Salmon Sperm in Skincare? Here's Why It Surprisingly Works

The bizarre ingredient is one we didn't see coming but is now everywhere.

Published on Jun 4, 2025

The fountain of youth continues to flow abundantly with the many innovations seen in the beauty and cosmetics industry. Last year, the Rejuran SkinBooster left the skincare clinics of its home, South Korea, and entered the global scene. To put it simply, it’s a type of facial where you get DNA extracted from salmon sperm injected into your face. Even A-list celebrities Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Anniston have jumped in and tried it out for themselves.

@hatethekardashians
Her skin is glowing. Where do I sign up for this? 💅🏻 #fyp #foryou #foryoupage #fypシ #kardashian #kardashians #kyliejenner #kimkardashian #kendalljenner #khloekardashian #kourtneykardashian #jenner #kardashians #krisjenner #kuwtk #kylie #kyliecosmetics #fashion #love #stormiwebster #travisscott #kanyewest #makeup #follow #stormi #keepingupwiththekardashians #kim #like #kimkardashianwest #kylieskin #kardashianfamily #kardashianjenner #kendall #explorepage #jenners #kardashian #kyliejenner #kimkardashian #kendalljenner #khloekardashian #kourtneykardashian #jenner #kardashians #krisjenner #kuwtk #kylie #kyliecosmetics #fashion #love #stormiwebster #travisscott #kanyewest #makeup #follow #stormi #keepingupwiththekardashians #kim #like #kimkardashianwest #kylieskin #kardashianfamily #kardashianjenner #kendall #explorepage #jenners
♬ original sound - kartrashian

It appears that the use of this seemingly bizarre ingredient is here to stay. The spotlighted ingredient is becoming more widely used in skincare products that are suitable for daily use from the comfort of your own homes.

If this has piqued your curiosity, read on to learn more about the enduring beauty trend of salmon sperm, its numerous benefits, and the products that you should give a shot.

Photo courtesy of Snailwhite Philippines

Salmon Sperm in Skincare

The unique properties of salmon sperm makes it a potent source of DNA. As written in the website of the board-certified dermatologist Dr. Salar Hazany, “The DNA from salmon is rich in nucleic acids, antioxidants, and proteins that are believed to have a variety of beneficial effects on the skin.”

Apart from these, it is also known to have anti-inflammatory properties. “Because fish DNA has been shown to have the ability to repair damaged cells,” the California-based doctor wrote, “it’s thought to be an excellent option for promoting skin healing and addressing common skin concerns such as aging, acne scars, or skin texture issues."

Click to Enlarge

PHOTO: Instagram/cathyvalenciaskinclinic.

It was also explained in an Instagram post by the Cathy Valencia Skin Clinic that the use of salmon sperm “activates the skin’s self-regenerative ability.” This means it naturally promotes healing and strengthening for the skin, too.

The Benefits of Using Salmon Sperm

Is it worth having a peculiar ingredient like salmon sperm in your skincare routine? Listed below are its benefits, according to Dr. Salar Hazany and Dr. Francis Wu.

Hydration: Salmon sperm is believed to have the ability to retain moisture, maintaining a healthy skin barrier as a result. This makes it more appealing from people suffering from dry skin.

Well-aging: It boosts collagen production, which is one of the keys to preserving skin elasticity and firmness. Collagen production decreases as a person ages. With salmon sperm encouraging its synthesis, it can aid in reducing wrinkles, fine lines, sagging, and other visible signs of aging.

Skin Restoration: In relation to well-aging and collagen production, the DNA from salmon sperm stimulates other natural repair mechanisms in our bodies. It vitalizes the skin to grow new and healthy skin cells. This promotion of cellular turnover leads to smooth, healthy, and glowing skin.

Anti-inflammation: Its properties help in soothing irritated skin and reducing redness. The use of salmon sperm in skincare could be beneficial for those dealing with acne, rosacea, and other similar conditions.

Wound Healing: Salmon sperm DNA is also known to reduce the appearance of scars, given its regenerative qualities. It accelerates tissue repair, which can also target pigmentation and other skin concerns.

As wonderful as it sounds, it’s important to note that the use of salmon sperm in skincare may not be suitable for people with fish allergy. It is always best to consult a professional.

SHOP:

Skincare Products Infused with Salmon Sperm

From facials and injections, salmon sperms are also becoming present in everyday products like cleansers, serums, and creams. Their formulas are usually gentle yet effective having originated from the world of K-beauty. Now that you’re familiar with all the good things salmon sperm can bring into your regimen, we’ve listed five products worth trying out.

Medicube PDRN Gel to Foam Cleanser

PDRN is short for Polydeoxyribonucleotide, which is basically a DNA fragment derived from salmon sperm. The Medicube PDRN Gel To Foam Cleanser aims to even out and brighten the skin, improving texture and removing excess sebum in the process. The non-irritating formula also works to hydrate and moisturize the skin while preventing tightening.

₱0

Mediheal PDRN Lifting Pad

The Mediheal PDRN Lifting Pad was designed to refine the appearance of pores and to lift sagging skin, making sure you don’t miss any facial spot. It preserves elasticity, improves the appearance of wrinkles, and enhances moisture. The pads are exfoliating without being intimidating—they have passed the irritations tests for sensitive skin and have been proven to be safe for daily use.

₱0

Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Capsule 100 Serum

Strengthening the skin barrier is the Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Capsule 100 Serum, which, aside from PDRN, is equipped with 11 types of hyaluronic acids to penetrate and hydrate the skin deeper. It also contains collagen, which leads to skin that looks smoother, plumper, and more healthy overall.

₱0

Rejuran Healer Turnover Ampoule - Dual Effect

The Rejuran Healer Turnover Ampoule - Dual Effect is believed to deliver results in a short amount of time. It aims to help with alleviating pigmentation, turning the skin clear, and making it glow. The ampoule was also formulated to deeply moisturize the skin and improve its texture.

₱0

Snailwhite Reju Plus Exosome Advanced Cream

The Snailwhite Reju Plus Exosome Advanced Cream is an ultra-potent collagen boost powered by salmon sperm. It revitalizes and repairs the skin, giving it that radiance from within. You can’t really have a conversation about well-aging without the mention of retinol; however, it’s not always suitable for sensitive skin—this cream is a solution to that.

₱0

Kyla Villena loves a good lip gloss and a trip to the art gallery. She is Preview's beauty girl, who doubles as a self-proclaimed motivational speaker.