I've written quite a bit about PDRN already, from its potential benefits to what the science actually supports. This time, I wanted to focus on something a little simpler: toners. With colder weather approaching, adding an extra layer of hydration can be a welcome change to your skincare routine.
I took a closer look at six Korean PDRN toners, and there's more to consider than you might expect. Their disclosed PDRN concentrations range from 0.01% to 1%, but the percentage alone doesn't tell you which toner is best for your skin. The complete formula, supporting ingredients, and texture matter just as much. So, which ones are actually worth considering?
Related Article: The Rise of PDRN in Korean Skincare: Benefits, Uses, and Top Products
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In This Article
LEADERS PDRN+ 1% Deep Glow Toner
Where to buy
The LEADERS PDRN+ 1% Deep Glow Toner has one of the highest disclosed PDRN concentrations among Korean toners, with 1% Sodium DNA (10,000 ppm). However, PDRN isn't the only reason to consider this formula.
It also contains 2% niacinamide for uneven skin tone and barrier support, alongside 3% SPILANTHOX™, a botanical complex associated with Acmella oleracea. Its spilanthol component has attracted interest for potential anti-wrinkle effects, although convincing human clinical evidence is still limited. The 3% refers to the complex, not pure spilanthol.
For hydration, the formula combines several moisturizing ingredients, including multiple forms of hyaluronic acid. It has a slightly essence-like, slippery texture with a dewy finish, rather than a completely watery toner.
Who would I recommend it to?
Skin types: Normal, combination and dehydrated skin.
Skin concerns: Dullness, uneven tone, dehydration and early visible signs of aging.
Less suitable for: Very reactive skin or anyone with a known propolis allergy.
What to keep in mind
Formula complexity: With 42 ingredients, including numerous botanical extracts, this isn't a minimalist formula.
Fragrance and alcohol: No added fragrance, essential oils or Alcohol Denat. are listed.
Malassezia (fungal acne) safe: Yes, based on ingredient screening.
I would consider LEADERS for someone who wants a higher-concentration PDRN toner with additional brightening ingredients. However, more PDRN doesn't automatically mean better anti-aging results, and the extensive botanical blend makes me more cautious about recommending it for sensitive skin.
Medicube PDRN Pink Cica Soothing Toner
Where to buy
The Medicube PDRN Pink Cica Soothing Toner contains 0.1% PDRN (1,000 ppm), ten times less than LEADERS. However, its lightweight formula makes it a practical option for people who prefer simple hydration without a rich or heavy finish.
Alongside PDRN, the toner contains niacinamide to help improve uneven skin tone and support the skin barrier, allantoin to soothe the skin, and several peptides. It also includes centella extracts, although their disclosed concentrations are very low. Overall, the formula focuses on hydration and everyday skin comfort rather than intensive anti-aging ingredients.
The toner has a watery, lightweight texture with a refreshing finish and little residue. It layers comfortably under serums and moisturizers, making it particularly convenient for people who dislike thicker or sticky toners.
Related Article: Best Medicube Products: What Is Actually Worth Buying?
Who would I recommend it to?
Skin types: Normal, combination, oily and oily-dehydrated skin.
Skin concerns: Dehydration, dullness and uneven skin tone.
Less suitable for: Very dry skin looking for a more nourishing toner.
What to keep in mind
Formula complexity: With 35 ingredients, it's relatively straightforward, although it still contains several botanical extracts and peptides.
Fragrance and alcohol: No added fragrance, essential oils or Alcohol Denat. are listed.
Malassezia (fungal acne): Not suitable for strict Malassezia-safe routines.
I would recommend Medicube primarily for someone who wants a lightweight PDRN toner for everyday use. Compared with LEADERS, it offers fewer headline actives at disclosed concentrations, but its simpler, watery formula may be more appealing for oily or combination skin.
Related Article: How to Build the Perfect Oily Skin Care Routine
Genabelle PDRN Rejuvenating Toner
Where to buy
The Genabelle PDRN Rejuvenating Toner contains 0.1% PDRN (1,000 ppm), the same concentration as Medicube, but offers a more comprehensive combination of hydrating and soothing ingredients. It also contains 2% niacinamide to help improve uneven skin tone and support the skin barrier, alongside 0.04% adenosine, an ingredient commonly used in Korean anti-wrinkle cosmetics.
Related Article: How to Build an Anti-Aging Routine That Protects Your Skin Barrier
Panthenol, beta-glucan, and several centella-derived ingredients provide additional support for dry or uncomfortable skin. I particularly like this combination because the formula focuses on ingredients with complementary purposes rather than including a long list of unrelated actives.
