PDRN Toners Are Leading The Way In Skincare Regeneration

We have entered skincare’s regeneration generation. PDRN toners are part of a new wave of high-performance reparative skincare, replacing the harsh actives that were stalwarts in our routines and encouraging us to rethink the formulas that we apply to our stressed-out skin.

Part of the K-beauty philosophy that prioritises gentleness and long-term skin health, PDRN has entered the chat, redefining skin repair and bringing new life to toners. But what is it exactly? “PDRN, or polydeoxyribonucleotide, is made up of small DNA fragments and has long been used within regenerative medicine, particularly in wound healing, where it supports tissue repair and helps regulate inflammation,” explains medical doctor and aesthetics expert, Dr Nabil Jetha.

The ingredient is beauty’s latest darling, popping up in everything from serums to creams, and increasingly, toners. Its rise comes on the heels of the growing popularity of polynucleotides as a non-injectable way to tap into the benefits of salmon sperm. Though the two are often conflated, they have distinctive differences – PDRN encourages healing, while polynucleotides (PN) stimulate collagen and boost hydration. Yet, while salmon DNA is the main source of PDRN, vegan and bioengineered alternatives are becoming more prevalent too – be it green tea, rice or ginseng.

“I see topical PDRN as part of a broader shift towards regenerative aesthetics – treatments and products that work with the skin rather than pushing it,” says qualified GP Dr Aliaa Ahmed. “It’s not about dramatic overnight change; it’s about improving how the skin functions and feels over time.”

Scroll on to discover everything you need to know about the ingredient, as well as the PDRN toners with the Vogue seal of approval.