A soothing, hydrating toner built on PDRN — one of the most talked-about ingredients in Korean skincare, and one that is worth explaining properly rather than treating as a buzzword.

What PDRN actually is

PDRN stands for polydeoxyribonucleotide: fragments of DNA. It entered aesthetics through injectable "salmon DNA" treatments used in clinics, where it is valued for supporting the skin's own repair processes and for hydration. In topical skincare the molecule cannot travel as deep as an injection, so the effects are gentler — but the fragments are excellent humectants and have a genuine calming, conditioning effect at the surface.

On this ingredient list PDRN appears as sodium DNA and hydrolysed DNA, and notably it is vegetable-derived rather than marine, which is why COSRX are able to label the product cruelty-free and why it suits customers who would rather avoid salmon-sourced ingredients.

Around that sit two more things worth having: niacinamide fourth on the list, and a seven-form hyaluronic acid complex. It is a toner that hydrates properly rather than just wetting the skin before the next step.

Key ingredients

• PDRN complex (sodium DNA, hydrolysed DNA) — plant-derived polynucleotides for hydration and skin-conditioning support.
• Niacinamide (vitamin B3) — fourth on the list. Barrier support, sebum regulation, pore appearance and tone evening.
• Panthenol and pantothenic acid (vitamin B5, both forms) — the "B5" in the name. Among the most reliable soothing and barrier-repairing ingredients available.
• Seven-form hyaluronic acid complex — sodium hyaluronate, hyaluronic acid, hydrolysed HA, HA crosspolymer, potassium hyaluronate, sodium acetylated hyaluronate and hydroxypropyltrimonium hyaluronate. Different molecular weights hydrate at different depths.
• Centella asiatica extract — calming and supportive of the skin's repair processes.
• Alpha-arbutin — a gentle, well-tolerated brightener working on dark marks without irritation.
• Hydrolysed collagen — a surface-level humectant contributing a smoothing, plumping feel.
• Acetyl hexapeptide-8 — a peptide associated with the appearance of expression lines.
• Lactobacillus ferment — a fermented active supporting the skin's microbiome.
• Allantoin, betaine, arginine and tocopherol — soothing, hydrating and antioxidant support.
• Adenosine — a Korean regulator-recognised functional anti-wrinkle active.

How to use

1. Cleanse, then apply while the skin is still slightly damp — humectant-heavy toners work considerably better on damp skin.
2. Decant into the palms and press into the skin, or apply with a cotton pad if you prefer. Palms waste less product.
3. Pat until absorbed, then continue with essence, serum and moisturiser.

Layering method

For dehydrated skin, apply two or three thin layers, patting each one in and waiting 20 seconds between. This is the principle behind the Korean "7-skin" method, and it hydrates far better than one heavy application.

As a compress

Saturate cotton pads and lay them over red or irritated areas for five minutes.

Recommended frequency

• Standard use: twice daily, morning and evening, immediately after cleansing.
• Dehydrated or reactive skin: twice daily using the layering method.
• Alongside retinoids or acids: excellent on recovery nights and the mornings after — there is nothing in this formula that will clash with an active.
• Post-procedure: once cleared by your practitioner, this is a sensible first step back into a routine.
• Timeline: immediate hydration and comfort. Improvements in tone from the niacinamide and alpha-arbutin build over 6 to 8 weeks.

Best suited to

Dehydrated, sensitive and reactive skin. Redness-prone skin. Anyone using strong actives who needs a calm, supportive base layer. Also suitable for oily and combination skin — the texture is watery and the niacinamide actively helps with sebum. A good introduction to PDRN for anyone curious about the ingredient without going to a clinic.

Specifications

• Product type: Leave-on hydrating and soothing toner; first step after cleansing
• Key actives: PDRN (sodium DNA, hydrolysed DNA), niacinamide, panthenol and pantothenic acid, 7-form hyaluronic acid complex, centella asiatica, alpha-arbutin, acetyl hexapeptide-8, hydrolysed collagen
• PDRN source: Vegetable-derived, not marine
• Texture: Thin, watery liquid; absorbs immediately
• Fragrance: None added
• Cruelty-free: Yes
• Skin type: All skin types, including sensitive and dehydrated
• Country of origin: Republic of Korea

Good to know

Topical PDRN is not the same as an injectable PDRN treatment, and we would rather set that expectation clearly. A clinic injects the molecule below the skin surface; a toner works at the top of the stratum corneum. This is an excellent hydrating and soothing toner with a well-built supporting cast — it is not a needle in a bottle, and any brand implying otherwise is overselling.

Contains hydrolysed collagen, which is animal-derived in most sourcing, so this is not certified vegan despite being cruelty-free. For external use only. Avoid direct contact with the eyes. Discontinue use if irritation develops. Store away from direct sunlight and close the cap after use. Keep out of reach of children.