Do Salmon Sperm Facials Really Have Anti-Aging Benefits?

What’s the key to flawless and youthful skin? While we may not have the resources to explore this question, we can always trust our favorite celebrities to do the work for us. Recently, Hollywood has become abuzz with a certain Korean beauty trend that uses salmon sperm as the main ingredient. Yep, you heard that right, as celebrities like Jennifer Aniston and Kim Kardashian are adding salmon sperm facials to their skin care routines for red-carpet ready and youthful skin.

What is a salmon sperm facial?

The idea of rubbing aquatic ejaculate on one’s face for anti-aging benefits does sound bizarre, but there seems to be reasoning behind this act, and that’s exactly what this article is going to explore.

Salmon sperm facials are also known as “polynucleotide treatments”, with polynucleotides being purified and sterilized small fragments of DNA and RNA derived from salmon sperm. Essentially, you’re not actually rubbing salmon sperm onto your skin.

“It’s processed and purified to extract the DNA, which is then broken down into polynucleotides,” explained Hannah Kopelman, MD, a dermatologist in private practice at Kopelman Aesthetic Surgery, to VeryWell Health. “These are the active components used in the treatment.”

Do they have benefits?

As salmon sperm facials can often be combined with other ingredients like hyaluronic acid or peptides, this can enhance the treatment’s hydrating effects.

Dr. Richard Westreich, a facial plastic surgeon in New York City, explained to The Guardian that once injected into the skin, the salmon sperm facials help to stimulate the production of new blood vessels, collagen and keratinocytes, all of which results in a rejuvenated, healthier and more hydrated appearance, “It’s basically an overall skin boost.” says Westreich.

Collagen production results in a reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and improved elasticity, which translates to plumper skin.

Westreich also adds that since the nucleotides in salmon DNA are similar enough to humans’, this means that they are generally well tolerated by our bodies and won’t cause an inflammatory reaction.

So, do they actually work?

A 2021 study found that polynucleotides‐based products led to improvement in 80% of participants’ faces, periocular areas, décolleté and necks, hands, scalps, and stretch marks.

However, a more recent review published in 2024 found that while some studies acknowledged that polynucleotides in aesthetic medicine demonstrated “significant improvements in skin elasticity and hydration”, other studies “reported limited or no benefits”.

Are there any dangers?

Well, for one, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has yet to approve the use of polynucleotides for injections. Also, you may not be a fan of animal-derived ingredients, so it would be best to avoid this treatment.

Also, injections do carry a risk of infection and irritation, so always make sure to get this treatment from a board-certified and licensed professional.

“Salmon Sperm” Products to Try

If you’d rather avoid the salmon sperm facials but are interested in the ingredients found in this treatment, you can try these PDRN-rich beauty products.

1. VT PDRN 100 Essence

Powered by 100,000ppm of concentrated PDRN, this essence deeply nourishes the skin, visibly plumps and restores youthful volume, while enhancing its natural radiance.

Buy it here.

2. Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum

Containing Salmon DNA PDRN, five types of peptide complex, niacinamide, adenosine, and Ocimum Sanctum (Holy Basil) leaf extract, this formula provides effective care for uneven skin tone and elasticity.

Buy it here.

3. PDRN 360° Rejuvenating Eye Mask

Powered by PDRN and peptides, this mask helps repair, firm, and rejuvenate delicate eye skin while promoting elasticity and reducing the appearance of fine lines.

Buy it here.

4. Abib PDRN Collagen Lip Mask Glazed Jelly

Enriched with plant-derived PDRN and 3D collagen to restore hydration and elasticity, creating plump, volumized lips with a jelly-like bounce.

Buy it here.

5. ANUA PDRN Hyaluronic Acid 100 Moisturizing Cream

This facial moisturizer features low-molecular PDRN that improves absorption, helping revitalize skin from within and restore a healthy, radiant glow.

Buy it here.

References

Aggeler, M. (2024). People are getting salmon sperm injected into their faces. Why? [online] The Guardian. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/wellness/2024/oct/04/what-is-salmon-sperm-facial-injections-kim-kardashian.

Alvin Lee, K. W., Lisa Chan, K. W., Lee, A., Lee, C. H., Wan, J., Wong, S., & Yi, H. (2024). Polynucleotides in Aesthetic Medicine: A Review of Current Practices and Perceived Effectiveness. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 25(15), 8224. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25158224

Cavallini, M., Bartoletti, E., Maioli, L., Massirone, A., Palmieri, I. P., Papagni, M., Priori, M., & Trocchi, G. (2020). Consensus report on the use of PN‐HPT™ (polynucleotides highly purified technology) in aesthetic medicine. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 20(3), 922. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.13679

Ferraro, K. (2025). Why Salmon Sperm Facials Are the Newest Anti-Aging Skin Care Trend. [online] VeryWell Health. Available at: https://www.verywellhealth.com/salmon-sperm-facial-11704439.

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