'Most "salmon sperm" serums are expensive and overhyped, but I swear by this $27 one.'

If I asked you whether you've ever heard of 'Polydeoxyribonucleotide', there's a good chance you'd look at me like I just sneezed in another language.

I can't even pronounce it properly myself.

In the beauty world, this ingredient goes by a much simpler name: PDRN.

Yep, I'm talking about the now-infamous "salmon sperm" skincare trend that's been taking over all your social feeds. 

WATCH: Dr Naomi explains the science behind salmon sperm facials. Post continues below.

So, what actually is PDRN skincare?

Traditionally, PDRN is a skin-healing compound derived from salmon DNA (sounds gross but works great).

PDRN was originally used in clinical settings via injectable treatments designed to boost cell regeneration, repair damaged skin and improve elasticity.

As we all know, K-beauty is usually more than 10 steps ahead of the skincare game.

Hence, Korean PDRN serums, creams, masks, toners and sunscreens aren't new, but they might be new to you given they're only now gaining in popularity in Australia.

Best K-beauty PDRN serum and skincare products.

A few of my PDRN favourites! Image: Supplied.

As a Korean skincare enthusiast, I've pretty much tried every PDRN serum, PDRN cream and PDRN skincare product out there.

Honestly, most of them didn't live up to the hype, but there are a select few that genuinely impressed me.

Keep scrolling for a roundup of only the best K-beauty PDRN products I've tried, tested and actually love.

Rejuran Turnover Active Cream 50ml, $30.95 (usually $50). 

Image: Lila Beauty.

You honestly can't go wrong with a product from the brand that started the whole PDRN trend.

I bought the entire Rejuran PDRN range when it first launched in Korea a few years ago, and this cream is the one I keep coming back to.

It's deeply nourishing, incredibly hydrating and makes your skin feel brand new the next day.

That said, I only reach for it when my skin really needs some serious TLC — it's rich, so it can be a bit too much for my sensitive, combo skin if used daily.

But if you have mature or dry skin, it's a dream. I even bought it for my mum and her friends, who now all swear by it.

VT Comestics PDRN Essence 100 30ml, $44.95 (usually $72).

Image: Lila Beauty.

I first fell in love with VT Cosmetics when I tried their (now viral) Reedle Shot serum — you can read my Reedle Shot review here.

Since then, the brand has kept on releasing absolute bangers. Exhibit A: their PDRN Essence 100.

If your skin is looking tired, dull and just meh, this super powerful essence is like an overnight reset button.

It contains 100ppm of PDRN to deeply repair and regenerate skin, helping with everything from texture and tone to fine lines. The formula is also boosted with soothing ingredients, like vegan ginseng, centella asiatica extract and panthenol, making it ideal for sensitive, compromised or post-treatment skin.

Seriously, I owe my life to this product during a period when my damaged skin barrier needed urgent help.

In terms of texture, it has a lightweight, watery texture that sinks in fast without any heaviness, instantly calming irritation and leaving your skin feeling fresh, plump and balanced.

Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Eye Cream 30ml, $18.50 (usually $24). 

Image: Lila Beauty.

Medicube PDRN products are popular, but this one is a favourite.

Eye cream is non-negotiable in my daily skincare routine (equal to a sunscreen). This Medicube PDRN eye cream has made it onto my top eye creams list.

It features salmon-derived PDRN to regenerate skin, plus niacinamide, peptides and a gentle retinol to tackle dark circles and fine lines. The texture is lightweight, non-sticky and absorbs instantly.

Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum 30ml, $26.95 (usually $42). 

Image: Lila Beauty.

If you've read any of my previous beauty articles, you'll know I'm a huge fan of Anua. When it comes to gentle formulas that work, the brand just gets it.

To put things into perspective, this product alone boasts a 4.8 out of 5-star average rating from over 4.1k reviews on Korea's Olive Young website. This is a huge accomplishment in a highly saturated and intensely competitive market.

Along with PDRN, it contains 11 types of hyaluronic acids to moisturise both the inside and outside of the skin, as well as collagen for deeper penetration.  It's super lightweight and absorbs into the skin in seconds. The lightweight formula sinks in fast and layers beautifully under makeup. 

There's also a PDRN toner pad version I love using as a quick mask after cleansing. Just pop a few on, wait a few minutes, and pat in the leftover essence.

Eqqualberry Purple PDRN Pore Minimizing Serum 30ml, $27.95 (usually $38). 

Image: Lila Beauty.

This viral Korean serum has been flooding my FYP, and for good reason.

Eqqualberry PDRN promises visible pore tightening in just three days by targeting the four key causes of enlarged pores: loss of elasticity, excess oil, dehydration and uneven tone.

The formula is powered by 3% Purple PDRN (a vegan, rice-derived alternative), along with collagen, peptides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and more, which all work to refine pores, restore bounce and smooth skin texture.

Despite being packed with actives, it's gentle enough for sensitive and acne-prone skin.

The lightweight, non-comedogenic formula absorbs instantly with zero stickiness, delivering that hydrated, pore-blurred finish Korean skincare is known for.

Gosh, I really love this product. 

Medicube PDRN Lip Sleeping Mask 10g, $15.95 ($28).

Image: Lila Beauty.

If you're a fan of the cult-fave Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask, this might just win you over.

Think: same glossy hydration, but way more effective.

The Medicube PDRN lip sleeping mask actually repairs your lips overnight and still feels glossy come morning, without the dreaded stickiness. A massive tick from me.

Where to buy Korean PDRN products in Australia.

Luckily, there's no shortage of K-beauty stockists in Australia. Some of my favourite places to shop include:

Lila Beauty (look out for regular discount codes)

W Cosmetics (in-store and online)

Adore Beauty

Atomica (in-store only)

Nudie Glow (in-store and online)

KBeauty Australia

Amazon

Have you tried any of the above PDRN products? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Feature image: Supplied.

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