PDRN and Retinol: Can You Use Them Together?
Written by FRANKLY Lab, our in-house R&D team in Korea. FRANKLY was founded in 2022 by an AI R&D researcher and a cosmetic R&D researcher from one of Korea's largest beauty companies.
Quick answer: Yes, you can use PDRN and retinol together. Apply your PDRN serum first, then retinol at night. PDRN adds hydration and bounce while retinol targets the look of fine lines and texture, which makes the routine more comfortable, especially for retinol beginners.
Why PDRN and retinol work well together
- Retinol speeds up skin renewal for the look of smoother, firmer skin, but it can cause dryness at first.
- PDRN helps skin look plumper, more hydrated and more radiant, so it balances the dryness retinol can bring.
How to layer PDRN and retinol
- Cleanse and apply toner.
- Apply PDRN serum and pat until absorbed.
- Apply a pea-sized amount of retinol cream.
- Finish with a moisturizer if your skin feels dry.
In the morning, use PDRN serum on its own and always finish with SPF.
A simple weekly plan for beginners
- Every morning: PDRN serum, moisturizer, SPF
- Weeks 1 to 4, every other night: PDRN serum, then Retinol 0.1 Cream
- Other nights: PDRN serum and moisturizer
- After 2 to 4 weeks: use retinol more often, and move to 0.3% only when your skin feels comfortable
What not to combine
Avoid using retinol on the same night as strong AHA or BHA exfoliants or high-strength vitamin C. PDRN itself is gentle and can be used every day, morning and night.
The FRANKLY Mature Skin Duo
The Mature Skin Duo pairs PDRN Bounce Ball Serum (99% Salmon PDRN) with Retinol 0.1 Cream, our beginner-friendly retinol.
- PDRN Bounce Ball: 97.5% satisfied with skin radiance, 95% satisfied with skin firmness (deep elasticity)*
- Retinol 0.1 Cream: 94.29% satisfied with wrinkle improvement, 97.14% satisfied with skin elasticity improvement*
*PDRN Bounce Ball: based on a 4-week clinical consumer satisfaction survey of PDRN Bounce Ball Serum & Cream conducted by Human Co., Ltd. Skin Clinical Trial Center, n=40. Individual results may vary.
*Retinol 0.1 Cream: based on a 4-week clinical consumer satisfaction survey conducted by Oracle Clinical Trials Center, n=35. Individual results may vary.
FAQ
Which goes first, PDRN or retinol?
PDRN serum goes first, then retinol.
Can I use PDRN in the morning and retinol at night?
Yes. That is an easy way to start. Many people also use PDRN both morning and night.
Is this routine good for sensitive skin?
Start with Retinol 0.1% every other night and patch test first. PDRN is gentle enough for daily use.
Is PDRN vegan?
No. Salmon PDRN is derived from salmon.