Background: Polynucleotide (PN) and polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) injectables derived from salmon sperm DNA have gained global popularity as regenerative “skin boosters,― largely driven by social media and expanding aesthetic applications. Despite increasing clinical use, their mechanisms, efficacy, and safety remain incompletely characterized, particularly in the United States where regulatory guidance is limited.
Objective: To synthesize current evidence on the efficacy, safety, and mechanisms of PN/PDRN injectables for skin rejuvenation and to highlight key gaps relevant to dermatologic practice. Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted using PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases (2010–2025). Search terms included combinations of salmon sperm DNA, polynucleotide, polydeoxyribonucleotide, and skin rejuvenation. Studies were limited to English-language, peer-reviewed human studies. Eligible designs included randomized controlled trials, observational studies, case reports/series, and consensus guidelines evaluating cosmetic dermatologic use. Studies reporting efficacy or safety were included, while non-dermatologic or preclinical studies were excluded. Studies were screened for relevance and synthesized qualitatively.
Results: A total of 22 studies met inclusion criteria, including randomized trials, prospective studies, observational studies, surveys, and case reports, with sample sizes ranging from 5 to >200 participants. PN/PDRN injectables improved skin texture, elasticity, hydration, wrinkle severity, and scar appearance, though effect sizes varied. Mechanistic studies support adenosine A2A receptor activation, fibroblast proliferation, collagen synthesis, angiogenesis, and anti-inflammatory effects. Safety profiles were favorable, with mild, transient injection-site reactions. However, heterogeneity in formulations, dosing, and outcomes limits comparability, and long-term durability remains unclear.
Conclusions: PN/PDRN injectables show promising regenerative benefits but remain limited by heterogeneity and lack of standardization. Larger, controlled trials are needed before routine integration into evidence-based dermatologic practice.
Objective: To synthesize current evidence on the efficacy, safety, and mechanisms of PN/PDRN injectables for skin rejuvenation and to highlight key gaps relevant to dermatologic practice. Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted using PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases (2010–2025). Search terms included combinations of salmon sperm DNA, polynucleotide, polydeoxyribonucleotide, and skin rejuvenation. Studies were limited to English-language, peer-reviewed human studies. Eligible designs included randomized controlled trials, observational studies, case reports/series, and consensus guidelines evaluating cosmetic dermatologic use. Studies reporting efficacy or safety were included, while non-dermatologic or preclinical studies were excluded. Studies were screened for relevance and synthesized qualitatively.
Results: A total of 22 studies met inclusion criteria, including randomized trials, prospective studies, observational studies, surveys, and case reports, with sample sizes ranging from 5 to >200 participants. PN/PDRN injectables improved skin texture, elasticity, hydration, wrinkle severity, and scar appearance, though effect sizes varied. Mechanistic studies support adenosine A2A receptor activation, fibroblast proliferation, collagen synthesis, angiogenesis, and anti-inflammatory effects. Safety profiles were favorable, with mild, transient injection-site reactions. However, heterogeneity in formulations, dosing, and outcomes limits comparability, and long-term durability remains unclear.
Conclusions: PN/PDRN injectables show promising regenerative benefits but remain limited by heterogeneity and lack of standardization. Larger, controlled trials are needed before routine integration into evidence-based dermatologic practice.