What Is PDRN? Why We Chose Microbial PDRN Instead of Salmon DNA | Celulah Skin

Why We Chose Microbial PDRN Instead of Salmon PDRN

PDRN has quickly become one of the most talked-about ingredients in skincare.

If you’ve been researching anti-ageing products, you’ve probably noticed that many PDRN serums advertise that they’re made from salmon DNA.

One of the questions I get asked is:

“Why doesn’t Celulah Skin use salmon PDRN?”

The answer is actually quite simple.

What is PDRN?

PDRN stands for Polydeoxyribonucleotide.

In skincare, PDRN is used to support skin renewal, improve hydration, strengthen the skin barrier and reduce the visible signs of ageing.

It has become increasingly popular because it helps support the skin’s natural repair processes and works well alongside other barrier-supporting ingredients.

Doesn’t PDRN Come From Salmon?

Traditionally, yes.

Many of the original PDRN ingredients used in skincare were sourced from salmon because of their high DNA purity.

Today, advances in biotechnology mean PDRN can also be produced from beneficial microorganisms, including Lactobacillus.

This form is often referred to as microbial PDRN or biotechnology-derived Sodium DNA.

Both salmon-derived and microbial PDRN are used in skincare today. The most appropriate choice often depends on how the ingredient is intended to be used. While salmon-derived PDRN has a long history in clinical settings, advances in biotechnology have made microbial PDRN an excellent option for topical skincare products.

Why We Chose Microbial PDRN

When developing our serum, we weren’t looking for the most popular ingredient.

We were looking for the ingredient that made the most sense in a daily topical serum.

Our microbial Sodium DNA is specifically developed for cosmetic skincare. Compared with traditional salmon-derived PDRN, it has a lower molecular weight, making it well suited to leave-on skincare products where topical absorption is important. This was one of the reasons we chose it for our daily serum.

It also aligns with our philosophy of creating skincare that’s thoughtful, effective and suitable for as many people as possible.

It’s About the Whole Formula

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learnt as a Dermal Therapist and Nurse is that no single ingredient transforms skin on its own.

Healthy skin comes from ingredients working together.

That’s why we combined microbial PDRN with ingredients that help support the skin barrier and improve hydration, including:

• Niacinamide
• Ectoin
• Peptides
• Hyaluronic Acid

Together, these ingredients help support smoother, healthier-looking and more resilient skin.

My Final Thoughts

Skincare continues to evolve, and that’s one of the things I love most about this industry.

New technology allows us to choose ingredients that are not only innovative but also designed for the way we actually use skincare every day.

For me, choosing microbial PDRN wasn’t about following a trend or using the newest ingredient.

It was about selecting an ingredient that made sense for a daily serum and reflected the philosophy behind Celulah Skin.

Because healthy skin has never been about one hero ingredient.

It’s about choosing the right ingredients, in the right formula, to support your skin every single day.

With care,

Nicole Phillips
Founder | Dermal Therapist | Nurse
Celulah Skin