Despite its supportive ingredients, Genabelle has a transparent, watery texture that absorbs quickly without leaving a sticky finish. Compared with Medicube, it offers a more comprehensive combination of moisturizing ingredients while remaining lightweight enough for everyday layering.
Who would I recommend it to?
Skin types: Normal, combination, dry, dehydrated and mildly sensitive skin.
Skin concerns: Dehydration, dryness, uneven skin tone and early visible signs of aging.
What to keep in mind
Formula complexity: With 36 ingredients, it's a relatively balanced formula with a sensible selection of supporting actives rather than an excessive number of ingredients.
Fragrance and alcohol: No added fragrance, essential oils or Alcohol Denat. are listed.
Malassezia (fungal acne): Generally compatible based on ingredients.
I would recommend Genabelle as one of the best all-around PDRN toners, particularly for people who want hydration and barrier support without a rich texture. Its disclosed active concentrations also make it easier to evaluate than products that rely heavily on marketing claims without specifying how much of their key ingredients they contain.
numbuzin No.9 NAD+ PDRN Glow Boosting Toner
Where to buy
The numbuzin No.9 NAD+ PDRN Glow Boosting Toner contains 0.1% salmon-derived PDRN (1,000 ppm), alongside niacinamide, numerous peptides, and ingredients that help support the skin barrier. Unlike the previous three toners, this formula takes a more nourishing approach, combining hydration with ingredients that help soften and smooth the skin.
Niacinamide appears relatively high on the ingredient list, although its exact concentration isn't disclosed. The formula also includes ceramide, fatty acids, and sunflower seed oil to help reduce moisture loss, making it particularly appealing for skin that feels dry or lacks suppleness. Despite the product name, the concentrations of NAD+ and ATP aren't disclosed, and both appear relatively late in the ingredient list. Their presence alone doesn't establish meaningful anti-aging benefits.
Related Article: NAD⁺ and NMN in Skincare: What They Do and What the Evidence Really Shows
The texture is closer to a lightweight, pearlescent essence than a traditional watery toner. It leaves a more moisturized, slightly richer finish, which may be especially comfortable during colder months.
Who would I recommend it to?
Skin types: Normal, dry, dehydrated and mature skin.
Skin concerns: Dryness, dehydration, dullness and early visible signs of aging.
Less suitable for: Very oily skin or anyone who prefers an extremely lightweight, water-like toner.
What to keep in mind
Formula complexity: With approximately 125 ingredients, this is by far the most complex formula in this selection. The extensive ingredient list may be less appealing for highly reactive skin.
Fragrance and alcohol: No added fragrance, essential oils or Alcohol Denat. are listed.
Malassezia (fungal acne): Not optimal for strict Malassezia-safe routines.
I would recommend numbuzin primarily for someone who enjoys a more nourishing toner and wants additional moisturizing ingredients alongside PDRN. However, I wouldn't choose it specifically for NAD+ benefits, as the formula doesn't provide enough information to judge how much this ingredient contributes to the final product.
Related Article: How to Build a Dry Skin Care Routine That Actually Works
COSRX 5 PDRN B5 Vital Soothing Toner
Where to buy
The COSRX 5 PDRN B5 Vital Soothing Toner is one of the most interesting formulas in this selection, although the exact PDRN concentration isn't disclosed. It contains both Sodium DNA and Hydrolyzed DNA, with the “5 PDRN” referring to five DNA-derived sources (salmon, centella asiatica, rice, lactobacillus, and sea grapes) rather than 5% PDRN.
Beyond PDRN, the formula combines niacinamide to help improve uneven skin tone, panthenol (vitamin B5) for barrier support, and allantoin to soothe the skin. It also contains alpha-arbutin, an ingredient commonly used to help improve the appearance of dark spots, alongside adenosine and a peptide. Multiple forms of hyaluronic acid provide additional hydration.
The toner has a completely watery texture that spreads easily and leaves skin feeling hydrated without a heavy or oily finish. I particularly like that it offers both moisturizing and tone-focused ingredients without relying on a large number of botanical extracts.
Who would I recommend it to?
Skin types: Normal, combination, dry, dehydrated and mildly sensitive skin.
Skin concerns: Dehydration, uneven skin tone, dullness and the appearance of dark spots.
Less suitable for: Anyone specifically looking for a toner with a verified, high PDRN concentration.
What to keep in mind
Formula complexity: With 38 ingredients, it's a relatively focused formula despite containing several complementary actives.
Fragrance and alcohol: No added fragrance, essential oils or Alcohol Denat. are listed.
Malassezia (fungal acne): Generally compatible based on ingredients.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Due to limited safety data on topical alpha-arbutin, avoiding this toner is a reasonable precaution.
