This toner brings PDRN — the ingredient behind Korea's wildly popular 'salmon injection' aesthetic treatments — into a daily-use consumer format at 1000ppm, combined with NAD+, 50+ peptides, and ceramide-derived pearlescent particles. It's essentially a toner that's trying to be a treatment serum, a glow primer, and a barrier repair product simultaneously.
A toner that looks like a potion and acts like a serum — PDRN at 1000ppm, NAD+, 50+ peptides, ceramide pearls, and vitamin B12's violet glow, all for $16.50. It's Numbuzin's most visually stunning product and potentially their most forward-thinking formula, borrowing directly from Korean aesthetic clinic culture. Whether topical PDRN at cosmetic concentrations delivers clinical-grade results remains unproven, but the surrounding ingredient cast ensures this toner works regardless.
Note: This liquid launched in 2025 with very limited independent reviews. PDRN as a topical skincare ingredient has limited published clinical evidence in consumer formulations, though its injectable form is well-studied. Our scoring is based on ingredient analysis, the brand's track record, and the established evidence for supporting ingredients. Consider this a preliminary verdict, subject to change as evidence grows.
The case for it
What would change this: A declared concentration would move this to a firmer reading of the dose.
Same rule for everyone. “Promising” is the verdict on 7,858 of 45,024 concern verdicts across the catalog; rule R9p decided 7,858 of them. Unchanged since September 5, 2026, engine 5.1.1.
Brand or formulator? Disclose a concentration or correct a fact →
The studies behind the evidence row
The case for it
Same rule for everyone. “Good choice” is the verdict on 9,564 of 45,024 concern verdicts across the catalog; rule R5 decided 9,072 of them. Unchanged since September 5, 2026, engine 5.1.1.
Brand or formulator? Disclose a concentration or correct a fact →
The studies behind the evidence row
The case for it
What would change this: A researched evidence row for the lead active would replace this with a verdict.
Same rule for everyone. “Supporting role” is the verdict on 8,197 of 45,024 concern verdicts across the catalog; rule R8 decided 4,250 of them. Unchanged since September 5, 2026, engine 5.1.1.
Brand or formulator? Disclose a concentration or correct a fact →
Also listed for Dullness — the actives here (Niacinamide, Ceramides, PDRN (Polydeoxyribonucleotide) are in our research queue for that concern; there is no verdict until their evidence rows are written. That is a gap in our table, not a mark against the product.
Does the jobDoes what a toner is for: not alcohol-driven, adds something real. Not measured from the label: restores skin pH, plays well with what follows.
Where our review and the verdict differ. The review below was written on the formulation and the published trials; the verdicts above apply the stricter standing test in our methodology — an active earns a recommendation only with guideline or regulatory standing for the concern. Where the two disagree, the verdict is DermApproved’s position.
A verdict is DermApproved’s assessment of how well a product’s ingredients fit a concern — never a claim about what the product treats. Evidence dots and collected reviews sit beside it and are never blended in. Rules 0.5.1 · evidence table ev-2026.09-r228 · how we decide
Walk into an aesthetic clinic in Gangnam and ask what's popular. The answer, for the past few years, has been salmon injections — PDRN (Polydeoxyribonucleotide), a purified DNA fragment derived from salmon that's injected into the skin to promote tissue regeneration, collagen synthesis, and that coveted Korean glass skin glow. It's one of the most requested treatments in Korean dermatology, and it costs hundreds of dollars per session.
Numberzin's No. 9 NAD+ PDRN Glow Boosting Toner takes that clinic darling and puts it in a 150ml bottle for $16.50. Whether that translation from injection to toner maintains any meaningful clinical efficacy is the central question — but the formula is interesting enough to deserve serious analysis.
The toner itself is beautiful. There's no other word for it. The liquid has a soft violet tint from cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12), and suspended within it are visible pearlescent particles derived from ceramide NP. Shake the bottle, and the pearls swirl through purple water like a snow globe designed by a cosmetic chemist. It's the most visually striking toner in K-beauty, and the aesthetic isn't accidental — it signals that this isn't your standard hydrating toner.
