If you’ve heard about “salmon sperm facials” from “Selling Sunset,” the Kardashians, or previous HuffPost reporting, “polydeoxyribonucleotide” is the underwater wonder ingredient everybody’s been talking about. Known to fans as simply PDRN, it’s a mega-popular, incredibly effective anti-aging skincare ingredient, typically derived from — you guessed it — salmon sperm, often found in Korean beauty products.
While you can get these facials done professionally, it won’t be cheap. But if you’d like all the plumping, tightening and refreshing benefits without draining your bank account, we spotted a four-pack of PDRN Korean skincare masks from Medicube, currently on sale for just $13. That’s the lowest price it’s been all year, evening out to just $3.25 each.
Board-certified dermatopathologist and skin care brand founder, Dr. Gretchen Frieling, says this fish byproduct “bridges the gap between medical-grade treatments and cosmetic skincare.”
Per Frieling, PDRN is a portion of DNA widely used in regenerative and functional medicine, which “has been shown to accelerate repair of damaged skin and promote new tissue growth.” As Frieling previously told HuffPost, “it also boosts hydration in the skin, promotes cellular turnover and reduces hyperpigmentation.”
According to Dr. Dara Spearman, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Radiant Dermatology Associates, PDRN stimulates collagen and elastin production to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and address volume loss. “In short, it provides benefits that are often only achieved with multiple other ingredients,” Spearman previously told HuffPost.
Available as an injectable and topical — like in these masks — the experts call PDRN a versatile and practical addition to at-home skincare.
And users agree it’s like a mini facial at home.
Made with PDRN and hydrolyzed collagen, users say that these color-changing jelly masks provide results fast. They’re incredibly popular with HuffPost readers, featured in many Black Friday and Prime Day stories, and have garnered TikTok virality. They’re also loved by reviewers as a standout, exceptional at-home face mask.
“What sets this mask apart is the luxurious, spa-like experience it provides overnight,” reviewer Hilary Buckeye said. “Each time I use it, I wake up to skin that feels rejuvenated, smooth, and radiant, as if I’ve just had a professional facial. The jelly texture adheres comfortably and locks in moisture, making it perfect for overnight use.”
They go on as a cool, opaque gel, then become clear as they dry, indicating that your skin has soaked up all the good stuff. The brand says you want to leave the mask on for 3-4 hours, though many report wearing it to bed and letting it set overnight. Coming in two pieces, the mask is easy to put on and comfortable to wear, staying put and giving an instant cooling, refreshing feel the moment you put it on.
Some say it gives them a “fresh botox” look, while others call it a “must” and “permanent staple in my skin care routine!”
Whether you’re looking to smooth out wrinkles and fine lines, even out discoloration or just want that “glass skin” glow — these babies provide. And right now, you can grab four for less than four bucks each. Check out more 5-star reviews below and grab a pack on sale.
“I used the mask and the results are amazing. Your face looks radiant, smooth. The mask tight the wrinkles around your face. Excellent choice for thickness and smooth, bright, soft face.. Great product.” — Jeannette Carrera
“I’ve been using this mask for a few weeks now, and it’s quickly become a favorite in my skincare routine. The jelly-like texture feels luxurious and cool upon application, and it transforms from pink to clear as it absorbs, signaling optimal hydration. I typically apply it before bed and wake up to skin that feels plump, smooth, and noticeably more radiant.” — sam
“Absolutely love these! I wear one to bed & wake up with hydrated skin & significantly reduced wrinkles! I sleep on my stomach so always have one side of my face that has more wrinkles in the morning, when I wear one of these masks that is eliminated. Will definitely purchase again!” — MHP
Want more Korean skincare made with PDRN? Check out this list by Senior Shopping Writer Tessa Flores.
A salmon-derived PDRN ampoule with claims of an optimized delivery system (15% off)
The Rejuran Turnover ampoule, a recommendation from Frieling, claims to be the original salmon PDRN product and a brand that is most recognized in this category, according to Gould. This DNA-based formula is enriched with highly purified salmon serum and salmon sperm extracts, ingredient types that are the ideal molecular size for the best and deepest absorption possible, based on brand claims. The ampoule also contains supportive peptides for additional plumping power and raspberry leaf extract, an antioxidant-rich ingredient that soothes and protects against premature skin aging. Get it for 15% off when you hit the coupon.
A highly concentrated PDRN essence to increase elasticity (19% off)
Gould, Spearman and Frieling all mentioned the VT Cosmetics PDRN 100 Essence, a vegan product that contains at least a 10% concentration of PDRN sourced from wild-grown Korean ginseng. According to the brand, ginseng-derived PDRN has a low molecular weight, meaning it's extra stable and offers maximum absorption into the skin. Safe for day and night use, the VT essence also contains panthenol to calm red and troubled skin and ceramides, which are essential for a strong and healthy skin barrier. Get it for 19% off.
The internet-famous PDRN caffeine serum that started it all
Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Dr. Daniel Gould suggested the Iope PDRN Caffeine serum, a product with which we’re well acquainted and the recipient of an official HuffPick shopping award. In addition to PDRN — which in this specific formulation is derived from green tea and plants, according to Gould — this well-loved and extremely popular serum contains a more recognizable combination of ingredients. These include niacinamide — a versatile antioxidant that many swear by for everything from brightening skin to managing redness — and probiotics, an unlikely ingredient that dermatologists have previously told HuffPost can do wonders for keeping skin healthy and strong. It also features caffeine, which has antioxidant properties and may aid in reducing the appearance of wrinkles caused by sun damage.
A skin-brightening PDRN serum enriched with vitamins
Frieling also suggested the Genabelle PDRN Vita Toning ampoule, a lightweight daily serum that features encapsulated vitamins, which keeps them fresher and more potent until the moment of application. The combination of vitamins B, C and E promises antioxidant protection and skin-brighening power that helps to fade dark spots and irregular skin texture. The salmon PDRN base also contains a plumping peptide complex and hyaluronic acid, a well-studied humectant that's known for drawing moisture into the skin for a dewy and hydrated complexion.
The Real Deal: We use deal trackers and commerce experience to sift through “fake” hike-and-drop deals and other deceptive sales tactics. Products will usually be rated at least 4 stars with a minimum 15% discount. (And when there’s an exception, we’ll tell you why.)