What Is the Salmon DNA Facial — And Why Is Every Celebrity Getting One?

In the quest for younger-looking skin, celebrities often turn to treatments that, to the unfamiliar, sound downright bizarre (vampire facials come to mind). Slowly but surely, though, these unconventional treatments trickle down into the mainstream until getting plasma injected into your skin is just as routine as, say, getting Botox. 

That seems to be the trajectory of the celeb-approved salmon-sperm facial, beloved by stars including Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Aniston. According to proponents, the salmon-sperm facial is among the best ways to tackle premature signs of aging without going under the knife. We tapped two experts for details on the trending treatment, including details on what it is (spoiler alert: it involves salmon sperm), what it does, and whether it’s worth investing in. 

First things first: No, a salmon sperm facial does not involve slathering your face with actual salmon sperm. (That would be, even by celebrity standards, weird.) What it does involve is treating the skin with a compound derived from salmon sperm — specifically,  polydeoxyribonucleotides (PDRN), a component of salmon DNA. The compound can be either injected beneath the skin, as with filler, or applied onto the skin after microneedling. 

When performed by a skilled injector or esthetician, PDRN can help stimulate fibroblasts and boost collagen production, master cosmetic injector Nicole Frontera explains. In most cases, the PDRN is combined with other compounds, such as glutathione and hyaluronic acid, to help rejuvenate, firm, and plump the skin. While the salmon-sperm facial may sound unconventional, salmon sperm “has been in use in skin care since the 1980s,” according to double board-certified celebrity plastic surgeon Dr. Gabriel Chiu. And it’s been available as an injectable for roughly 15 years. (The more you know!)  

If you’re willing to put aside any reservations you may have, the benefits of undergoing a salmon-sperm facial can be vast. According to Dr. Chiu, the treatment helps “smooth the texture of the skin, shrink pores, reduce acne scars, improve skin hydration, [and] promote collagen production.” It can also help smooth fine lines and diminish other visible signs of aging. And according to Frontera, you’ll typically see some improvement in your skin texture and tone within a few days of your first treatment. 

Another benefit: It’s typically well tolerated. “PDRN facials can be performed on all skin types,” Frontera says. Chiu agrees but adds that “those with skin damage from sun exposure and aging are likely to see the most benefit” from these facials. Of course, it’s always important to speak with your doctor before undergoing any treatment to determine whether it’s right for you. 

Per RealSelf, the average reported cost of mesotherapy (intradermal or subcutaneous injections) in the United States is $875. But as with any other cosmetic treatment, pricing for a salmon-sperm facial can vary immensely based on where you’re located, the doctor or esthetician you visit, and how many areas you’re getting treated. Another thing to keep in mind: As with Botox or filler, it’s typically recommended to undergo several treatments to achieve your desired results. “The best results will come from three or four treatments,” Frontera says. Typically, you’ll want to get each facial about a month apart. 

If the idea of injecting or slathering salmon DNA into or on your skin is a bit too much for you, that’s OK — there are plenty of other treatments that offer similar results. Both of the experts we spoke to said platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections — better known as vampire facials — are a great alternative. With this treatment, a skilled practitioner will extract a small amount of your blood and spin it in a centrifuge to separate the red blood cells from the plasma and platelets. They then combine the plasma and platelets, concentrate the solution, and inject it into your skin to help stimulate collagen production and smooth wrinkles, per the Cleveland Clinic. Since you’re working with blood, seeing a reputable practitioner is especially important. 

As with a PDRN facial, you’ll typically need several treatments — usually between four and six — to see substantial results. And price-wise, the treatments are similar as well: RealSelf reports the average cost of a PRP facial is $850. There are also topical products that contain PD RN. It’s not a cheap ingredient — Rejuran’s PDRN-infused Healer Turnover Ampoule, for example, retails for around $90 — but it may be a better option if cost is a concern.If you’re still having trouble deciding which treatment to spring for, we suggest consulting with a licensed injector or cosmetic plastic surgeon. They can answer any questions you may have and point you in the direction of the best option for you.