PDRN at 1000ppm (0.1%) is the headline. In injectable form, PDRN activates A2A adenosine receptors on cell surfaces, triggering a cascade of tissue repair responses: increased cell proliferation, enhanced collagen synthesis, improved microcirculation, and anti-inflammatory effects. It's been clinically studied for wound healing, scar treatment, and skin rejuvenation when delivered intradermally. The question is whether topical application at cosmetic concentrations can meaningfully replicate these effects.
The honest answer: probably not at injectable levels. Topical PDRN faces the same bioavailability challenges as most large molecules — the skin barrier exists specifically to prevent DNA fragments from casually entering. Research on topical PDRN is emerging but limited, with most positive studies being in-vitro or using higher concentrations than cosmetic products typically contain. The 1000ppm concentration is standard for Korean PDRN skincare, but it's a cosmetic dose, not a clinical one.
But Numbuzin, characteristically, doesn't bet everything on one ingredient. The formula backs PDRN with NAD+ for cellular energy restoration, niacinamide at what appears to be a significant concentration (third in the ingredient list) for barrier strengthening and brightening, and their signature 50+ peptide library for multi-pathway anti-aging signaling. Ceramide NP supports barrier repair. Adenosine provides proven anti-wrinkle benefits. Hydrolyzed collagen, soluble collagen, elastin, and hydrolyzed elastin add structural protein support. Resveratrol and glutathione provide antioxidant protection.
The prebiotic sugar complex — xylitylglucoside, xylitol, anhydroxylitol, glucose — supports skin microbiome health, mirroring the approach in the No. 6 Deep Sleep Mask Serum. It's a thoughtful addition that recognizes the connection between microbiome health and skin appearance.
The texture on application is lightweight and quickly absorbed. The pearlescent particles dissolve on contact, leaving a subtle luminous finish rather than visible shimmer. It's enough glow to notice but not enough to look glittery — the effect is more "skin that's been professionally treated" than "skin that has product on it." Under subsequent skincare and makeup, it creates a lit-from-within base that photographs beautifully.
The vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) adds a functional dimension beyond color. While primarily known as a dietary supplement, topical B12 has shown anti-inflammatory properties in studies on atopic dermatitis. At the concentration present here, the benefit is likely minimal, but it's a more interesting colorant choice than an arbitrary dye.
At $16.50 for 150ml, this is extraordinary value for the formulation complexity. The ingredient list runs to over 100 components, including PDRN, NAD+, ceramide NP, 50+ peptides, three forms of collagen, elastin, resveratrol, glutathione, and a full prebiotic complex. Whether each ingredient is present at truly efficacious concentrations is a valid concern — with this many actives, dilution is inevitable — but the supporting cast of proven ingredients (niacinamide, ceramide, adenosine) ensures meaningful skincare benefits regardless of how the more exotic components perform.
The 150ml bottle lasts 2-3 months with twice-daily use, making the per-month cost around $6-8. For a treatment toner with this ingredient roster, that's exceptional value by any market standard.
This toner works best as the opening act of a comprehensive No. 9 routine — apply it after cleansing to lay down the PDRN and peptide foundation, then follow with the Lifting-sil Essence for more concentrated anti-aging delivery. But it's effective as a standalone treatment toner too, providing hydration, gentle brightening, and that distinctive glow that's become the toner's calling card.
The Numbuzin No. 9 PDRN Glow Boosting Toner is the kind of product that perfectly captures where K-beauty is heading: clinic-inspired ingredients at consumer prices, cutting-edge actives supported by proven classics, and an aesthetic presentation that makes the science feel luxurious. Whether topical PDRN becomes the next niacinamide or fades as a trend ingredient, this toner will still work — because the formula behind the headline is genuinely good.
