufacturers position oral PDRN as a complementary ingredient to collagen. Collagen supplies amino acids for structural components, while PDRN supports cell proliferation, activation, and skin radiance.
Are topical PDRN products the same as oral supplements?
Topical products like serums are applied directly to the skin barrier, whereas oral supplements use specialized tablet or liquid matrices designed to survive the gastrointestinal tract and deliver the ingredient systematically.