Medik8, the brand behind the top-selling retinal serum Crystal Retinal, has launched Exo-PDRN Prismatic+, a serum that claims to improve skin luminosity in seven days using the PDRN molecule derived from salmon DNA. Priced at £79 for 30ml, the product has been tested in an independent clinical study on 60 volunteers over a week, according to the Daily Mail. The brand says it tackles six signs of ageing via a 151-billion-exosome complex, but the lack of comparative data leaves key questions open.

Medik8's £79 Prismatic+ packs 151 billion exosomes per dose

As the Daily Mail reported, the Exo-PDRN Prismatic+ formula includes a highly concentrated Triple Exosome Complex containing 151 billion exosomes, along with GF MiniProtein and an ATP precursor. Medik8 claims this combination signs natural skin processes to strengthen the barrier and restore skin architecture, with visible reductions in wrinkles, improved firmness, and boosted luminosity. The serum also uses a vegan Prismatic PDRN with a stable tetrahedral structure for optimal skin penetration,according to the brand.

The price point of £79 places it in the mid-range serum category, comparable to products from competitors like The Ordinary or Drunk Elephant but below luxury houses such as La Mer. The brand has built its reputation on science-backed formulations, most notably its Crystal Retinal range, which it calls the number one global retinal serum. This launch extends that science-forward positioning into the PDRN trend that has dominated Korean beauty in recent months.

How salmon DNA became the 'viral Korean ingredient' for glow

PDRN — polydeoxyribonucleotide — is a molecule naturally derived from salmon DNA that has been used for wound healing and collagen stimulation. The source notes that it originally appeared as an injectable treatment before moving into topical products, fueled by a wave of Korean beauty trends. Medik8's version uses a vegan, tetrahedral structure that the brand says allows better penetration than standard PDRN, setting it apart from the many serums entering this space.

This ingredient trend is reminiscent of the rise of retinol, niacinamide,and more recently bakuchiol — each promising a specific benefit while generating heavy consumer demand. Headlines Orbit notes that the PDRN boom has been driven largely by social media and celebrity endorsements, making independent verification especially important. The Daily Mail article highlights the viral nature of the ingredient, calling it a "beauty phenomenon."

Seven-day clinical data: 60 volunteers, one week, but no comparative benchmark

Medik8's clinical trial reportedly showed improvements in skin luminosity and vitality in seven days, with a 50% boost in natural skin rejuvenation. However, the source does not specify who conducted the study, whether it was peer-reviewed, or how the 60 volunteers were selected. The brand claims the serum is "clinically proven" to improve barrier function in seven days and calm visible redness, but no details on measurement tools or control groups are provided.

What remains unknown : does this PDRN formulation outperform existing alternatives like niacinamide or vitamin C for luminosity? The sole user review in the article — from a 55-year-old Medik8 user after three days — is anecdotal and not reproducible. The Daily Mail journalist's own test lasted 14 days and reported smoother, healthier skin, but no objective measures like before-and-after photos or skin lab data were presented.

Another open question is long-term effect. PDRN stimulates collagen and cell repair, but the study lasted only a week. Without six-month or one-year data, consumers cannot evaluate whether the serum's effects plateau, improve, or reverse—not trivial for a £79 product. Medik8 has not responded to requests for comment on these points,according to the Daily Mail's reporting.

The tetrahedral vegan PDRN that Medik8 says penetrates better

Medik8's key differentiator is its Prismatic PDRN, which the brand describes as having a stable tetrahedral structure for optimal skin penetration. This is a claim not typically made by competitors, and the brand implies it is more effective than standard linear PDRN molecules found in other serums. The source notes the formula is vegan, distinguishing it from earlier animal-derived PDRN injectables.

If the tetrahedral structure does enhance delivery, it could justify the £79 price tag. However, no comparative studies against other PDRN serums — such as those from Korean brands like Dr. Ceuracle or Missha — are cited. Headlines Orbit suggests consumers may want to wait for independent , peer-reviewed comparisons before committing to this specific formulation. The Daily Mail review concludes positively, but with the caveat that it is based on personal experience, not scientific evidence.