DO I NEED PDRN IN MY EYE CREAM

In the world of regenerative dermatology, PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide) has evolved from a wound-healing active into a clinically supported biomolecule with applications in periorbital skincare. As eye creams advance from simply hydrating to biologically modulating, the inclusion of PDRN signals a shift toward cell-directed skin repair. But is it necessary in a modern eye product, and what role does it actually play?

What Is PDRN and How Does It Work?

PDRN is a DNA fragment derived from natural sources – most commonly salmon or plant-based cell lines – that interacts with cellular repair mechanisms in the skin. It works by activating the A2A adenosine receptor, stimulating fibroblast growth, increasing collagen synthesis, and reducing oxidative damage at a molecular level.

One recent study demonstrated that PDRN prevents UVB-induced degradation of SIRT1, a protein responsible for regulating cell survival and ageing, and helps reduce autophagic skin stress under repeated UV exposure (Chen et al., 2025. 

This supports PDRN’s role in protecting skin structure and integrity, particularly in thin, UV-sensitive areas such as the eye contour.

Another mechanism-specific paper identified that PDRN stimulates ERK pathway activation in dermal fibroblasts, enhancing collagen and extracellular matrix protein production while simultaneously suppressing inflammatory responses in keratinocytes (Shin et al., 2023 ).

 This dual action makes it uniquely beneficial for both repairing tissue and preserving epidermal health.

Why the Eye Area Needs Targeted Regeneration

The periorbital region contains some of the thinnest skin on the face. It lacks sebaceous cushioning, has reduced vascularisation, and is prone to both dynamic wrinkling and TEWL (transepidermal water loss). Fine lines, vascular shadows, and dehydration often manifest earlier here than in other facial zones.

This makes the eye area uniquely suited to regenerative molecules like PDRN, which can stimulate dermal recovery without irritation. 

In a 2022 clinical trial, 120 participants with periorbital wrinkles were treated using RF microneedling radiofrequency, followed by a topical PDRN application. The group receiving PDRN showed significantly greater improvements in elasticity, fine lines, and hydration compared to RF alone (Yogya et al., 2022,).

Can PDRN Support Post-Treatment Recovery?

Post-procedure skin—especially after fractional laser or RF micro needling—often presents with erythema, barrier disruption, and transepidermal water loss (TEWL). 

The application of topical PDRN post-treatment has been shown to accelerate re-epithelialisation, enhance keratinocyte migration, and improve skin barrier protein expression.

In a 2023 study using 3D human skin models, PDRN derived from Panax ginseng was shown to restore epidermal structure and reinforce barrier proteins such as filaggrin and fibronectin after induced skin damage (Lee et al., 2023,). 

While plant-based, this PDRN mimicked human DNA repair behaviour, suggesting broad potential in cosmeceutical formulations designed for skin regeneration.

Does PDRN Help With Pigmentation?

Although PDRN is not classified as a pigment-correcting agent, emerging evidence suggests it may play a supportive role in inhibiting melanogenesis. 

A 2022 study using melanocyte cultures and UV-irradiated mouse models found that a formulation containing PDRN, niacinamide, and vitamin C significantly suppressed tyrosinase activity and downregulated MITF, a master regulator of melanin production (Park et al., 2022, https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/27/15/4923). 

This may provide indirect benefits in brightening under-eye pigmentation caused by post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or UV stress.

Recommended Use and Application

Topical PDRN is most effective when used twice daily on clean, dry skin. 

In eye creams, it is typically formulated at concentrations between 0.1–0.5%, in emulsions or hydrogels that preserve the molecule’s structure. It should be applied gently with the ring finger around the orbital rim, avoiding direct contact with the waterline.

PDRN is non-irritating and well-tolerated, making it suitable for use alongside other barrier-repair actives such as niacinamide, panthenol, or hyaluronic acid.

It is particularly well-suited for post-procedural skincare routines or as part of a maintenance protocol for chronically dry or ageing eye zones.

Does PDRN Belong in Eye Cream?

YES – when backed by clinically relevant concentrations and paired with compatible formulations, PDRN is a biologically active regenerative molecule for the periorbital area. 

• It supports collagen formation,

•  reduces oxidative stress,

• plays a role in barrier reinforcement and pigment modulation, 

• Does not have the irritation risks associated with retinoids or acids.

Its inclusion in luxury skincare signals a shift toward evidence-based formulation, offering long-term benefits for those seeking to improve eye contour texture, resilience, and hydration. Unlike surface hydrators or instant-acting peptides, PDRN supports the skin’s innate repair system, making it a valid addition to luxury performance-driven dermal care such as Dr Naomi Skin.

References

1. Chen, J. et al. (2025). PDRN prevents SIRT1 degradation by attenuating autophagy during skin aging. PLOS ONE. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0321005

2. Shin, S. M. et al. (2023). Polydeoxyribonucleotide exerts opposing effects on ERK activity in human skin keratinocytes and fibroblasts. Molecular Medicine Reports. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10308489/

3. Yogya, Y. et al. (2022). Efficacy and Safety of Using Noninsulated Microneedle Radiofrequency Alone versus in Combination with Polynucleotides for Treatment of Periorbital Wrinkles. Dermatology and Therapy. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9110589/

4. Lee, K. S. et al. (2023). Skin Regeneration and Barrier-Improvement Efficacy of Polydeoxyribonucleotide Isolated from Panax Ginseng. Marine Drugs. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10649580/

5. Park, H. J. et al. (2022). Combination of Niacinamide, Vitamin C, and PDRN Mitigates Melanogenesis by Modulating NNT and Downregulating MITF. Molecules. https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/27/15/4923