How to Use PDRN Serum: Routine Order and Ingredient Pairings

Short answer: To use PDRN serum, apply it to clean, slightly damp skin, after toner or mist and before moisturiser. Spread two or three drops over your face and neck, then press it in gently without rubbing. You can use it in the morning, in the evening or both, but your morning routine should always finish with sunscreen. PDRN sits comfortably in the same routine as niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and ceramides. If you are combining it with retinol or acid exfoliants, introduce them gradually and let your skin's response guide you.

What is PDRN serum?

PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide) consists of purified fragments of DNA, mostly sourced from salmon or trout. On cosmetic ingredient lists it usually appears as Sodium DNA, which is why it is also known as "salmon DNA serum". In skincare, it is used as a conditioning ingredient that helps the skin look hydrated, cared for and balanced.

Most clinical research on PDRN concerns injectable procedures carried out by medical specialists. The PDRN in serums and creams, by contrast, is a cosmetic care ingredient: it is no substitute for clinical procedures and is used as part of a daily skincare routine. For a definition of PDRN and its role in a formula, see our article What Is PDRN? Its Place in Cosmetic Care Routines.

How to use PDRN serum, step by step

1. Cleanse your skin. In the evening, first remove your make-up and sunscreen, then wash with your facial cleanser. In the morning, a gentle cleanse is all you need. For the make-up removal step, see our guide How to Use Micellar Water: Rinsing and Choosing by Skin Type.
2. Apply a toner or mist (optional). Don't let your skin dry completely; slightly damp skin helps the serum spread more easily. KDID PDRN Hydrating Face Mist can be used at this step: with your eyes closed, spray it over your face from about 20 centimetres away.
3. Take two or three drops of serum. Dot it on your forehead, cheeks, nose and chin, then spread it over your face and neck.
4. Press, don't rub. Press the serum gently into your skin with your palms or fingertips, and give it about a minute to absorb.
5. Seal it in with moisturiser. Once the serum has absorbed, apply a cream suited to your skin. KDID PDRN Moisturising Face Cream, with PDRN, ceramides, hyaluronic acid and centella, supports the skin's moisture barrier and its day-to-day hydration.
6. Use sunscreen in the morning. The last step of your daytime routine is a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30.

Should you use PDRN serum in the morning or evening?

You can use it at either time. PDRN is not classed as an ingredient that increases the skin's sensitivity to sunlight, so it can go into your morning routine, though you should never skip sunscreen when you use it in the morning. If you use retinol or acid-based products, applying PDRN in the morning is a practical way to keep your evening routine simple. If your skin is dry or needs extra hydration, you can apply it twice a day, morning and evening.

Which ingredients can you use with PDRN?

• Niacinamide: PDRN and niacinamide can be used in the same routine, and even in the same formula. Both support hydration- and barrier-focused care.
• Hyaluronic acid, ceramides and panthenol: These hydration-supporting ingredients work well with PDRN and strengthen your routine.
• Vitamin C: In the morning, apply your vitamin C serum first, then your PDRN serum once it has absorbed, followed by moisturiser and sunscreen.
• Retinol: This belongs in your evening routine. Apply retinol to clean, dry skin as directed on the product, and once it has absorbed, follow with your PDRN serum and moisturiser. If you are new to retinol or have sensitive skin, using retinol and PDRN on alternate nights makes for a more comfortable start.
• Exfoliants containing AHAs and BHAs: Rather than layering them on the same night, use them on different nights. If you notice redness or stinging, take a break from the acid product.

As a general rule, add only one new product to your routine at a time and watch how your skin responds for two weeks. That way, if a problem arises, you can easily tell what caused it.

What is NAD+ and why is it being talked about in skincare?

NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme involved in the energy metabolism of cells, and its levels in the body are known to fall with age. In cosmetic products, NAD+ is used to help the skin look more radiant and refreshed. Research on NAD+ applied to the skin is still limited, so it is best seen as one component that complements the formula as a whole, rather than as a headline ingredient in its own right. Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is also one of the precursors the body uses to produce NAD+.

KDID PDRN NAD+ Salmon DNA Face Serum brings together sodium DNA as its source of PDRN, niacinamide (one of the precursors of NAD+), hyaluronic acid in different molecular weights, and centella. This leave-on serum helps maintain the skin's moisture balance and reduce a dull, tired appearance, and slots easily into both morning and evening routines.

Which skin types is PDRN serum suitable for?

• Dry and dehydrated skin: Applying the serum to slightly damp skin and sealing it in with a rich cream helps the feeling of hydration last longer.
• Oily and combination skin: A lightweight moisturiser after the serum is enough. Avoid heavy layers.
• Sensitive skin: Before using it for the first time, patch test it on a small area behind your ear or under your jawline for 24–48 hours.
• Mature and dull-looking skin: Regular use helps the skin look more hydrated and smoother.

If you have a fish allergy, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting a new skincare product.

PDRN for the body: how to use a body serum

The routine you follow for your face can be adapted for your body, too. KDID PDRN Body Serum, with PDRN, niacinamide, squalane and glutathione, is applied to clean skin after a shower, once you have towelled dry. Massage it in with circular movements until absorbed, focusing on areas prone to dryness such as the elbows, knees, legs and arms. Regular use helps ease the feeling of tightness caused by dryness and helps the skin look softer, smoother and more even in tone. Remember to use sunscreen on exposed areas during the day, and do not apply it to irritated or broken skin.

When will you see results from PDRN serum?

You may notice a feeling of hydration and softness from the first few uses. To judge changes in your skin's texture and overall appearance, however, you need at least four to eight weeks of regular use. The skin's surface layer renews itself in about four weeks, and this process slows down with age. A consistent, simple routine gives better results than frequently switching products.

Frequently asked questions

Can you use PDRN serum every day?

Yes. PDRN serum can be used once or twice a day, in the morning and evening. Always follow the directions on the product packaging first.

Can you use PDRN and retinol on the same night?

Yes, you can. Apply the retinol first, then follow with your PDRN serum and moisturiser. If your skin is sensitive or you are new to retinol, use the two products on different nights.

Are PDRN and polynucleotides (PN) the same thing?

Both are derived from DNA, but they are not the same. PDRN is made up of shorter DNA fragments, whereas polynucleotides consist of longer chains. On cosmetic ingredient lists, DNA-derived ingredients mostly appear as Sodium DNA.

Can you use PDRN serum on oily, acne-prone skin?

Yes. A lightweight PDRN serum can be used on oily skin, too. For acne-prone skin, the most sensible approach is to add the new product to your routine on its own and observe your skin for a few weeks.

Where can I buy KDID PDRN products?

KDID is a dermocosmetics brand built on trust, science and quality. The PDRN range consists of a face serum, a face cream, a hydrating face mist, a foaming face mask and a body serum. In Türkiye, the products are available only through pharmacies and authorised sales channels. You can find your nearest pharmacy on our Points of Sale page.