5 Myths About Salmon Sperm Skin Treatments
Over the past few years, salmon sperm skincare (also known as PDRN therapy), has become one of the most talked-about beauty trends in Asia and beyond. From Korean celebrities to skincare influencers, people are praising it as a treatment that helps rejuvenate tired, dull, or damaged skin.
But with all the attention comes plenty of confusion. Many people wonder: Is it really made from salmon sperm? Is it safe? Does it work like filler or Botox?
In this article, we’ll clear up the myths and explain what the science actually says about this fascinating treatment.
What Is Salmon Sperm Skin Treatment
Before diving into the myths, let’s start with what it actually is.
Salmon sperm treatments use an ingredient called PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide), a purified DNA compound derived from salmon. PDRN has long been used in regenerative medicine to promote tissue repair, healing, and skin regeneration.
In aesthetics, it’s used in injectable skin boosters such as Rejuran Healer, designed to help improve skin texture, hydration, and elasticity over time.
Myth #1: “It’s Made From Actual Salmon Sperm”
False. PDRN contains zero reproductive cells.
While PDRN does originate from salmon DNA, that doesn’t mean it’s made from raw sperm or reproductive material. The compound is extracted, purified, and sterilised in laboratory conditions, leaving behind only the safe, active DNA fragments used for healing and regeneration.
The final ingredient is medical-grade, sterile, and far removed from its biological source. So, while the name might sound unusual, the product itself is simply a purified DNA molecule, not salmon tissue.
Myth #2: “It’s Just a Trend With No Real Science”
PDRN therapy isn’t just a passing skincare fad, it’s backed by years of research and clinical use.
Originally developed for medical wound healing, PDRN has been used for decades in hospitals to help repair tissue damage, burns, and ulcers. In aesthetics, the same regenerative properties are applied to stimulate collagen production, support cell turnover, and restore the skin barrier.
Clinical studies have shown that PDRN can help improve skin elasticity, hydration, and smoothness. This is why it’s now a popular option in regenerative skin treatments across dermatology and cosmetic clinics.
| Study | Year | Key Finding |
|---|---|---|
|
Pharmacological Activity of PDRN |
2017 |
|
|
Polynucleotides in Aesthetic Medicine |
2024 |
|
|
PDRN for Skin Disorders |
2025 |
Myth #3: “It Works Like Filler or Botox”
False. PDRN is regenerative, not volumising or paralysing.
Another misconception is that PDRN injectables work the same way as dermal fillers or anti-wrinkle injections, but they don’t.
Each treatment type serves a different purpose:
| Treatment | Goal | Onset | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
|
PDRN |
DNA repair → collagen boost |
2 to 4 weeks |
6 to 12 months |
|
Filler |
Add volume |
Instant |
6 to 18 months |
|
Botox |
Relax muscles |
3 to 7 days |
3 to 4 months |
PDRN doesn’t change facial structure or muscle movement. Instead, it encourages the skin to repair itself from within, leading to gradual improvements in radiance, firmness, and overall skin health.
Myth #4: “It’s Dangerous or Unhygienic”
The idea of using something derived from salmon DNA can sound worrying at first but PDRN skin treatments are considered safe and sterile when administered by qualified professionals.
The ingredient undergoes multiple purification and sterilisation steps before it’s approved for medical or aesthetic use. These processes remove proteins and pathogens, leaving behind only clean DNA fragments.
Like any injectable procedure, mild side effects such as redness or swelling may occur temporarily, but serious reactions are rare. The key is to have the treatment performed in a clinical environment by trained practitioners using regulated products.
Myth #5: “You Can Get the Same Results From a Cream”
False. Topical PDRN offers surface hydration only, with <10% penetration to deeper layers.
You may have seen skincare products claiming to contain “salmon DNA” or “PDRN extract” and while they can help with surface hydration, they don’t work the same way as injectable treatments.
Topical creams act only on the skin’s outer layer (the epidermis), so they can’t reach the deeper dermal layers where collagen and cell regeneration happen.
Injectable PDRN, on the other hand, delivers the active compound directly into the skin’s deeper layers. This allows it to stimulate repair processes more effectively, leading to improvements in texture, elasticity, and glow over time.
Both options have their place, but the depth and impact of results differ significantly.
The Bottom Line: Will PDRN Still Be Worth It in 2026?
Yes, especially if you are after natural, evidence-based skin repair.
Salmon sperm skin treatments or more accurately, PDRN therapy, are not as strange as they sound. They’re the result of years of scientific research into DNA-based skin regeneration and are widely used in aesthetic medicine today.
While the name might raise eyebrows, the treatment itself is safe, well-studied, and effective when administered by qualified professionals.
As with any cosmetic procedure, it’s best to consult with an experienced clinician who can assess your skin condition and recommend the most suitable approach for your goals.
FAQs
Yes. PDRN is a sterile, medical-grade ingredient used in both medical and cosmetic fields. Mild redness or swelling may occur temporarily after treatment.
No. It contains purified DNA derived from salmon, not cells or reproductive tissue.
PDRN boosts natural skin regeneration, while fillers add volume and Botox relaxes muscles. The effects are gradual and improve skin quality over time.
Results vary, but most people start to see visible improvements within 2–4 weeks. The effects typically peak around 3 months and can last 6–12 months with maintenance.
Important Notice:
A comprehensive consultation is essential before making any decisions regarding cosmetic injectable treatments. Our clinical team prioritises your safety and tailors all treatment recommendations to your unique needs. Individual results and recovery may vary. This content is for educational purposes only and does not promote or advertise the use or supply of prescription-only products.
