- Salmon sperm (PDRN) injections improve collagen, hydration, and skin repair but remain off-label in the U.S.
- They differ from Botox or fillers, which target wrinkles and volume loss, respectively, by focusing on overall skin health instead.
- Sessions cost around $400–$1200 each, with 3–4 sessions typically recommended. Results can last up to a year with maintenance every 6–12 months.
IDK about you, but I can't open Instagram or TikTok without seeing an endless scroll of videos with influencers, aestheticians, and doctors all singing the praises of salmon sperm injections. I mean, the hype makes sense. While salmon sperm injections are still a relatively new cosmetic procedure in the US, they've actually been a Korean beauty treatment staple for quite some time, and K Beauty is majorly trending right now. Salmon sperm injections are also part of a larger trend around regenerative aesthetics, which focuses on using the body’s own natural repair mechanisms to improve skin quality (instead of, say, getting injected with Botox or hyaluronic fillers).
So when I had the chance to try salmon sperm injections in NYC with Alexander GolBerg, MD, DO, a double-board-certified physician specializing in functional and aesthetic medicine, I jumped at the chance. Here's a full review of my experience—plus everything you need to know about salmon sperm injections before considering them for yourself.
What are salmon sperm injections?
So the term "salmon sperm" is a misnomer. It's not actually sperm, “it’s DNA extract from salmon sperm,” says Dr. GolBerg. Why salmon sperm of all things? Well, it contains polydeoxyribonucleotides (or PDRN for short), which are tiny fragments of salmon DNA that, when injected into the skin, can help with regeneration and repairing mechanisms and boost collagen production to help minimize fine lines and improve the overall texture and elasticity of the skin. And don't worry, before it's injected into your skin, the salmon DNA goes through a process of purification. These DNA fragments are purified through a rigorous extraction process to ensure they are sterile and biocompatible. Because DNA is universal across species, these nucleotides can integrate safely into our biology and promote collagen production, improve hydration, and enhance skin healing, says double board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon, Ariel Ostad, MD.
But before we go any further, it's important to know that salmon sperm is not FDA-approved to be injected in the U.S (hence why everyone is going to Korea to get it done), but it can be applied topically post-laser or during a microneedling session. Currently, these products are approved in countries like South Korea and Singapore and in Europe but not in the U.S. due to FDA regulatory requirements. It doesn’t mean they’re unsafe, it simply means the companies have not yet gone through the lengthy and expensive FDA approval process,” says Dr. Ostad. Dr. GolBerg adds that currently in the U.S. though, many licensed physicians may still use them off-label, “which is legally permitted when they believe it may benefit the patient.”
While there may be some benefits to topical salmon sperm use, experts agree that the real benefits come from when it's injected. The injectable form of salmon sperm is the most effective because it is delivered deeper into the skin, where collagen regeneration occurs. It can be injected anywhere on the face—including the undereye area, neck, and chest—essentially any area with thinning, dull, or aging skin.
Rejuran is the most well-known salmon sperm injectable currently on the market, but other PDRN-derived injectable brand-name products include: Nucleofill, Plenhyage, PhilArt, Ameela, and Klárdie Dia, among others. Rejuran, Dr. Ostad says, is one of the most recognized brands, especially in Asia, thanks to its strong clinical backing. In many cases, salmon sperm injectables are formulated with hyaluronic acid for hydration or with vitamins and peptides to enhance overall skin health.
How do salmon sperm injections work?
Similar to a skin booster, such as FDA-approved Skinvive, salmon sperm is delivered into the skin through microinjections in the desired area of treatment, delivering small amounts of the product into the dermis layer of the skin. Though the injection depth can vary by provider and technique, the main goal is rejuvenation and collagen stimulation. When injected, PDRN signals the skin cells to activate the repair and regeneration process. Because of its high biocompatibility with our own DNA, it can be injected into the body without triggering an immune reaction; however, as with any injectable treatment, there are potential side effects. “Redness, swelling, or bruising, and in worst cases, someone could have an allergic reaction,” says Howard Sobel, MD, a clinical attending cosmetic dermatologic surgeon at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.
“Patients who are sensitive or allergic to fish or seafood should be patch tested before receiving a treatment. It’s also important to see a board-certified dermatologist when having these treatments done to avoid any irritation or any negative effects,” Dr. Sobel adds.
How much do salmon sperm injections cost?
