The TRUTH About Salmon DNA Injections vs Creams (What’s Actually Legal in America?) 

What Exactly Are PN and PDRN Treatments?

Both PN and PDRN are derived from the DNA of fish—typically salmon or trout sperm cells. Before you get squeamish, understand that these aren’t actual sperm being injected into your skin. Instead, they’re highly purified DNA fragments that have been sterilized and processed to remove all proteins and other materials that could cause reactions.

The reason fish DNA works so well for human skin? Salmon DNA is over 95% similar to human DNA, making it incredibly biocompatible and safe for cosmetic use.

The Science Behind Salmon DNA

These DNA fragments work by activating your skin’s natural repair mechanisms. When injected or applied topically, they:

• Reduce inflammation by lowering inflammatory markers
• Boost collagen production by stimulating fibroblast cells
• Improve blood flow to treated areas
• Provide building blocks for cellular repair through the “salvage pathway”
• Enhance skin hydration at the molecular level

Key Differences Between PN and PDRN

1. Legal Availability in the USA

PN (Polynucleotide):

• Injectable treatment only
• Cannot be legally obtained in the USA
• Must travel to South Korea, Singapore, or other approved countries
• Used off-label by some US clinics (legal risk for providers)

PDRN (Polydeoxyribonucleotide):

• Available as topical creams, serums, and masks
• Can be legally obtained in the USA for cosmetic use
• NOT approved for injection in the USA
• Legal for external application only

2. Molecular Size and Structure

PN (Polynucleotide):

• Larger DNA chains (molecular weight ≥1,500 kDa)
• Long-chain, double-helix structure
• Creates a 3D scaffold in the skin
• Higher concentration (10-20 mg/mL)

PDRN (Polydeoxyribonucleotide):

• Smaller DNA fragments (molecular weight <1,500 kDa)
• Shorter chains, more fragmented
• Lower concentration (3-5 mg/mL)
• More rapidly absorbed

3. How Long Results Last

PN treatments typically provide effects lasting 6+ months because the larger molecules stay in your skin longer, continuing to stimulate repair processes.

PDRN treatments generally last 3-6 months, with faster initial results but shorter duration overall.

4. Treatment Applications

PN is ideal for:

• Overall facial rejuvenation
• Deep skin regeneration
• Long-term anti-aging
• Severe aging signs
• Professional injectable treatments only

PDRN excels at:

• Targeted healing and repair
• Wound healing and scar treatment
• Quick skin improvements
• Available in both injectables AND topical products
• More immediate visible results

5. Available Forms and Delivery Methods

PN:

• Injectable treatments only
• Cannot be legally obtained in the USA
• Must be administered by medical professionals abroad
• Popular brands: Rejuran Healer, Nucleofill, Plinest (available internationally)

PDRN:

• Topical creams, serums, and masks
• Legally available in the USA for cosmetic use
• NOT approved for injection in the USA
• Can be used in at-home skincare routines
• Professional treatments with microneedling/dermal rolling

The Legal Landscape: USA vs. South Korea

What’s Legal in the United States

❌ NOT FDA-Approved for Injectable Use:

• PN injectable treatments (like Rejuran, Nucleofill)
• PDRN injectable treatments
• Any salmon DNA injections for aesthetic use

✅ Legal in the US (Cosmetic Products):

• PDRN topical skincare products (creams, serums, masks)
• Cosmetic formulations with salmon DNA
• Products like Rejuran USA’s c-PDRN® serum
• Prollenium’s VAMP™ (topical PDRN treatment)

Important Note: Cosmetic products containing PDRN don’t require FDA approval because cosmetics are regulated but not pre-approved by the FDA. However, they must be safe for their intended use and properly labeled. These topical products are only approved for external cosmetic application, not injection.

