In February 2026, Anua marked its U.S. expansion of polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) skin care with the launch of its PDRN Collagen Glow Facial Serum Spray at the “Unlock the PDRN: Blue Capsule Technology” event in New York City, spotlighting the ingredient as the core driver of its latest innovation. Built around salmon DNA–derived PDRN, the formula emphasizes regeneration, hydration, and barrier support through Anua’s proprietary micro “blue capsule” technology that activates upon application.
In February 2026, Anua marked its U.S. expansion of polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) skin care with the launch of its PDRN Collagen Glow Facial Serum Spray at the “Unlock the PDRN: Blue Capsule Technology” event in New York City, spotlighting the ingredient as the core driver of its latest innovation.Anua
In April 2026, Spate reported that "PDRN is the fastest-growing ingredient in skin care right now," with the hashtag #pdrn appearing frequently in social media content associated with skin recovery.
In January, Spate noted that consumer interest in PDRN surged dramatically across social media and search platforms, rising 998.4% year over year overall. K-beauty is a key accelerator of this trend, with Korean brands and treatments leading global awareness and adoption. Hashtags such as #rejuran (554.3K weekly TikTok views) and #medicube (174.6K) dominate conversation, reinforcing Korea’s role in clinical and at-home PDRN innovation.
The popularity of adjacent tags like #glowyskin, #antiagingskincare, and #antiaging further underscores consumer motivation, positioning PDRN as a high-growth active linked to radiance, regeneration, and visible skin rejuvenation.
No surprise, then, that in-cosmetics Global 2026 in Paris highlighted a sharp acceleration in innovation around PDRN and DNA-based skin care, with a cluster of new launches positioning the ingredient category as a core pillar of longevity cosmetics. Rather than incremental updates, suppliers presented a clear shift toward integrated systems that combine efficacy, stability and delivery innovation, reflecting growing demand for regenerative skin care that goes beyond surface-level anti-aging claims.
A major theme was the diversification of PDRN formats and production methods. New developments included ultra-small molecular weight micro PDRN for enhanced penetration, recombinant and fermentation-based PDRN designed for animal-free and scalable production, and multi-molecular PDRN systems aimed at broader biological activity. These approaches are increasingly paired with advanced delivery technologies such as cyclodextrin frameworks and porous encapsulation systems, which enable sustained release, improved stability and deeper skin absorption.
At the same time, manufacturers focused heavily on solving formulation challenges through stability and activation systems. Freeze-dried and solid-state delivery formats were introduced to protect sensitive nucleotide actives until use, allowing higher concentrations without degradation or preservatives. Together, these innovations signal a maturing PDRN category that is moving from single-ingredient positioning to a more sophisticated ecosystem of biotech-enabled platforms designed to deliver both immediate cosmetic effects and long-term skin regeneration benefits.
Here, we round up several of the PDRN technologies launched at in-cosmetics Global's Innovation Zone.
DNA-Driven Longevity: Kalichem Expands Its PDRN Platform Into Skin and Scalp Regeneration
Kalichem's Stimucap V is a vegan PDRN complex + glutathione for scalp care and hair skinification.Kalichem
Kalichem S.R.L. has introduced Kalinat PDRN, a biotech-derived active positioned at the intersection of longevity science and high-performance anti-aging. Based on upcycled polydeoxyribonucleotides (PDRN), the ingredient leverages native DNA fragments to deliver both immediate lifting effects and longer-term skin regeneration benefits, aligning with growing demand for efficacy-driven, sustainability-conscious actives.
Designed as a multifunctional solution, Kalinat PDRN targets key signs of aging through a combination of anti-wrinkle action, improved elasticity and support for native collagen production. The ingredient works by stimulating cellular energy metabolism and enhancing skin vitality, while also providing antioxidant protection against oxidative stress—an increasingly important pathway in pro-youth formulations.
Kalichem positions the mechanism as both reparative and preventative: by boosting energy-dependent skin processes and helping preserve cellular functionality, the ingredient supports bio-revitalization and radiance while reducing visible fatigue. This dual focus reflects a broader industry shift toward “longevity cosmetics,” where maintaining skin health over time is as critical as correcting existing damage.
From a formulation standpoint, Kalinat PDRN offers versatility as a high-purity, water-soluble, odor-free powder with optimized molecular weight for cosmetic applications. Produced via an upcycling-based sourcing model and manufactured under pharmaceutical-grade standards, the ingredient emphasizes both circular economy principles and safety, with low contaminant levels and no added preservatives.
Kalichem also offers Kaligen, a vegan, bio- and plant-based PDRN-inspired nucleobiotic complex designed to drive skin renewal, replumping and long-term skin longevity through biomimetic activation of native collagen pathways. Engineered via a controlled process that yields a reproducible pattern of bioactive macromolecules, it delivers high physiological compatibility and multi-layer efficacy, supporting visible smoothing, lifting and biorestructuring across the epidermis and dermis. Positioned for both professional and at-home anti-aging applications, the ingredient combines regenerative performance with a clean, additive-free INCI, offering durable improvements in firmness, elasticity and overall skin vitality while aligning with modern demands for high-performance, conscious skin care.