The cost of salmon sperm or PDRN injections will depend upon geographic region, provider, the specific product used, and the number of sessions you need to achieve your goal. If the salmon sperm is injected, treatment generally ranges from about $400 to $1200 per session, and typically three to four sessions are needed, spaced about three to four weeks apart for optimal results, says Dr. GolBerg. “Maintenance treatments can be performed every six to 12 months depending on the patient’s goals and skin condition,” says Dr. Ostad.
How long do salmon sperm injections last?
If you follow the recommended treatment protocol and timeline set by your provider, results will last up to a year after completing the full course of treatment. The results may differ for each patient depending on their age, skin quality, and lifestyle. Maintenance treatments are recommended to sustain the benefits,” says Dr. Ostad.
Are salmon sperm injections better than Botox or fillers?
Emphatically, no. Salmon sperm is not considered better than either Botox or fillers because it serves a completely different aesthetic purpose. “It’s not comparable,” Dr. Ostad says. “Botox relaxes the muscles that cause wrinkles, fillers restore lost volume, and salmon sperm polynucleotides rejuvenate the skin itself. I would describe it as more of a skin booster that can complement Botox and fillers for a natural, healthy glow.” Dr. Sobel adds that there is no other non-invasive treatment or facial that can compete (sorry, salmon sperm) with the long-lasting and effective results of Botox and filler.
My experience:
I visited Dr. GolBerg in NYC for my salmon sperm injections. As a self-proclaimed injections pro at this point (I've tried it all), I knew what to expect to some degree. The one thing I didn’t expect, though, was a sit-down and thorough 20-minute conversation with Dr. GolBerg prior to my treatment to help him understand my lifestyle, health background, and aesthetic goals. To say the least, I absolutely loved his holistic approach. After explaining the injections to me and what I could expect, he shared the salmon sperm product he would be treating me with—Klárdie Dia—and that he would be injecting my entire face (minus my forehead) and neck. These days, when I go for treatments, I like to include my neck as often as possible because it also needs some extra TLC as I valiantly fight the aging process.
The treatment started out with numbing my face and neck for about 30 minutes. Initially, I thought the 30 minutes were excessive, but I soon learned I was incredibly wrong. Unlike any other injectable I have tried, and I’ve tried many, the injections stung, and I felt them. In short, I was happy I numbed for as long as I did. Dr. GolBerg injected small amounts of the salmon sperm on the right side of my face, each injection placed closely together, and then switched to the left side of my face. The injections in my neck were uncomfortable, and my skin, neck, and throat felt tight, but he assured me that this was normal and that it would subside before I left the office.
After he finished, I felt sore and the skin on my face was tight as well—it was a sensation I haven't experienced before with an injectable or laser treatment. A cooling biocellulose sheet mask was applied to my face and neck, and I chilled with it on for about 20 minutes. Most of my discomfort subsided but my neck still felt tight; but this side effect subsided by the early evening. When the mask was removed and I looked in the mirror, my face and neck were slightly red and swollen, but the whole ordeal felt much worse than it looked. I was excited to see my results in the coming days and weeks.
The final verdict:
A few days after my salmon sperm injections, I noticed my skin was glowing and it was slightly plumper, though it could have been from still being slightly swollen. Though I only went for one session, I must confess that I would not only do it again, but I would spring for the whole treatment session for maximum results.
If you’re truly struggling with dullness and your skin is in desperate need of a pick-me-up that you just can’t seem to get from any product, then I would definitely recommend salmon sperm injections, of course, if your budget allows, because they don’t come cheap. Overall, I know everyone I know who has had them loves them (myself included) and considers them an investment in their skin.
Taryn is a beauty writer and editor in digital media with more than 10 years of experience. She has covered the newest and most innovative skincare and beauty products, aesthetic treatments, and plastic surgery trends. Her stories touch on everything from the best products to treat hyperpigmentation to why fat grafting is the better alternative to filler. In addition to Cosmopolitan, she currently contributes to Allure, InStyle, PS (formerly POPSUGAR), Marie Claire, The Zoe Report, and Bustle. In addition to her writing, Taryn directs, produces, and writes short films that have appeared at numerous film festivals around the country. Whenever she has a free moment, you can find her hopping around New York City with her Maltese pup, Bryn, and probably daydreaming about being at the beach. Follow her on Instagram for the latest.