What You Can Get in South Korea

✅ Fully Legal and FDA-Approved:

• Rejuran injectable treatments
• All PN and PDRN injectables
• Professional clinic treatments
• Cost: $200-250 per session

The Reality for US Patients: Many American clinics quietly offer these treatments using imported products, but this creates legal and safety risks. Injectable PN and PDRN treatments aren’t regulated by the FDA, meaning quality and sterility aren’t guaranteed. Rejuran injectable (PN) specifically has NOT received FDA approval for skin booster injection use in the United States, despite being popular and approved in South Korea.

Treatment Costs and Expectations

Injectable Treatments (Where Legal)

• PN injections: $800-1,500 per session in the US (off-label)
• PDRN injections: $300-600 per session
• South Korea: $200-250 per session
• Recommended series: 2-4 treatments spaced 2-4 weeks apart

Topical Products (US Legal)

• PDRN serums: $50-150 (e.g., Rejuran USA c-PDRN® products)
• Salmon DNA creams: $30-100
• Professional-grade formulations: $100-300 (e.g., Prollenium’s VAMP™)
• Important: These are cosmetic products for topical use only—never for injection

What to Expect During Treatment

Injectable Procedures

1. Consultation to assess skin needs
2. Numbing cream applied for comfort
3. Micro-injections using fine needles
4. 30-60 minute treatment time
5. Minimal downtime with possible mild redness

Recovery and Results

• Immediate: Slight redness, possible swelling
• 24-48 hours: Most side effects resolve
• 1-2 weeks: Initial improvements visible
• 4-8 weeks: Full results develop
• 3-6 months: Results last (varies by treatment type)

Safety Profile and Side Effects

Both PN and PDRN have excellent safety records when properly manufactured and administered.

Common mild side effects:

• Temporary redness
• Minor swelling
• Slight bruising at injection sites
• Tenderness lasting 1-3 days

Rare but possible:

• Allergic reactions (extremely rare due to DNA similarity)
• Infection (if sterility isn’t maintained)
• Uneven results

Choosing Between PN and PDRN

Choose PN if you want:

• Maximum longevity (6+ month results)
• Deep skin transformation
• Professional injectable treatment
• Comprehensive anti-aging effects
• Are willing to travel internationally for legal treatment

Choose PDRN if you want:

• Legal treatment options in the US
• Topical skincare products you can use at home
• Professional cosmetic treatments (with microneedling)
• Budget-friendly approach
• No legal complications

The FDA Approval Outlook

While no salmon DNA injectables are currently FDA-approved, there’s reason for optimism. The recent approval of Juvéderm Skinvive—the first FDA-approved microdroplet skin booster—shows the agency is open to new skin quality treatments.

Industry experts predict that PN and PDRN manufacturers may pursue FDA approval in the coming years, especially given the growing demand and strong safety data from international markets.

Alternative Legal Options in the US

FDA-Approved Skin Boosters

• Juvéderm Skinvive: Hyaluronic acid microdroplets
• Restylane Skinboosters: Hydration-focused treatments

Combination Approaches

Many US practitioners offer:

• PDRN topicals + microneedling
• Salmon DNA serums + laser treatments
• Professional facials with PDRN products

Making the Smart Choice

For US patients seeking legal treatments:

1. Start with topical PDRN products available legally in the US
2. Combine with microneedling for enhanced penetration at professional clinics
3. Consider FDA-approved alternatives like Skinvive for injectable options
4. Avoid illegal PN injections that put you and your provider at legal risk

For international treatment seekers:

1. Research reputable clinics in South Korea or other approved countries for PN injections
2. Verify practitioner credentials and clinic licensing
3. Plan for multiple sessions and follow-up care
4. Budget for travel and treatment costs
5. Understand legal implications of seeking treatment abroad

The Bottom Line

PN and PDRN represent the future of regenerative skincare, offering natural, effective anti-aging benefits through the power of salmon DNA. While PN provides longer-lasting, deeper results and PDRN offers more immediate, targeted improvements, your choice depends on your goals, budget, and willingness to travel for treatment.

For now, US patients have excellent legal options through topical PDRN products and combination treatments. As FDA approval becomes more likely, these revolutionary treatments may soon be widely available domestically.