The skincare world has been buzzing with talk of DNA-based treatments, most famously, salmon DNA injections that claim to improve skin healing and deliver that elusive glass-skin glow. But not everyone is eager to try injectables, which is where products like VT COSMETICS PDRN 100 Essence step in. At $30 for 30ml, this essence promises to be a vegan alternative, swapping out salmon DNA for 100,000 ppm of ginseng DNA.
That immediately raises a question: can plant-based DNA fragments really mimic the clinical results seen in PDRN injections, which claim up to 37% improved skin regeneration? I tested the product and dug into the science to find out.
What Makes VT COSMETICS PDRN 100 Essence Different?
The star ingredient here is ginseng DNA, which the brand positions as a plant-based equivalent to the more controversial salmon DNA. Unlike traditional essences that focus on hydration or brightening alone, this formula is designed to:
- Support skin repair and regeneration
- Promote a smoother, more translucent glass skin finish
- Deliver antioxidant protection through ginseng’s natural compounds
The minimalist packaging and lightweight formula also give it a clinical, almost “dermatologist-backed” vibe, even though the science is more marketing than proven fact.
Texture and Application
The essence itself has a light, watery-gel texture that sinks in quickly without stickiness. It layers well under serums and creams, which makes it versatile for both morning and evening routines. I noticed an instant plumping effect, though that’s likely due to hydration rather than any DNA-level magic.
The Benefits I Noticed
After a few weeks of use, here’s what stood out:
- Softer, more hydrated skin – it definitely delivers moisture.
- Subtle radiance – my skin looked fresher and smoother, though not dramatically different.
- Good layering product – it plays nicely with actives like vitamin C and niacinamide.
However, I didn’t see the kind of drastic healing or firming that salmon DNA injections are rumored to produce.
The Drawbacks
- Marketing hype – ginseng DNA sounds innovative, but there’s limited clinical evidence that topical DNA fragments can penetrate deeply enough to trigger real regeneration.
- Small bottle, high price – at $30 for just 30ml, it runs out quickly if you’re using it daily.
- Results plateau – the glow is nice, but the long-term transformation is less convincing.
Who Is This For?
The VT COSMETICS PDRN 100 Essence makes sense if you:
- Want a gentle, hydrating essence with unique branding
- Are curious about DNA-based skincare but don’t want injectables
- Prefer vegan alternatives over animal-derived ingredients
But if you’re specifically chasing firmness, wrinkle reduction, or scar healing, you might be disappointed. affordable, effective creatine without caring about the label, cheaper options will give you identical results.
Is VT COSMETICS PDRN 100 Essence Worth It?
This VT COSMETICS PDRN 100 Essence review comes down to expectations. It’s a solid, hydrating essence with a lightweight texture and a trendy ingredient story. It gave me softer, smoother skin and a nice glow, but it didn’t deliver life-changing “37% regeneration” results.
At $30 for 30ml, it’s not outrageously priced for K-beauty, but it’s also not a miracle worker. Think of it as a hydration and glow booster, not a true replacement for clinical PDRN treatments.
Conclusion
If you’re intrigued by the idea of vegan DNA skincare and don’t mind the price, VT COSMETICS PDRN 100 Essence is fun to try. But if you’re expecting salmon DNA-level results from a $30 essence, you’ll probably be underwhelmed.
Check out the Frownies Patch I reviewed earlier.