COSRX is a particularly good choice for someone who wants a hydrating toner with additional ingredients for uneven skin tone. Its combination of panthenol, allantoin, niacinamide and alpha-arbutin makes it a strong everyday option, even though the undisclosed PDRN concentration prevents a meaningful comparison of its PDRN content with the other toners.
Anua PDRN 100 Hyaluronic Acid Booster Toner
Where to buy
The Anua PDRN 100 Hyaluronic Acid Booster Toner contains 0.01% PDRN (100 ppm), the lowest disclosed PDRN concentration among the six toners in this comparison. Rather than focusing on a high PDRN content, this formula is primarily designed to provide lightweight hydration and improve skin comfort.
Its moisturizing ingredients include glycerin, betaine, and several sugar-derived humectants that help attract and retain water. The formula also contains panthenol and allantoin to support the skin barrier and soothe dryness. Despite the product name, the disclosed concentrations of hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid (0.5 ppm) and the hyaluronic acid–collagen complex (0.05 ppm) are extremely low. Most of the toner’s hydrating properties are likely to come from its other moisturizing ingredients.
The texture is watery with a slightly slippery feel, spreading easily without leaving a sticky or heavy finish. Unlike several other toners in this selection, Anua doesn't contain niacinamide, which may appeal to people who prefer to avoid it.
Who would I recommend it to?
Skin types: Normal, combination, oily and dehydrated skin.
Skin concerns: Dehydration, post-cleansing tightness and skin that needs lightweight daily hydration.
Less suitable for: Anyone looking for a high-concentration PDRN toner or a richer, more nourishing formula.
What to keep in mind
Formula complexity: With 41 ingredients, including numerous botanical extracts, this isn't a minimalist formula.
Fragrance and alcohol: No added fragrance, essential oils or Alcohol Denat. are listed.
Malassezia (fungal acne): Not a clear Malassezia-safe choice based on ingredient screening.
Anua is a reasonable option for someone who wants a refreshing, hydrating toner without niacinamide. However, I would choose it for its overall moisturizing formula rather than its PDRN or hyaluronic acid concentrations, which are considerably lower than the product name might suggest.
How to Choose a PDRN Toner for Your Skin Type
For oily or combination skin, lightweight options like Medicube and Anua may be more suitable, while Genabelle and numbuzin offer more support for dryness and dehydration. If uneven skin tone is your main concern, COSRX is worth considering, while LEADERS stands out for its disclosed 1% PDRN concentration. Use the guide below to find the best match for your skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is PDRN, and how does topical PDRN differ from injections?
PDRN consists of DNA fragments, traditionally derived from salmon. Injectable PDRN is popular in aesthetic medicine for its potential to support tissue repair, skin regeneration, and collagen production. However, PDRN molecules are relatively large and penetrate intact skin poorly. Topical PDRN is therefore more realistically associated with hydration and skin conditioning, rather than the regenerative effects promoted for injections.
Related Article: How to Use PDRN for Real Results: A Doctor’s Honest Take
2. Is PDRN vegan?
Not always. Traditional PDRN is derived from fish, but plant-derived and other alternative DNA ingredients are increasingly used in skincare. Check the manufacturer's stated source, since the ingredient name Sodium DNA doesn't necessarily reveal its origin.
3. Where does toner go in a skincare routine?
Apply toner after cleansing and before serums and moisturizer. You can use your hands or a cotton pad, although applying it with your hands is usually sufficient and avoids wasting product.
4. Do you actually need a toner in your skincare routine?
No, toner isn't an essential skincare step. However, a well-formulated toner can provide extra hydration, soothing ingredients, or other beneficial actives without adding a heavy layer to your routine.
5. Can you use a PDRN toner with retinol, vitamin C, or exfoliating acids?
Generally, yes. PDRN itself has no established incompatibility with these ingredients. However, the complete toner formula and your skin's tolerance matter more than the presence of PDRN alone.
Final Thoughts: Which Korean PDRN Toner Is Worth Choosing?
After comparing these six Korean PDRN toners, Genabelle and COSRX stand out as my best all-around choices for their balanced formulas, hydration, and additional skin-supporting ingredients. LEADERS is worth considering if you specifically want a higher disclosed PDRN concentration, while numbuzin offers a richer option for dry skin. Medicube and Anua are better suited to those who prefer lightweight, watery toners.
Ultimately, the best PDRN toner isn't necessarily the one with the highest concentration. Your skin type, concerns, and the complete ingredient list matter much more.
Want to understand skincare ingredients better or discover products that actually suit your skin? Explore more guides and product comparisons on Korean Skincare Coach. If you're unsure where to start, try my Skin Type Quiz, or explore my personalized skincare consultations for a routine built around your individual skin needs.
A closer look at six Korean PDRN toners, their formulas, and which skin types they suit best.