The hero actives that drive this product's performance.
| Ingredient | Function | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Salmon PDRN (Sodium DNA) (1000ppm (0.1%)) | Polydeoxyribonucleotide derived from salmon DNA — the ingredient behind Korea's hugely popular 'salmon injection' aesthetic treatments. PDRN activates A2A adenosine receptors to promote cell proliferation, collagen synthesis, and wound healing. At 1000ppm in this toner, it's the cosmetic-grade version of what Korean clinics inject for skin rejuvenation. | Not yet assessed |
| NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) | Supports cellular energy production and DNA repair, working synergistically with PDRN — NAD+ fuels the cellular machinery while PDRN provides the DNA building blocks for repair and renewal. | Limited for Aging |
| Niacinamide | Positioned third in the formula suggesting significant concentration, niacinamide provides barrier strengthening, brightening, and oil regulation. As a precursor to NAD+, it supports the formula's cellular energy restoration approach from the biosynthesis side. | Limited for Aging |
| Ceramide NP | Provides barrier repair and forms the ceramide-derived pearlescent particles visible in the toner. The pearlescence dissolves on application while the ceramide integrates into the skin's lipid barrier. | Established mechanism for Dryness · established mechanism |
| 50+ Peptide Complex | The same comprehensive multi-peptide library from the No. 9 line, delivering broad-spectrum anti-aging signals across collagen production, elastin synthesis, expression line relaxation, and cellular communication. | Limited for Aging |
Ingredient standings describe the active at treatment-level doses and vehicles; this product's own condition grades weigh its actual formula.
Water, Methylpropanediol, Niacinamide, PEG/PPG-17/6 Copolymer, Propanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Tripropylene Glycol, Glyceryl Glucoside, Xylitylglucoside, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Anhydroxylitol, Glycerin, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Candida Bombicola/Glucose/Methyl Rapeseedate Ferment, C20-40 Pareth-10, Tocopheryl Acetate, Xylitol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sodium DNA, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Glucose, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Ceramide NP, Sodium Phytate, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Citric Acid, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sodium Citrate, Phytosterols, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract, Solanum Melongena (Eggplant) Fruit Extract, T-Butyl Alcohol, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Cyanocobalamin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Butylene Glycol, Adenosine Triphosphate, Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide, Resveratrol, Pullulan, Sodium Palmitoyl Sarcosinate, Palmitic Acid, C12-14 Alketh-12, Pisum Sativum (Pea) Peptide, Stearic Acid, Polyglyceryl-6 Laurate, Caprylyl Glycol, Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate, Dextran, Hydrolyzed Elastin, Soluble Collagen, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3, Trifolium Pratense (Clover) Flower Extract, Disodium EDTA, Myristic Acid, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Mannose, SH-Octapeptide-4, SH-Decapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Copper Tripeptide-1, Hexapeptide-9, Nonapeptide-1, Tripeptide-1, Arachidic Acid, Collagen, Elastin, Glutathione, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Arginine/Lysine Polypeptide, Oligopeptide-29, Oligopeptide-32, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2, Acetyl Octapeptide-3, Acetyl Hexapeptide-1, Alanine/Histidine/Lysine Polypeptide Copper HCL, Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester, Acetyl SH-Pentapeptide-1, Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1, Dipeptide-4, Hexapeptide-11, Hexapeptide-12, Lauric Acid, Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17, Myristoyl Hexapeptide-16, Myristoyl Pentapeptide-4, Nicotinoyl Tripeptide-1, Nonapeptide-7, Nicotinoyl Tripeptide-35, Nicotinoyl Dipeptide-26, Nicotinoyl Dipeptide-23, Octapeptide-2, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12, Pentapeptide-13, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-10, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-29, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-8, Tetrapeptide-44, Tetrapeptide-30, Tripeptide-10 Citrulline, Tripeptide-32, Tripeptide-29, SH-Polypeptide-22, SH-Oligopeptide-1, SH-Polypeptide-1, SH-Polypeptide-9, SH-Oligopeptide-23, Polypeptide-11, SH-Polypeptide-3, SH-Polypeptide-16, SH-Polypeptide-62
toner
AM & PM
Apply after cleansing as the first treatment step. Dispense onto palms or a cotton pad and pat into face and neck. Can be layered 2-3 times for extra hydration. Follow with serum and moisturizer. The pearlescent particles dissolve on application.
