Product

PDRN

Skin and scalp actives that support tissue repair.

What is PDRN?

PDRN (Polydeoxyribonucleotide) is a low molecular weight DNA fragment ingredient that’s increasingly finding its way into topical skin and scalp formulations.

It’s produced by fragmenting plant-derived DNA into short, biologically active pieces, typically somewhere between 50 and 2,000 base pairs. Once broken down to this size, PDRN no longer carries genetic instructions. Instead, it binds to the receptors on the surface of skin cells, triggering the kind of repair signalling that’s relevant to skin ageing, barrier condition and scalp health. In formulation terms, PDRN sits within the regenerative actives category.

What is PDRN used for?

PDRN works across a range of leave-on formats, including serums, ampoules, creams and lightweight lotions, where its hydrating, calming and barrier-supporting effects are the target benefit. In facial skincare, you’ll typically formulate with it to support barrier function and improve skin comfort in products aimed at ageing, sensitive or compromised skin. In scalp and haircare applications, PDRN is formulated alongside anti-inflammatory and follicle-supporting actives to help maintain a healthy scalp, rather than working as a standalone hero ingredient.

Because it’s a relatively large molecule, penetration below the surface layers of skin is limited, so the claims you build around it should reflect what your topical product can realistically achieve.

Key product benefits: PDRN

Versatility

PDRN’s repair mechanism can serve both facial skincare and haircare products without needing different actives for each product range.

Complements existing actives

PDRN pairs well with hydrators like Hyaluronic Acid and other regenerative or barrier-supporting ingredients, so you can build it into an existing formulation.

Easy to formulate

At typical use levels around 1%, PDRN disperses well in water-phase systems, making it a manageable addition to your serums, ampoules and lotions.

Plant-based

Our plant-derived PDRN gives you a straightforward position on vegan, halal and kosher products without the questions that come with animal-derived PDRN.

Why source your plant-derived PDRN from MegaChem (UK)?

PDRN is still a relatively new ingredient in cosmetics formulation, so its quality and consistency tend to vary more than they would for an established raw material.

MegaChem (UK) supplies PDRN with full compositional documentation, covering its declared actives, batch traceability and stability data, so you’ve got what you need to build your own regulatory and claims case for the markets you’re selling into. We hold the fragment length and consistency data, and the sourcing detail behind it, so you’re working from facts. Our team can talk you through your formulation questions as they come up, and pack sizes are flexible enough to support development trials through to full production runs.

Frequently asked questions

Is PDRN suitable for vegan or halal and kosher formulations?

Yes. Our PDRN is plant-derived, giving you a straightforward position on vegan, halal and kosher-conscious ranges.

What’s the typical use level for PDRN in a topical formulation?

Generally around 1%, depending on your target claims and the rest of your formulation.

Are there processing constraints I should plan for?

Yes. PDRN is heat-sensitive and at risk of degradation above roughly 40°, so it should go in at a cool stage of your process rather than face prolonged heat.

What formats does PDRN work well in?

It disperses well in water-phase systems, so it suits serums, ampoules, creams, lightweight lotions and scalp treatments.

Can PDRN be combined with other actives?

Yes. It pairs well with hydrators like Hyaluronic Acid, and with other regenerative or barrier-supporting ingredients, so it fits into an existing formulation rather than needing to work alone.

What documentation do you provide with PDRN?

Full compositional documentation, including declared actives, batch traceability and stability data, so you can build your own regulatory and claims case.

Get your PDRN from MegaChem (UK)

If you’re exploring whether PDRN belongs in your next formulation, our team is happy to talk you through sourcing, formats and formulation support, or get you started with a sample to trial in your lab.