Wrinkles are a natural part of ageing — but that doesn't mean you can't do something about them. While many anti-ageing products focus on surface-level smoothing, a new generation of actives is targeting wrinkles at their source. PDRN (Polydeoxyribonucleotide) is one of these breakthrough anti-ageing actives — originally used in aesthetic medicine, now available in topical skincare.
Why Do Wrinkles Form?
Wrinkles develop when the skin's internal support system weakens. In younger skin, collagen provides structure, elastin gives flexibility, and hyaluronic acid keeps everything hydrated and plump. Together, these compounds maintain a smooth, resilient surface. But with age, fibroblast activity declines and the production of these essential compounds slows — the skin's scaffolding gradually thins and loosens.
External factors accelerate this process significantly. UV exposure triggers oxidative stress and increases the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) — enzymes that actively break down collagen. Glycation further damages dermal proteins, stiffening the extracellular matrix and contributing to deeper, more permanent creases. Over time, the combination of reduced production and increased degradation creates the lines, folds, and wrinkles we associate with ageing skin.
How PDRN Works Against Wrinkles
What makes PDRN stand out as an anti-ageing active is that it doesn't just mask wrinkles — it is known for addressing the cellular mechanisms behind them. PDRN works through two complementary pathways:
A2A receptor activation: PDRN binds to adenosine A2A receptors on skin cells, sending a signal that calms cellular stress, boosts vitality, and stimulates the production of collagen and elastin. This renewed production helps rebuild the structural matrix that wrinkles have depleted — restoring firmness and resilience from within.
Nucleotide supply: PDRN provides ready-to-use nucleotides — the building blocks cells need for repair and renewal. Instead of expending energy to manufacture these materials, the skin can use them directly to rejuvenate faster. This accelerated cellular renewal supports smoother skin texture and reduces the appearance of both fine lines and wrinkles.
PDRN: A New Generation Anti-Ageing Active
PDRN represents a shift in how we approach anti-ageing skincare. Traditional wrinkle treatments tend to work on the surface — moisturisers temporarily plump fine lines, exfoliants promote turnover, and peptides signal collagen production. PDRN goes deeper, operating as a true biostimulating anti-ageing active that reactivates the skin's own regenerative capacity.
This is what makes PDRN particularly relevant for wrinkle concerns. Rather than providing a temporary cosmetic improvement, it supports the biological processes that keep skin looking firm, elastic, and smooth — the same processes that naturally decline with age. When these are reactivated, the benefits compound over time.
| Anti-ageing approach | How it addresses wrinkles |
| Surface hydration (HA) | Plumps fine lines immediately by drawing water into the skin |
| Biostimulation (PDRN+) | Rebuilds collagen and elastin production — addresses wrinkles at their structural root |
| Combined [HA+PDRN] | Instant smoothing + progressive, long-lasting wrinkle reduction |
L'Oréal Paris' exclusive PDRN+ is a complex of PDRN and PRN produced through bio-fermentation — pure, vegan, and 3,000x smaller than a pore size for optimal absorption. Inspired by K-Beauty skin booster procedures, it is exclusive to L'Oréal Group.
Discover the L'Oréal Paris’ HA + PDRN+ Serum
L'Oréal Paris has launched their Revitalift Filler Hyaluronic PDRN+ Anti-Wrinkle Plumping Serum, formulated with multi-weight Hyaluronic Acid and PDRN+. HA is known for providing immediate relief: Macro HA visibly smooths the skin surface, Micro HA replumps, filling in the appearance of fine lines, and Micro-Epidermic HA (50x smaller) penetrates deeper into the skin’s surface. Meanwhile, PDRN+ is known to boost glow, radiance and improve the feeling of skin elasticity. The serum's fluid gel texture delivers an addictive sensory experience — fast-absorbing, non-sticky, and non-greasy.
"Over time, our cells produce less HA, less collagen and elastin. PDRN steps in to wake up this metabolism using biocompatible nucleotides the body naturally recognizes. Its action is unique because it creates a true cellular dialogue to boost epidermis vitality and restore skin radiance. In this cross-talk with Hyaluronic Acid, PDRN goes even further: it resets the capacity of the skin to produce its own HA. The arrival of this technology in topical skincare is a major breakthrough." — Dr. Saliou Ngom*, Natural Ingredients Development Expert, L'Oréal R&I #WakeUpYourSkin
"Our new Revitalift Filler Hyaluron PDRN + Anti-Wrinkle Plumping Serum relies on the addition of PDRN+ to the existing hyaluronic acid-based formula. This combination supports the serum's established short- and long-term plumping performance and contributes to the visible improvement of lines and wrinkles over time. The addition of PDRN further supports visible benefits on skin glow, elasticity and texture. Evaluated on all skin tones, the formula delivers skin transformation performance on visible signs of skin ageing." — Charlotte Boissard, Skincare Scientific Valorization, L'Oréal Paris
Proven Wrinkle Reduction
The World’s #1 Anti-Ageing Serum has been clinically tested with a specific focus on reducing the look of lines, wrinkles, and overall smoothing of the appearance of skin — delivering a visible skin transformation. Here are some of the results:
| What was measured | Result |
| Fine lines | Reduce the look of fine lines by -60% |
| Wrinkles | Reduce the look of wrinkles by -47%. |
Tested for all skin types and tones, including sensitive skin.
Clinical scoring, 53 women, 6 weeks.
*Important Note: Claims from Dr. Ngom are based exclusively on published scientific literature:
- Squadrito et al., "Pharmacological Activity and Clinical Use of PDRN," Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2017
- Kim et al., "Polynucleotide and Hyaluronic Acid Mixture for Skin Wound Healing," Tissue Eng Regen Med, 2025
- Akaberi et al., "PDRN in Skincare and Cosmetics: Mechanisms and Applications," J Skin Stem Cell, 2025
Sources:
- Mondon et al., "Biological Effects Induced by Specific AGEs in the Reconstructed Skin Model of Ageing," BioMed Res Int, 2015
- Cadau et al., "In vivo and in vitro approaches in understanding the differences between Caucasian and African skin types," Int J Cosmet Sci, 2013
- Diaz et al., "Efficacy Evaluation of a Topical Hyaluronic Acid Serum in Facial Photoageing," Dermatol Ther (Heidelb), 2021