Immediate: subtle pearlescent glow and hydrated feel. 1-2 weeks: improved skin radiance and smoother texture. 4-8 weeks: cumulative firming, brightening, and anti-aging benefits from the PDRN, NAD+, and peptide complex.
PDRN (Polydeoxyribonucleotide) derived from salmon DNA has been extensively studied in injectable form for tissue repair. Research reported in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2017) demonstrated that PDRN activates A2A adenosine receptors, triggering increased cell proliferation, enhanced collagen synthesis, and anti-inflammatory responses through VEGF signaling. In wound healing studies published in the Annals of Plastic Surgery, injectable PDRN significantly accelerated tissue regeneration and reduced healing time.
However, the translation from injectable to topical PDRN presents significant bioavailability challenges. PDRN molecules are relatively large nucleotide polymers, and the skin barrier naturally restricts penetration of hydrophilic macromolecules. Research reported in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (2021) evaluated topical PDRN in a cream formulation and found improvements in skin hydration and elasticity measurements, though the study noted that the mechanism may involve surface-level signaling rather than deep tissue penetration.
The combination with NAD+ is theoretically synergistic. PDRN provides DNA building blocks while NAD+ supports the cellular energy required for DNA repair and replication. Research in Molecular Cell (2016) demonstrated that NAD+ depletion leads to DNA damage accumulation, suggesting that restoring NAD+ levels could enhance the utility of exogenous DNA fragments.
Niacinamide's early position in the formula suggests meaningful concentration, and its evidence base for topical efficacy is robust. A study in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science (2004) confirmed that niacinamide increases ceramide and fatty acid biosynthesis in the stratum corneum at concentrations as low as 2%. As a precursor to NAD+ through the salvage pathway, niacinamide may also contribute to intracellular NAD+ levels, complementing the exogenous NAD+ in the formula.
Ceramide NP, present both as a functional ingredient and as the source of the toner's pearlescent particles, has well-established evidence for barrier repair. Research reported in the Journal of Clinical Investigation demonstrated that ceramide-containing formulations restore barrier function in compromised skin by integrating into the lamellar lipid structures of the stratum corneum.
Dermatologists in Korea are very familiar with PDRN from its widespread use in injectable form for skin rejuvenation, and they view the consumer skincare crossover with cautious optimism. Dermatologists in everyday practice often highlight that topical PDRN at cosmetic concentrations cannot replicate injectable results, but acknowledge that the ingredient has biological plausibility for surface-level cellular stimulation. The supporting formula — niacinamide, ceramide NP, adenosine — provides independently validated skincare benefits. Dermatologists may view this toner as a reasonable maintenance product between clinic PDRN treatments, or as an accessible entry point for patients curious about PDRN who aren't ready for injections.
Shake gently to distribute the pearlescent particles. Dispense a quarter-sized amount onto palms or a cotton pad. Pat into face and neck after cleansing. Can be layered 2-3 times for extra hydration and glow. Follow with serum and moisturizer. Use morning and evening as the first treatment step after cleansing.
At $16.50 for 150ml, this toner offers staggering ingredient complexity for the price. The PDRN, NAD+, 50+ peptides, ceramide NP, multiple collagen forms, and antioxidant complex would justify a $40-60 price tag from premium brands. The 150ml volume provides 2-3 months of twice-daily use, making the per-month cost approximately $6-8. Even if the exotic ingredients (PDRN, NAD+) turn out to provide marginal topical benefits, the proven actives (niacinamide, ceramide, adenosine) alone deliver value that exceeds the price.
K-beauty enthusiasts curious about PDRN who want a clinic-inspired ingredient at consumer prices. Ideal for anyone over 30 looking for an anti-aging toner that doubles as a glow-enhancing first step, and for those who appreciate ingredient innovation and sensory luxury in their routine.