Kalichem has also launched a wider range of PDRN technologies, including:
- Stimucap V: a vegan PDRN complex + glutathione for scalp care and hair skinification
- Stimucap SC: marine PDRN + CLA glutathione to protect follicles and boost hair health
Smart Delivery System Unlocks Sustained DNA-Driven Skin Repair
H&A Pharmachem’s COF PDRN combines polydeoxyribonucleotides (PDRN) from salmon DNA with a cyclodextrin covalent-organic framework (CD COF) delivery system designed to enhance stability, penetration and efficacy. The porous, biodegradable structure—formed from cyclodextrin and metal ions—enables adsorption and sustained release of actives, while accommodating multiple molecular weights (micro PDRN, PDRN and PN) to optimize skin absorption and cellular regeneration. Positioned for skin care applications, the ingredient delivers targeted soothing, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing benefits, with a focus on continuous activity through controlled release and improved protection of otherwise unstable components.
Micro PDRN: Deep-Penetrating DNA Tech for Faster Repair and Firmer Skin
Dispropquima Sau’s Micro PDRN is an ultra-low molecular weight DNA active designed to maximize skin penetration and regenerative performance. By enhancing cellular renewal and accelerating tissue repair processes, the ingredient supports recovery of damaged skin while delivering anti-inflammatory benefits. Its mechanism focuses on stimulating tissue growth, improving elasticity and maintaining hydration, resulting in firmer, smoother skin with visible anti-wrinkle effects. The formulation leverages the combination of micro PDRN and spicules to further boost delivery efficiency, enabling deeper absorption and improved outcomes in skin texture, radiance and overall appearance.
Recombinant PDRN Targets Sustainable Skin Repair
Uniproma GmbH’s RJMPDRN REC is a recombinant salmon PDRN produced via patented biosynthesis technology rather than traditional extraction from salmon milt. The ingredient is designed with 98% homology to human DNA, supporting high biocompatibility, safety and cosmetic efficacy while enabling animal-free, traceable and scalable production. Positioned as a next-generation DNA-fragment active, it delivers anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, skin-repairing and brightening benefits, with a focus on consistency and purity across batches. Manufactured through fermentation-based synthesis, RJMPDRN REC offers tight control over fragment size distribution, strong stability under stress conditions and reliable performance in formulation, per the manufacturer. Water-soluble and compatible across a wide pH range (≥5), it is easy to integrate at use levels of 0.01–2% across multiple skin care formats, supporting industrial scalability alongside sustainability and ethical sourcing requirements.
Mini-RNA Active Driving Barrier Strength, Lipid Renewal and Inflammation Control
Nikko Chemicals’ 5’-CMP is a yeast-derived nucleotide mini-RNA ingredient developed using proprietary enzymatic processing of RNA from food-grade yeast, inspired by protective nucleotides found in human milk. At approximately 1/4000th the size of salmon PDRN, it is designed for high bioavailability and can be used in both topical and oral nutricosmetic applications.
Mechanistically, 5’-CMP supports skin barrier resilience by stimulating lipid and phospholipid synthesis, enhancing long-chain ceramide production (notably C22+ species) and helping suppress inflammatory cascades associated with premature aging.
Lipidomic studies indicate it improves ceramide quality rather than simply increasing quantity, strengthening barrier architecture and improving texture, fine lines and sagging over time.
Produced by Yamasa using renewable yeast fermentation and scalable food-grade processes, the ingredient reflects a dual in-and-out approach to skin health, combining cosmetic and nutritional pathways for systemic skin resilience.
Freeze-Dried Delivery System Unlocks Stabilized, High-Potency Plant PDRN Performance
Bio-FD&C’s Active Cube is a freeze-dried, high-concentration solid delivery system designed to stabilize and protect sensitive cosmetic actives by removing moisture and preventing degradation. In the context of Plant PDRN, the system enables improved preservation of nucleotide-based actives that are typically unstable in liquid formulations, ensuring higher efficacy at the point of use. The format is activated immediately prior to application, allowing fresh mixing of ingredients such as Plant PDRN, vitamin C, NMN, NAD and peptides without the need for preservatives. This approach supports higher payload delivery of PDRN while maintaining structural integrity, enhancing bioavailability and functional performance on skin. The lightweight solid system also improves logistical efficiency, reducing storage volume and transport weight while enabling scalable global distribution of high-potency regenerative formulations.
A New Blue-Biotech Alternative to PDRN Pushes Skin Longevity
Amid the popularity of PDRN, alternatives have cropped up among this year's new innovations. For instance, Clariant’s Lucas Meyer Cosmetics division has introduced AlgaSurge, a skin longevity active derived from extremophile microalgae using blue biotechnology. The sulfated polysaccharide hydrogel is positioned as a vegan alternative to hyaluronic acid and PDRN, with enhanced resistance to enzymatic degradation for longer-lasting hydration. Its dual molecular structure enables both surface film formation and deeper penetration, supporting moisture retention, pro-collagen I production and restoration of autophagic activity in aged fibroblasts. Clinical testing versus a hyaluronic acid benchmark showed improvements in skin plumpness, density, barrier function and visible signs of aging including wrinkles and uneven tone.
