Key points
- Polynucleotides (PN) are biopolymers (large biological molecules) obtained from DNA, and they are made up of longer DNA fragments than PDRN, a similar ingredient [1].
- A 2025 systematic review analyzed 9 studies including 219 people who received PN injections and reported promising results for wrinkles, skin texture, and elasticity, but the quality of the studies was low to moderate [2].
- The results are mixed: some studies found significant improvement in skin elasticity and hydration, while others found limited or no effect [3].
- The reported side effects were generally mild and temporary, but there is a lack of agreement on the most appropriate way to use PN, so more high-quality research is needed [2].
- Skin condition and the change you hope for differ from person to person, so whether this treatment is right for you should be decided through an examination by a specialist.
What are polynucleotides?
Polynucleotides (PN) and polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) are both biopolymers obtained from DNA, and they are attracting attention in dermatology [1]. Their structures are similar, but they differ in polymer length and molecular weight, so they also work differently [1]. PN, which is made up of longer DNA fragments, is described as playing an important role in remodeling the extracellular matrix (the material that surrounds and supports cells), while PDRN, which is relatively shorter, is described as improving skin condition by activating adenosine receptors [1].
PDRN is a mixture of DNA fragments with a molecular weight of 50 to 1,500 kDa, mainly extracted from the sperm cells of salmon and related fish [4]. More recently, new sources other than salmon and the advantages and disadvantages of different extraction methods have also been studied [5].
Because of the regenerative properties for which it was originally used in wound healing, PN has become popular in biorevitalization treatments (treatments to revitalize the skin), and its use in aesthetic medicine is being studied [2].
Known actions related to skin regeneration
PDRN has been used to support wound healing because it helps cells move and grow, helps form new blood vessels, and reduces inflammation [6]. These actions are described as occurring through activation of the adenosine A2A receptor and the nucleotide salvage pathway (a pathway for recycling the building blocks of DNA), and promotion of collagen synthesis and blood vessel formation has also been reported [4].
However, these findings come mainly from laboratory studies, animal studies, and clinical studies of slow-healing wounds [6]. The fact that a wound-healing effect has been confirmed does not mean that cosmetic effects on wrinkles or elasticity will appear to the same degree.
Study results on cosmetic effects
A 2025 systematic review included 9 studies published from 2010 through January 2024, with a total of 219 patients who received PN injections [2]. PN injections showed promising results in reducing wrinkles, improving skin texture, and increasing elasticity, and several studies reported statistically significant results [2]. Patient satisfaction was moderate to high [2].
However, the quality of the included studies was low to moderate, and the injection areas and methods differed from study to study [2]. A 2024 review likewise summarized that PN has been used to improve skin texture, wrinkle depth, and facial appearance, and that some studies found significant improvement in elasticity and hydration, while other studies found limited or no effect [3].
Where the evidence is still lacking
The 2025 literature review concluded that there is a lack of agreement on the most appropriate way to use PN, and that rigorous, high-quality studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness and safety [2]. The 2024 review also stated that more research is needed to understand how it works and how best to use it [3].
The study summaries reviewed for this article give no figures on how many treatments are needed or how long the effect lasts. The number of study participants is also small, so it is difficult to say in advance how effective it will be for a particular skin concern.
Side effects and precautions
In the 2025 literature review, the reported side effects were generally mild and temporary [2]. There is also a review stating that PDRN was confirmed to be nontoxic in in vivo (in the body) tests and clinical trials [5]. However, this is an assessment of the toxicity of the ingredient itself, and it does not rule out the possibility of reactions that come with injection treatments, such as swelling, bruising, and pain.
The 2024 review emphasized that medical staff should be aware of the current limitations and potential risks of using PN [3]. If you are concerned about an allergy to the source material, it is a good idea to check what the product is made from and share your history of allergies before treatment.
What to check during your consultation
PN injections are a treatment that is still being studied, so it is important to keep your expectations realistic. Skin condition and response differ from person to person, so it is a good idea to check the following during your consultation.
- Your current skin concerns and the change you hope for
- The ingredients to be injected and their source
- The expected number of treatments and interval between them
- Possible side effects and what will be done if they occur
- Any history of allergies, medications you are taking, and other recent treatments
Frequently asked questions
- Are PN injections a proven treatment?
- Some studies have reported promising results, but the systematic review included only 9 studies with 219 people, and the quality of the studies was low to moderate [2]. There are also studies that found limited or no effect, so it is still too early to draw a conclusion [3].
- Are PN and PDRN the same thing?
- Both are ingredients obtained from DNA, but they are described as differing in polymer length and molecular weight, so they also work differently [1]. It is a good idea to check which ingredient will be used before treatment.
- How many treatments do I need, and how long does the effect last?
- The sources reviewed for this article give no figures on the number of treatments or how long the effect lasts. The injection areas and methods differed from study to study, and there is also a lack of agreement on the most appropriate way to use it [2]. It is a good idea to plan treatment with a specialist based on your skin condition.
References
- Kim ST. Comparison of Polynucleotide and Polydeoxyribonucleotide in Dermatology: Molecular Mechanisms and Clinical Perspectives. Pharmaceutics. 2025.PubMed 40871045DOI
- Lampridou S, Bassett S, Cavallini M, et al. The Effectiveness of Polynucleotides in Esthetic Medicine: A Systematic Review. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2025.PubMed 39645667DOI
- Lee KWA, Chan KWL, Lee A, et al. Polynucleotides in Aesthetic Medicine: A Review of Current Practices and Perceived Effectiveness. Int J Mol Sci. 2024.PubMed 39125793DOI
- Kim TH, Heo SY, Oh GW, et al. Applications of Marine Organism-Derived Polydeoxyribonucleotide: Its Potential in Biomedical Engineering. Mar Drugs. 2021.PubMed 34067499DOI
- Nguyen TH, Wang SL, Nguyen VB. Recent advances on polydeoxyribonucleotide extraction and its novel application in cosmeceuticals. Int J Biol Macromol. 2024.PubMed 39486723DOI
- Galeano M, Pallio G, Irrera N, et al. Polydeoxyribonucleotide: A Promising Biological Platform to Accelerate Impaired Skin Wound Healing. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2021.PubMed 34832885DOI
This article is an English translation of general health information that DOY JUN Plastic Surgery compiled in Korean from the summaries (abstracts) of papers in international academic journals. Treatment methods and results vary depending on each person's condition, so please consult a specialist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.