If you're skeptical of ingredients without robust clinical evidence for topical application, the PDRN and NAD+ positioning may frustrate you. It's also not for you if you have a severe fish allergy (consult a dermatologist first) or if you prefer completely transparent, particle-free toners — the ceramide pearls dissolve but are initially visible.
Ready to try Numbuzin No. 9 NAD+ PDRN Glow Boosting Toner?
Buy at Amazon ♥Lightweight liquid toner with a soft violet hue and visible pearlescent particles that dissolve on contact. Absorbs quickly without stickiness.
Unscented — no detectable fragrance.
150ml bottle with flip cap. The violet toner is visible through the packaging, consistent with Numbuzin's clean aesthetic.
The violet-tinted toner with floating pearlescent particles is visually striking. Shake gently before use to distribute the ceramide pearls. On application, the pearls dissolve into the skin, leaving a subtle luminous glow. The texture is lighter than expected and absorbs within seconds.
Around 2-3 months when applied twice a day
All Year
PDRN (Polydeoxyribonucleotide) has been one of the biggest trends in Korean aesthetic medicine, where 'salmon injections' containing salmon-derived DNA fragments are hugely popular for skin rejuvenation. Numbuzin's No. 9 PDRN toner translates this clinic trend into an accessible daily product, combining it with their signature NAD+ and peptide technology. The vitamin B12-derived violet tint and ceramide pearls add a sensory dimension that makes the clinical-inspired formula feel luxurious rather than medicinal.
Numbuzin launched in 2019 under Korea's Benow Inc. This toner represents the brand's entry into the PDRN trend — a salmon-derived DNA fragment ingredient that has become one of the hottest ingredients in Korean aesthetic medicine and is rapidly crossing into consumer skincare.
PDRN in a toner works the same as PDRN injections.
Injectable PDRN is delivered directly into the dermis at concentrations orders of magnitude higher than topical formulations. At 1000ppm (0.1%) in this toner, the PDRN provides a cosmetic-grade version that may stimulate surface-level cellular processes, but cannot replicate the deep dermal rejuvenation of clinical injections.
Salmon DNA in skincare means you're putting fish DNA on your face.
PDRN is a purified polydeoxyribonucleotide — a fragment of DNA that's been isolated and processed to pharmaceutical or cosmetic grade. It doesn't contain proteins, allergens, or recognizable salmon material. The DNA fragments function as signaling molecules, not as genetic material.
PDRN (Polydeoxyribonucleotide) is a purified DNA fragment derived from salmon that activates cellular repair pathways. It's the active ingredient behind Korea's popular 'salmon injections' for skin rejuvenation. This toner contains 1000ppm of PDRN to deliver a cosmetic-grade version of that clinic treatment in a daily-use format.
The violet hue comes from Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12), a naturally purple-red vitamin. It provides mild antioxidant benefits while giving the toner its distinctive color. The visible pearlescent particles are ceramide-derived and dissolve on contact with skin.
Yes — gently shake the bottle before dispensing to distribute the ceramide pearlescent particles evenly. The particles will dissolve into your skin on application, leaving a subtle luminous glow.
PDRN is a highly purified DNA fragment that does not contain the proteins responsible for fish allergies. However, if you have a severe fish allergy, consult your dermatologist before use as an extra precaution.
The toner is lighter and designed as a first treatment step after cleansing, while the essence is richer and applied later in the routine. The toner adds PDRN (which the essence doesn't have) and ceramide pearls for glow. Both share the NAD+ and 50-peptide technology. They can be used together for a comprehensive No. 9 routine.
Recurring themes our editors read across retailer reviews of this product — summaries in our words, not quotations, and not a substitute for your own patch test.
Beautiful pearlescent glow effect from ceramide particles
Instant radiance boost after application
Lightweight texture that absorbs without stickiness
Impressive ingredient list for the price
Violet tint from vitamin B12 is aesthetically appealing
PDRN concentration may be too low for meaningful clinical effect
Overwhelmingly long ingredient list with many at trace levels
Very new product with limited proven track record
Pearlescent effect may not suit those preferring a fully matte toner
