As someone who is in a constant tug of war with skin issues (hormonal acne, post-inflammation hyperpigmentation, and a reactive temperament, to name a few), there is little I won't do in the pursuit of perfect skin. But injecting salmon sperm into my face? Now, that's a step too far even for me. It may sound gross, but that hasn't stopped the likes of Charli XCX, Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Anniston touting salmon-sperm facials (AKA polynucleotide or PDRN treatments popularised in Korea) as their secret skincare weapon. It's worth mentioning that this particular beauty obsession is nowhere near as icky as it sounds. We're talking about purified DNA fragments extracted from salmon sperm, not salmon sperm itself. And the A-list set aren't the only ones who are hooked. TikTok currently plays home to 38.3K videos on the topic, while Boots declared PDRN therapy as its number one trend to watch for 2025 in the arena of healthcare and beauty advanced technologies. For those of us too squeamish to get on board with the buzzy beauty treatment, there is good news, K-beauty brands have managed to bottle up the fishy elixir into hardworking skincare serums and Korea's bestselling PDRN serum has just landed on home soil. Enter Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum, £20.
As a total K-beauty convert, I'm a sucker for Anua's skincare offerings thanks to the brand's use of natural active ingredients, which are at the centre of its gentle yet effective formulations. I count the Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam, £13, and Heartleaf 77 Toner Pads, £22, which both use anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial heartleaf extract to sooth skin, as some of my holy grail skincare essentials. But Anua's PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum is in hot pursuit of the top spot, here's why.
The emerald serum is loaded with a layered hyaluronic acid complex that works to deeply hydrate and low molecular hydrolysed collagen that quickly seeps into the skin, while the star of the show (yes, real) salmon sperm DNA helps to boost the skin's overall appearance and works in synergy with all the other ingredients to promote moisture retention, smoothness, and an uber-glowy finish.
Centring its newest viral product on PDRN means Anua is tapping into today's polynucleotide mania and a treatment that boasts a track record for clinically proven results, with various medical journals confirming the ingredients' demonstrated anti-inflammatory, tissue reparative, and wound healing properties. Dr. Ashwin Soni explains, 'Polynucleotides are long chains of DNA, sourced from salmon or trout sperm. These highly purified fragments of DNA are suspended in water and available as an injectable.'
When injected, the DNA integrates into the skin and starts signalling in three main ways, Dr Soni continues. 'Firstly, they stimulate fibroblast cells to multiply in number and boost their activity. As cell renewal improves, so will collagen production, hydration levels, and skin glow. Your skin becomes more resilient with improved elasticity and wrinkles start diminishing. Secondly, they are incredible antioxidants that scavenge free radicals that would normally set off cellular damage. Thirdly, they function as wound healing agents signalling your skin to intensely repair. As it enters repair mode, your skin’s discolouration improves, leaving it looking more even in tone. Additionally, polynucleotides produce a mild increase in volume and tightening as an overall effect.'
The stark in-clinic results have made PDRN a wildly popular treatment, but while topical solutions rarely penetrate as deeply as more invasive therapies administered by medical professionals, the flurry of at-home PDRN formulas have been known to deliver impressive results. Anua's testing panel results for example proved a 24.64% immediate improvement in deep skin hydration after one use and 8.93% improvement in a moisture plumping effect. The serum's success is down to Anua's exclusive ultra-low molecular smart capsule technology, which helps to deliver 100% of the formula's key ingredients to the skin.
My honest thoughts on Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum
Sameeha Shaikh, beauty writer, says: 'While I wasn't sure about the thought of injecting salon sperm DNA into my face, coating my skin in a topical version of the ingredient seemed somewhat more appealing when I heard about its seriously impressive benefits. The formula seems to tick a plethora of boxes, from surface level issues like hydration and hyperpigmentation to deep-seated concerns like cellular damage. As someone who has dealt with the lows of acne for years, I was eager to see how this serum faired on my textured, discoloured and reactive complexion. Straight off the bat, the serum is very runny and almost water-like but that adds to its ultra-soothing appeal. As you rub it in, it leaves a lightweight, slippery veil of hydration that really does last and leaves skin feeling comforted. I noticed an immediate reduction in my skin's irritability, redness and general angriness, and based on that alone I suspect it will continue to play well against any new bumpy problems. As for that glass skin finish? This delivers a bucket load.'
Shop: Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum
anua.com
What the brand says: 'A hydrating emerald-toned serum infused with PDRN, hyaluronic acid, and collagen, designed to maintain moisture retention, smoothness, and natural radiance. Suitable for all seasons and versatile in application for a glowing, refreshed look.'
What we know: The serum is loaded with an 11-layered hyaluronic acid complex that works to deeply hydrate and low molecular hydrolysed collagen that quickly seeps into the skin, while the star of the show (yes, real) salmon sperm DNA helps to boost the skin's overall appearance and works in synergy with all other ingredients to promote skin-repairing, plumping, and radiance-boosting benefits.
Sameeha Shaikh, beauty writer, says: 'While I wasn't sure about the thought of injecting salon sperm DNA into my face, coating my skin in a topical version of the ingredient seemed somewhat more appealing when I heard about its seriously impressive benefits. It is one of the rare ingredients that ticks a plethora of boxes, from surface level issues like hydration and hyperpigmentation to deep-seated concerns like cellular damage. As someone who has dealt with the lows of acne for years, I was eager to see how this serum faired on my textured, discoloured and reactive complexion. Straight off the bat, the serum is very runny and almost water-like but that adds to its ultra-soothing appeal. As you rub it in, it leaves a lightweight, slippery veil of hydration that really does last and leaves skin feeling comforted. I noticed an immediate reduction in my skin's irritability, redness and general angriness, and based on that alone I suspect it will continue to play well against any new bump problems. As for that glass skin finish? This delivers a bucket load. Fish DNA just upgraded my skincare routine for the better, who would've thought?
Pros
- Soothing formula
- Great for a glass skin finish
Cons
- Not as effective as the injectable treatment
Sameeha Shaikh is Grazia's beauty writer, covering all categories to bring you insights on the latest trends, industry news and the products you need to know about, viral or not (most probably viral).