Sodium DNA in Skincare: The INCI Name Behind PDRN
June 17, 2026 · NUCLEORA
Sodium DNA is the INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) name for PDRN — polydeoxyribonucleotide. It is a salmon-derived cosmetic active used in topical serums for its hydration-supporting properties and its association with a visibly more radiant, plumper-looking skin appearance.
If you have seen "PDRN" in a brand's marketing and "Sodium DNA" on the ingredient list, you are looking at the same material. This article explains what Sodium DNA is, how it functions in a leave-on formulation, and how to read a product's ingredient story with accuracy.
Sodium DNA: The INCI-Standardised Name
Every ingredient used in a cosmetic sold in Canada must be listed using its standardised INCI name. The INCI system, maintained by the Personal Care Products Council, provides a universal naming convention so that the same ingredient carries the same label name regardless of country of origin or commercial trade name.
For PDRN, the INCI system chose Sodium DNA — the sodium salt form of deoxyribonucleic acid, in its polynucleotide fragment form. When you read an ingredient list and encounter Sodium DNA, that is what the cosmetic industry means when it says PDRN.
A related but distinct INCI name is Hydrolyzed DNA — this refers to a shorter-chain, more extensively cleaved version of the same source material. The two are not identical; molecular weight distribution affects how the ingredient behaves in formulation and at the skin surface.
Where Sodium DNA Comes From
Cosmetic-grade Sodium DNA is most commonly purified from salmon — specifically from salmon milt or testes, which contain dense concentrations of sperm DNA. The purification process involves extracting, fragmenting, and then isolating the nucleotide fraction.
The protein fraction — which is responsible for IgE-mediated allergic responses in seafood-sensitive individuals — is removed during purification. The finished cosmetic ingredient is the nucleotide material, not the whole fish protein. Consumers with severe seafood allergies should still consult their physician before use; conservative disclosure is the appropriate posture.
Sodium DNA is not a synthetic or biotechnology-derived ingredient in the conventional NUCLEORA context. The material used in NUCLEORA's formulation is supplier-identified as purified salmon-source, from Shanghai Huiwen Biotech Corp., Ltd., via the manufacturer Metro Private Label.
How Sodium DNA Functions in a Topical Serum
A topical, leave-on serum is a fundamentally different delivery format from the injectable PDRN studied in clinical contexts. The cosmetic claims associated with topical Sodium DNA sit firmly in the appearance and hydration territory:
- Supports the look of hydrated, plumper skin — Sodium DNA features in hydration-focused serums, where it sits within a humectant system that helps skin look plumper and more supple.
- Supports the appearance of radiance — particularly when formulated alongside brightening-oriented actives such as Niacinamide and 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid (a stabilised vitamin C derivative).
- Contributes to the smoother feel and appearance of the skin, via its interaction with the uppermost skin layers.
These are the cosmetic claims NUCLEORA makes. They are appearance and comfort claims — not therapeutic mechanisms. Any claim that a leave-on serum changes the skin's underlying biology, rather than supporting its appearance, would cross into drug-claim territory under Canada's Food and Drugs Act and is outside what NUCLEORA states.
Reading a PDRN Serum's Ingredient List
When evaluating a Sodium DNA product, a few things are worth looking for:
Ingredient position — INCI lists in Canada are ordered from highest to lowest concentration. Sodium DNA positioned after the primary humectants (typically Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate) is typical; it is a precision active, not a base ingredient.
Stated concentration — "1% PDRN" refers to the percentage of the raw Sodium DNA material in the formula. The effective polynucleotide active is slightly lower than this, because the raw material itself is approximately 84–95% active polynucleotide by the supplier's specification. This is the industry-standard convention for the category.
Supporting actives — Sodium DNA performs best in a formulation that also addresses hydration from multiple angles. Look for Sodium Hyaluronate, Beta-Glucan, Panthenol, and Ceramides alongside it.
Fragrance status — PDRN is inherently fragrance-free; the question is whether the overall formulation is. For sensitive skin, a signed fragrance-free declaration from the manufacturer is the standard of care.
Sodium DNA in NUCLEORA's Formulation
NUCLEORA PDRN Radiance Serum contains Sodium DNA at 1% raw-material input (effective polynucleotide active approximately 0.84–0.95% w/w, consistent with industry convention). It is supported by:
| Supporting ingredient | Role in the formula |
|---|---|
| Glycerin | Primary humectant |
| Sodium Hyaluronate | Humectant; hydration at the surface |
| Beta-Glucan | Botanical polysaccharide; hydration and comfort |
| Panthenol (Pro-vitamin B5) | Softness and comfort |
| Ceramide EOP | Supports the look of a healthy skin barrier |
| Niacinamide | Supports even-toned, radiant-looking skin |
| 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid | Stabilised vitamin C derivative; radiance support |
The full 28-ingredient INCI list is published with the product before launch.
Is Sodium DNA the Same as Polynucleotides?
Almost — but not quite. The two terms are closely related and often used interchangeably in beauty marketing. The distinction is meaningful:
- PDRN / Sodium DNA refers specifically to double-stranded DNA fragments across a range of molecular weights.
- Polynucleotides is the broader category term that encompasses both DNA and RNA nucleotide chains, across a range of molecular weights and sources.
For a full breakdown of how these terms compare, see PDRN vs Polynucleotides: What Is the Difference?.
Related Reading
- What Is PDRN in Skincare? The Sodium DNA Ingredient Explained — the foundational overview of PDRN for readers new to the ingredient.
- PDRN vs Polynucleotides: What Is the Difference? — understanding where Sodium DNA sits within the wider polynucleotide ingredient family.
- NUCLEORA PDRN Radiance Serum — 1% Sodium DNA (raw-material input), fragrance-free, formulated for sensitive skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sodium DNA in skincare?
Sodium DNA is the INCI name for PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide), a salmon-derived cosmetic active. In leave-on serums, it is used for its hydration-supporting properties and its association with a visibly more radiant, smoother-looking skin appearance.
Is Sodium DNA the same as PDRN?
Yes. Sodium DNA is the standardised INCI ingredient name for the same material marketed as PDRN. When a brand's front-of-pack says "1% PDRN," the ingredient list will read "Sodium DNA."
Where does Sodium DNA come from?
Cosmetic-grade Sodium DNA is typically purified from salmon milt or testes. The purification process isolates the nucleotide fraction and removes the protein components associated with seafood allergy. It is not a vegan ingredient.
What should I look for in a Sodium DNA serum?
Look for a clearly stated concentration (typically expressed as "1% PDRN"), a supporting multi-humectant matrix, fragrance-free formulation if you have sensitive skin, and transparency about the raw-material-input basis of the stated concentration.
Can Sodium DNA irritate the skin?
As a purified nucleotide fraction rather than a whole protein, Sodium DNA is not a high-sensitisation ingredient. NUCLEORA's formulation is fragrance-free and has passed ingredient safety screening against Health Canada's Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist. Patch testing is always recommended for reactive skin types.
Questions or concerns: safety@nucleoraskin.com