PDRN and Hyaluronic Acid: How to Layer Them in a Korean Routine
A step-by-step guide to using a salmon PDRN toner and a soothing serum together for hydration, firmness, and calm skin.
Layering PDRN and hyaluronic acid works best when you apply the toner first on damp skin, then follow with a serum that soothes and maintains your skin's pH. The numbuzin No.9 NAD+ PDRN Glow Boosting Toner delivers Sodium DNA and over 50 peptides, while the AESTURA A-CICA 365 Soothing Relief Serum adds moisture and calm on top.
Who This Routine Is For
If you are dealing with dull, tired-looking skin alongside sensitivity or redness, this two-step pairing addresses both concerns in a logical order. The combination can suit people interested in anti-aging hydration who also have reactive skin that flares up easily — whether from weather, over-exfoliation, or a compromised barrier.
Both products are fragrance-free. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, recently treated, on prescription skincare or managing multiple allergies, check each brand's current guidance and ask your doctor before use. One exception to keep in mind: the PDRN in the toner is salmon-derived, so if you have a fish allergy or sensitivity, patch test before use.
This routine works for AM and PM, though you will get the most from it as a daily morning and evening practice.
Understanding PDRN and What It Does on Skin
PDRN — short for polydeoxyribonucleotide — is also listed on ingredient labels as Sodium DNA. It is derived from salmon and has become one of the more talked-about ingredients in Korean skincare over the last few years, partly because of its association with skin recovery and firmness. When you see PDRN in a toner like the numbuzin No.9 NAD+ PDRN Glow Boosting Toner, it is working alongside other actives to support the skin's own processes rather than acting in isolation.
The numbuzin No.9 toner contains salmon PDRN (1,000 ppm, according to the brand) alongside NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide), Niacinamide, Adenosine, Ceramide NP, and over 50 peptides. This is a dense active roster for a toner, which is why it behaves more like a first-essence than a basic hydrating step. The texture is a serum-liquid that absorbs quickly and leaves the skin with a dewy finish.
When people ask about layering PDRN and hyaluronic acid together, the short answer is: yes, they work well in sequence. PDRN and Sodium Hyaluronate (the HA form used in the AESTURA serum) are not competing actives. They address different structural concerns — Sodium DNA supports skin renewal signaling, while Sodium Hyaluronate draws and retains moisture in the upper layers. Applying them in the right order lets each ingredient do its job without interference.
The Layering Order, Step by Step
Step 1: Cleanse, then apply toner on damp skin
After cleansing, do not wait for your face to dry completely. The numbuzin No.9 NAD+ PDRN Glow Boosting Toner absorbs fastest and works most effectively when pressed into skin that still has some moisture on the surface. Pour a generous amount into your palms, press across the face and neck, and pat lightly until absorbed. If you prefer a cotton pad, that works too — sweep gently, then finish with a pat.
At this stage, the Niacinamide in the toner begins addressing uneven tone, the ceramide supports the barrier, and the peptide complex gets to work on firmness. Give it about 30 seconds to a minute to sink in before moving on.
