INDIVIDUAL ARTICLE: Real-World Cases Using Phyto Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) Serum
September 2026 | Volume 25 | Issue 9 | 15491s2 | Copyright © September 2026
Published online August 31, 2026
Yan Wu MD PhDa, Sophie Guénin MD MScb, Elaine Fung MDc, Patricia Brieva PhDd, Xiaoning Li MDe, Liang-Chen Lin MDf, Carlos Morales Raya MDg, Marco Rocha MDh, Karim Sayed MDi, Todd Schlesinger MDj, John Sullivan MDk, Jill Waibel MDl
aDepartment of Dermatology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
bDepartment of Dermatology, Icahn School of Medicine, New York, NY
cDepartment of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia, Canada, Bedford Skin Clinic, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
dSkinCeuticals, New York, NY
eDepartment of Cosmetic Dermatology, Distinct Clinic, Beijing, China
fBright Skin Clinic, Hsinchu City, Taiwan
gClinica Dr. Morales Raya, Madrid, Spain
hDepartment of Dermatology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
iNomi Oslo, Oslo, Norway
jClinical Research Center of the Carolinas, Charleston, SC
kSutherland and St George Hospitals, Caringbah; University of New South Wales, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
lMiami Dermatology and Laser Research Institute, Miami, FL
Abstract
Background: Integrative skincare refers to a clinician-directed regimen that combines aesthetic procedures with appropriate post-procedure skincare. The novel phyto polydeoxyribonucleotides (PDRN) formulation combines the benefits associated with the antioxidant, soothing phyto botanical blend with the effects of PDRN, a regenerative ingredient for wound-healing with collagen-stimulating properties. The serum contains an 8% phyto botanical complex, ectoin, tripeptide-8, and a 9.7% hydrating complex (glycerin and hyaluronic acid), along with PDRN derived from Lactobacillus sakei, a bacterium isolated from the soil of fallen magnolia flowers. Together, these components are designed to reduce immediate post-procedure redness and erythema while providing skin-rejuvenating benefits with continued use.
Methods: Nine global expert medical doctors share their experience incorporating the serum into post-procedure care with the goal of optimizing patient outcomes and minimizing downtime. The phyto PDRN serum was evaluated in a split-face real-world protocol for post-procedure care.
Results: Eight cases were selected by the expert panel to demonstrate the use of the phyto PDRN serum in an integrative skincare treatment plan under real-world conditions. All cases demonstrated successful integration of the phyto PDRN serum into the post-procedure care of eight women with Fitzpatrick skin types II–IV and aged from 28 to 68. Patients underwent non-ablative fractional laser, Nd:YAG, microneedling, microneedling radiofrequency, and chemical peels to address their various skin concerns.
Conclusion: The phyto PDRN serum was safe, well-tolerated, and a clinically useful adjunct to integrative skin care regimens following cosmetic procedures. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredients, combined with PDRN polymers, uniquely support post-procedure recovery and skin repair.
INTRODUCTION
Inflammation and photodamage are largely considered the leading contributors to premature skin aging as they lead to decreased collagen content in the skin.1 Collagen, the most abundant protein in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of skin, has been shown to decrease in abundance by approximately 1-1.5% per year, leading to skin aging.1,2 Polydeoxyribonucleotides (PDRN) and polyribonucleotides (PN) are small and medium deoxyribonucleotide (DNA) or ribonucleotide (RNA) chains have been shown to boost collagen production and skin regeneration. These biopolymers have shown significant beneficial effects in wound healing, improved skin elasticity, and overall skin quality. Originating from Korea, PDRN products popularized on social media have largely been derived from the gonads of salmon species, "salmon sperm", and have been used in aesthetic medicine to improve skin texture, hydration, and repair. However, it is important to note that PDRN may also be derived from other biological material, such as human placenta or species with high biocompatibility to human genetic material. Fragments of genetic material can be formulated into gels, creams, and serums that are applied to the skin to stimulate the skin's own repair response through triggering of regenerative wound-healing mediators.
