Recently, the most notable ingredient in the K-beauty industry is PDRN (PolyDeoxyRibo Nucleotide). This substance is composed of DNA fragments extracted from the reproductive cells of salmon or trout. It has a component that is 96% similar to human DNA, and as its efficacy in skin regeneration and recovery has been proven, many cosmetics brands have begun to adopt PDRN as a key ingredient.
PDRN is gaining attention because of its regenerative effects. It is akin to the ingredients in 'Rejuran,' a popular dermatological treatment well-known as the 'salmon injection.' PDRN is said to enhance the basic stamina of cells, inducing them to activate on their own.
On the 11th, a closer look at this principle reveals that PDRN binds to a protein (adenosine A2A) that attaches to the cell surface and transmits signals internally, thereby activating cell movement. In other words, PDRN helps cells recover on their own. Through this, it is said to be able to resolve various skin issues, including wrinkle improvement, reinforcement of the skin barrier, and recovery from UV damage.
Many K-beauty brands are competing over the PDRN ingredient. Although this ingredient was originally developed in Italy, it was the K-beauty industry that first popularized its commercialization in cosmetics.
In the early stages of development, the low population of salmon and the limited quantity that could be harvested made it very expensive. However, with the development of low-temperature extraction methods that minimize damage to raw materials during the extraction stage, it has become possible to utilize it extensively in cosmetics.
According to industry insiders, the level of research and development for domestic anti-aging new materials is among the best in the world. It is also noted that Korea is the most active in researching PDRN, proving its safety and efficacy. In fact, PharmaResearch, which was the first to import PDRN domestically and develop the regenerative injection Rejuran, achieved domestic sourcing of the raw material a few years ago. Additionally, BIO-FD&C succeeded in the world's first production of PDRN from rose cells. Recently, for ethical reasons, there has been an increase in products using vegan PDRN extracted from sources such as roses, broccoli, and green tea.
A representative product for PDRN is APR's MediCube. MediCube prominently features the 'PDRN Pink Peptide Ampoule' and 'PDRN Pink Collagen Gel Mask.' Since their launch in June last year, the global cumulative sales of the two products have reached 800,000 and 1.5 million units, respectively, by January of this year. In addition, MediCube has expanded its PDRN lineup to include toners, serums, sunscreens, eye creams, mists, and moisturizing creams, and is in the process of establishing its own PDRN production facility at its Pyeongtaek factory.
Anua, which is very popular in North America, launched the 'PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum (PDRN Tear Serum),' which resembles an artificial tear bottle, last September and became a bestseller. Since then, it has expanded its product line to include moisturizing creams. Existing powerhouses LG H&H and Amorepacific Corporation have also introduced new products containing vegan PDRN one after another.
A source from the beauty industry noted, 'In the future, PDRN ingredients are likely to expand beyond skin care to areas such as scalp care and hair loss prevention,' adding, 'Research is actively underway to increase skin penetration rates, so popularity will likely continue for a while.'