In a landmark discovery that could reshape the future of regenerative skincare, Amorepacific has announced the development of Blue PDRN, a polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) derived from Chlorella protothecoides, a species of microalgae. The research, published in the Archives of Dermatological Research, reveals that this plant-based compound matches the skin-repair efficacy of traditional salmon-derived PDRNs.

PDRNs are DNA fragments known for their ability to stimulate tissue repair, collagen synthesis, and angiogenesis. Historically, they’ve been extracted from fish sources like salmon or trout, used in pharmaceuticals and advanced wound care. Amorepacific’s innovation lies in sourcing these molecules from microalgae, offering a vegan, sustainable alternative without compromising performance.

The initiative was part of South Korea’s Marine Bio Raw Material Formulation Technology Development Project, led by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, with Amorepacific’s R&I Center spearheading the formulation and testing.

Key Findings: Small Molecule, Big Impact

The newly developed Blue PDRN molecules are approximately 1/20th the size of their salmon-derived counterparts, allowing for deeper skin penetration and enhanced bioactivity. In both in vitro and reconstructed human epidermis models, Blue PDRN demonstrated:

– Accelerated wound healing and skin cell migration 

– Increased collagen production and angiogenesis 

– Activation of the A2A receptor pathway, identical to traditional PDRNs 

– Visible regeneration in photoaged skin tissue, as confirmed by Outer Biosciences Inc., a U.S.-based biotech firm

Sustainability Meets Scalability

Beyond efficacy, Blue PDRN represents a paradigm shift in ingredient sourcing. By eliminating animal-derived inputs, Amorepacific not only reduces environmental impact but also opens doors for broader consumer adoption, including vegan and sensitive-skin demographics. The company has filed a patent for its modular production process, earning a New Excellent Technology (NET) certification and a ministerial commendation for its contribution to marine biotechnology.

“This study is a very meaningful achievement,” said Byung-Fhy Suh, CTO of Amorepacific’s R&I Center. “It reveals the efficacy of sustainable, non-animal-derived PDRN from microalgae. We will continue our efforts to deliver safer and more effective products to customers around the world”.

Implications for Skincare Innovation

With Blue PDRN, Amorepacific is not just introducing a new ingredient—it’s redefining the possibilities of bioengineered skincare. As regenerative beauty moves toward cleaner, more ethical formulations, this discovery positions the brand at the forefront of science-led sustainability.