LACTO-PDRN

Brought to the fore by The Ordinary, and manufactured by NFC from South Korea, Lacto-PDRN® is a next-generation, fermentation-derived alternative to conventional animal-sourced PDRN, clinically shown to improve skin radiance, density, elasticity, turnover and the appearance of wrinkles.

PDRN, or polydeoxyribonucleotide, has become one of beauty’s most exciting ingredients for supporting visibly renewed, resilient and youthful-looking skin. However, conventional PDRN is commonly extracted from salmon. Lacto-PDRN® takes a different approach, obtaining and purifying low-molecular-weight Sodium DNA through the fermentation of the probiotic microorganism *Lactobacillus rhamnosus*.

The result is a highly concentrated, non-animal cosmetic active combining Lactobacillus Ferment with more than 5,000 ppm Sodium DNA. Its multifunctional performance is supported by in-vitro research, raw-material clinical testing and finished-formulation studies.

A single application of a 1% Lacto-PDRN5000 solution produced a 35% improvement in measured skin gloss after just 30 minutes, helping skin appear fresher, smoother and more radiant. Following twice-daily application for four weeks, clinical testing also demonstrated a 10% improvement in skin density, a 3% improvement in elasticity and improved skin turnover. Maximum wrinkle depth around the eye area was reduced by 10%.

Further finished-formulation testing demonstrated dose-dependent improvements in skin elasticity, turnover and wrinkle care at use levels of 1%, 5% and 8%, creating opportunities for both everyday skincare and more intensive age-support concepts.

In-vitro studies demonstrate free-radical-scavenging, SOD-like and anti-inflammatory activity, alongside improved keratinocyte migration in a wound-healing model. Together, these findings support the use of Lacto-PDRN® in formulations developed for stressed, ageing or compromised-looking skin.

Lacto-PDRN® supplies low-molecular-weight DNA fragments primarily below 100 base pairs—approximately eight times smaller than the DNA distribution reported for the salmon-derived PDRN samples tested. These fragments support pathways associated with cellular activity, skin recovery and tissue renewal.

The accompanying Lactobacillus Ferment creates a broader cosmetic story around fermentation, postbiotic-inspired skincare and skin vitality, bringing together two of beauty’s most exciting ingredient trends in one active.

Lacto-PDRN® is suitable for anti-ageing serums, regenerative creams, eye treatments, ampoules, masks, overnight products and post-treatment skincare. It can be used at up to 10%, with supplier clinical evidence available from 1%. Its liquid format makes it straightforward to incorporate into the water phase or during cool-down, subject to formulation compatibility and stability testing.

With an ISO 16128 Natural Origin Index of 0.98 and an NMPA ingredient submission code available, Lacto-PDRN® offers formulators a clearly identified, fermentation-derived source of Sodium DNA with substantiated efficacy, formulation versatility and a compelling non-animal innovation story.