Sodium DNA is officially listed in the EU’s CosIng database only under the function “skin conditioning” (1). It is another name for PDRN (click here for an in depth article about topical use of PDRN).

What Is Sodium DNA?

Sodium DNA is purified DNA that has been depolymerized and neutralized with sodium hydroxide (2). Studies have used Sodium DNA from the gonads of male sturgeon (2) and from salmon (3). A review of PDRN in skincare and cosmetics writes Sodium DNA as another name for PDRN (4).

How Does It Work?

Sodium DNA  passes through the cell membrane by pinocytosis and acts as a donor of purine and pyrimidine bases, which are key molecules for cell vitality (2).

Research on Sodium DNA

1. Cosmetic Formulation
A 2026 study developed a moisturizer containing salmon-derived sodium DNA, together with humectants, emollients and skin-conditioning agents, aimed at supporting skin hydration and barrier function (3). The product was white and odorless, with a pH of 5.27 and a viscosity of 110,000 cPs (3). Microbiological testing found no colony-forming units for total plate count or yeast and mold, and tests for Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans were negative (3). The authors classified the product as non-hazardous under the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive, reported stability under normal storage, and concluded that the formulation had acceptable physicochemical stability and microbiological quality (3).

2. Skin Repair and Anti-Aging
A review reports that the anti-aging effects of Sodium DNA are likely due to purine and pyrimidine bases, which are released as the DNA degrades and are essential for cellular repair and DNA metabolism (4). It reports that Sodium DNA stimulates DNA repair and cellular regeneration, supports skin cell vitality, promotes regeneration of epithelial and granulation tissues, reduces inflammation and accelerates healing of micro-lesions in the skin (4).

In vitro work on keratinocytes and fibroblasts with a proprietary Sodium DNA formulation known as DNA-Na reported improvements in moisturization, elasticity, thickness and wrinkles (4).

References

1. European Commission. CosIng – Cosmetic ingredients database: Sodium DNA (Ref. 79472). https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing/details/79472 (accessed 12/10/2026).
2. Buffoli, B., Favero, G., Borsani, E., Boninsegna, R. et al (2017). Sodium-DNA for bone tissue regeneration: an experimental study in rat calvaria. https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/7320953
3. Ambarwati, N. S. S., Muria, R. M., Sodik, J., & Hakim, R. M. (2026). Formulation and physicochemical evaluation of a sodium DNA-based moisturizer for cosmetic applications. Journal of Pharmaceuticals and Natural Sciences, 3(2), 60-68. https://doi.org/10.70392/jpns.v3i2.51
4. Akaberi, S. M., Sharma, K., Ahmadi-Ashtiani, H. R., & Hedayati, M. (2025). Polydeoxyribonucleotide in skincare and cosmetics: mechanisms, therapeutic applications, and advancements beyond wound healing and anti-aging. Journal of Skin Stem Cell, 12(1), e159728. https://doi.org/10.5812/jssc-159728