Ingredient Intelligence A–Z · Nucleic-acid derivative (fish DNA)
Polynucleotides (PN)
Also called: PN, Polynucleotide skin boosters
Editorial draft, pending expert review.Grades here are provisional editorial calls and may change after review. This is not medical advice.
What it is
Highly purified DNA-derived polymers used in injectable 'skin booster' products. Closely related to PDRN and often grouped with it.
Why it is trending
Grouped with PDRN in current consumer and clinic attention. Trend status is a qualitative editorial call; signals have not been quantified.
How it could work (mechanism only)
Proposed to support fibroblast activity and water binding in the dermis. Much of the rationale is extrapolated from laboratory work.
What human studies show
In the 2026 systematic review of randomised trials, four of the seven trials tested PN products, mainly in skin rejuvenation. Findings were favourable but small, with varied protocols and outcome measures.
Who may benefit
A clinician decision, usually for skin quality and fine lines.
Medical use
Injected in aesthetic clinics as skin boosters in some markets.
Safety
Injection risks apply. No serious treatment-related adverse events were reported in the trials reviewed.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Not well studied in pregnancy; ask your doctor.
What regulators say
Regulatory status varies by country and product. Not FDA-approved for intradermal skin use in the US.
Where marketing overreaches
'Regenerates skin' or 'reverses ageing' claims go beyond small-trial evidence.
Independent editorial information only. It does not replace diagnosis, treatment or advice from your own doctor.
