To Salmon Sperm, or not to Salmon Sperm
Normal questions estheticians have to answer.
Hi lovelies,
If you had asked me when I was training to be an esthetician how often I would have been asked about Salmon Sperm…well, you know the answer.
But thanks to TikTok, I’m talking about it a lot. And naturally, because I’m me and I can’t not do ALL the due diligence. I dove deep on this wild, salmon trends (forgive me, I couldn’t help myself)
What Is It? And more importantly, does it work?
Let’s clear something up: we’re not actually putting fish sperm on your face. Relief can begin now.
What you’re getting is high-purity DNA extracted from salmon sperm cells (usually rainbow trout), processed into PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide)—a medical-grade compound that’s originally developed for healing wounds and post-surgical recovery.
Once introduced to the skin, it does a few key things:
• Stimulates collagen + elastin production
• Boosts microcirculation and oxygen delivery
• Reduces inflammation and oxidative stress
• Enhances the skin’s ability to heal and regenerate
All of this happens by activating the adenosine A2A receptors, essentially flipping the skin into repair mode.
It doesn’t exfoliate, irritate, or freeze the face. It rebuilds it from within (you know I love this!)
Injectables vs Topicals. What’s better?
Well, obviously, it depends on the time you have. These injectables, unlike Peptides, aren’t done at home.
Injectable PDRN
Pros:
• Minimal downtime (think 24 hours of pinpricks or slight puffiness.)
• Noticeably firmer, glowier skin for 4–6 months.
Cons:
They aren’t cheap. $400–$900/session (typically done in a series)
Brands:
Rejuran
Plinest
Rejuvenex
Topical PDRN
Pros:
Can be used as part of a daily skincare regimen.
Boosts barrier repair, hydration, and glow.
Affordable: $20-90
Cons:
• Works best with microchanneling (ie. radiofrequency or microneedling. The latter of which I always recommend to get by someone who is VERY good, or it can do more harm than good.)
Brands:
Is It Worth It?
If you're looking for a flash facial before a night out, this probably isn’t it. But if you're in your long-game skin era—think: building collagen, boosting density, and staying ahead of the aging curve—it’s a hell yes. It’s not a filler. It’s not a neurotoxin. It’s cellular fuel, and I love that.
What are PDRNs best for?
Skin that feels thin, dry, or “tired”.
Perimenopausal/menopausal skin that needs a collagen boost.
Post-microneedling or RF glow-up.
Recovery from more aggressive treatments.
That’s it, lovelies.
Don’t forget to give this a share. Maybe they’ll get the hint.
Love and light,
Jenny
P.S. Some links are affiliate, but as always, I only share what I use and believe in. Thank you for your support—and let me know if you try anything!