Last updated on 13th July 2026 by Sarah Sarsby
PDRN is all the rage at the moment. Short for polydeoxyribonucleotide, PDRN is often associated with salmon-derived skincare and has become a viral K-beauty ingredient. Research suggests it may help support skin repair, hydration, firmness, and a smoother, healthier-looking complexion.
I wanted to see for myself whether PDRN is worth the hype, so I’ve been testing the Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid 100 Moisturising Cream for the last few weeks.
In this review, I share my honest experience with the Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid 100 Moisturising Cream, including how it performs, how my skin reacted, and whether it lives up to the hype.
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About the Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid 100 Moisturising Cream
The Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid 100 Moisturising Cream is a lightweight K-beauty moisturiser designed to provide intense hydration while supporting a plump, radiant-looking complexion. The fast-absorbing formula promises to leave skin feeling soft, smooth, and nourished without feeling heavy or greasy.
According to Anua, this moisturiser works well underneath makeup, as it doesn’t pill and provides a smooth base. It can be used in the morning and evening.
As this cream contains PDRN from salmon DNA, this formula is not vegan. However, Anua says this moisturiser is cruelty-free.
Some of the key ingredients include:
- Sodium DNA (PDRN): helps support skin hydration and promote a healthy-looking glow
- 10 forms of hyaluronic acid: provide multi-level hydration to help skin feel plumper and more moisturised
- Niacinamide: helps support the skin barrier and improve the appearance of uneven skin tone
- Squalane: helps soften skin and lock in moisture
- Hydrolysed collagen: helps maintain skin softness and suppleness
The formula is fragrance-free, making it a good option for those who prefer to avoid added fragrance in their skincare. However, it does contain botanical extracts and benzyl alcohol, which may be worth noting if you have particularly sensitive skin.
The Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid 100 Moisturising Cream costs £24 for 60ml at Cult Beauty. Currently, the moisturiser is 20% off at Cult Beauty, priced at just £19.20.
Honest Anua PDRN cream review
I’m a big fan of the Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid 100 Moisturising Cream.
Firstly, I like the packaging. While the tube is nothing exciting, the thin nozzle makes squeezing out the right amount of product easy. The minimalist packaging gives it a clinical, treatment-inspired feel, which fits well with the science-led ingredients inside.
The texture is one of my favourite aspects of the moisturiser. It’s creamy and light, offering a gel-cream consistency. This formula feels suitable for a wide range of skin types. Its lightweight texture makes it comfortable for oily and combination skin, while the hydrating ingredients make it appealing for those with dry or dehydrated skin.
I’ve got combination skin and mild rosacea, and the ANUA PDRN cream hasn’t caused any sensitivity or irritation.
As for the benefits, this moisturiser is fantastic. On application, the consistency is refreshing, smoothing, and feels noticeably plumping. Yet, despite being quite creamy, it’s fast-absorbing and non-greasy. It immediately makes my skin look radiant and feel hydrated. This hydration lasts all day, too. From the morning when I first apply it, right until my evening skincare routine, my skin feels nourished, soft, and protected.
As for the PDRN claims, I can notice the hydration, firmness, smoothness, and radiance from using this moisturiser. While I’ve not noticed any difference in fine lines and wrinkles, this cream makes my skin appear plump and healthy in both the short and long term.
It’s difficult to know whether these improvements are down to PDRN specifically or the combination of hydrating and barrier-supporting ingredients in the formula. Either way, my skin feels more comfortable, resilient, and balanced since introducing this moisturiser.
Rating: 5 stars
Overall, the Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid 100 Moisturising Cream has quickly become one of my favourite daily moisturisers. It delivers the hydration, softness, and glow I look for in a cream, while the lightweight texture makes it easy to use both morning and evening.
Sarah Sarsby is the owner of A Woman's Confidence. With over 7 years' experience of writing in the fields of beauty and lifestyle, Sarah is passionate about all things content, makeup, skincare, wellness, and lifestyle. She has combination skin, is obsessed with lip gloss, and loves cookie dough.