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What’s being marketed as the “fish sperm facial” is actually a class of injectables made from purified fragments of fish DNA called polynucleotides
What makes the fish sperm injection popular is the promise of a “natural-looking” result. (Representative image: Getty)
The beauty industry is constantly chasing the next promise of youthful, glowing skin from glass-skin routines and collagen boosters to ever-evolving hydration treatments. And with influencers turning every new procedure into overnight buzz, trends now move faster than ever.
One of the latest to grab attention is the so-called fish sperm injection. The name is deliberately shocking, but the treatment itself is far less outrageous.
It doesn’t use literal fish sperm; instead, it relies on highly purified DNA molecules derived from marine sources, a biotech ingredient designed to help the skin repair and regenerate from within.
The Science Behind the Trend
What’s being marketed as the “fish sperm facial” is actually a class of injectables made from purified fragments of fish DNA called polynucleotides (PNs). Clinics lean into the shock factor, but the real ingredient is a medical-grade biomolecule designed to help the skin repair itself.
Polynucleotides are long chains of nucleotides (the building blocks of DNA) extracted from salmon or trout sperm, then purified and stabilised for aesthetic use.
Instead of padding the face like traditional fillers, these injections aim to improve texture, hydration and overall skin quality from within.
When injected into the dermis, they act as bio-stimulators, signalling the skin to produce more collagen and elastin while calming inflammation and boosting hydration.
The goal is not instant volume but restoration: a healthier, bouncier skin structure that develops gradually over weeks.
Early studies show promising improvements in elasticity, fine lines and under-eye hollows. The research is still evolving, but dermatologists say PN injections fit into a growing shift towards regenerative aesthetics, treatments that encourage the skin to heal itself instead of relying on synthetic fillers.
How Fish-Sperm Injections Differ From Botox and Fillers
Like many beauty trends, this one originated in South Korea, then spread to Europe, the US, and eventually made its way into influencer circles. What makes the fish sperm injection popular is the promise of a “natural-looking” result.
It promises young-looking skin without the frozen look of Botox or the puffiness associated with poor filler results. People in their late 20s and 30s are trying it as an anti-ageing treatment, while older clients see it as a gentler alternative to more aggressive procedures.
Botox relaxes muscles. Fillers add volume. PNs do neither. Instead, they quietly improve the skin’s environment, helping it retain moisture, stimulate collagen and recover from micro-damage. The results appear gradually, often after a series of sessions, and last a few months before maintenance is needed.
It is subtle, more glow, better bounce, smoother texture, not the dramatic plumping you get from hyaluronic acid fillers. That is why some practitioners combine PNs with fillers for more noticeable rejuvenation.
The Safety Concern
Polynucleotide products used in reputable clinics are extensively purified and generally well-tolerated. Side effects are usually mild: redness, swelling or small bruises.
The bigger concern is regulation. Some PN products are approved for medical use in parts of Europe and Asia, but many still operate in grey zones depending on the country. Dermatologists emphasise choosing trained practitioners and high-quality, traceable products.
PN injections represent the broader future of beauty: regenerative, subtle and rooted in biotechnology. They are not a miracle cure or a replacement for fillers, but for those seeking texture improvement, hydration and a naturally fresh look, fish sperm injection is becoming a compelling option.
Surbhi Pathak, subeditor, writes on India, world affairs, science, and education. She is currently dabbling with lifestyle content. Follow her on X: @S_Pathak_11.
Surbhi Pathak, subeditor, writes on India, world affairs, science, and education. She is currently dabbling with lifestyle content. Follow her on X: @S_Pathak_11.
November 24, 2025, 10:28 IST
It doesn’t use literal fish sperm; instead, it relies on highly purified DNA molecules derived from marine sources, a biotech ingredient designed to help the skin repair and regenerate from within.
The Science Behind the Trend
What’s being marketed as the “fish sperm facial” is actually a class of injectables made from purified fragments of fish DNA called polynucleotides (PNs). Clinics lean into the shock factor, but the real ingredient is a medical-grade biomolecule designed to help the skin repair itself.
Polynucleotides are long chains of nucleotides (the building blocks of DNA) extracted from salmon or trout sperm, then purified and stabilised for aesthetic use.
Instead of padding the face like traditional fillers, these injections aim to improve texture, hydration and overall skin quality from within.
When injected into the dermis, they act as bio-stimulators, signalling the skin to produce more collagen and elastin while calming inflammation and boosting hydration.
The goal is not instant volume but restoration: a healthier, bouncier skin structure that develops gradually over weeks.
Early studies show promising improvements in elasticity, fine lines and under-eye hollows. The research is still evolving, but dermatologists say PN injections fit into a growing shift towards regenerative aesthetics, treatments that encourage the skin to heal itself instead of relying on synthetic fillers.
How Fish-Sperm Injections Differ From Botox and Fillers
Like many beauty trends, this one originated in South Korea, then spread to Europe, the US, and eventually made its way into influencer circles. What makes the fish sperm injection popular is the promise of a “natural-looking” result.
It promises young-looking skin without the frozen look of Botox or the puffiness associated with poor filler results. People in their late 20s and 30s are trying it as an anti-ageing treatment, while older clients see it as a gentler alternative to more aggressive procedures.
Botox relaxes muscles. Fillers add volume. PNs do neither. Instead, they quietly improve the skin’s environment, helping it retain moisture, stimulate collagen and recover from micro-damage. The results appear gradually, often after a series of sessions, and last a few months before maintenance is needed.
It is subtle, more glow, better bounce, smoother texture, not the dramatic plumping you get from hyaluronic acid fillers. That is why some practitioners combine PNs with fillers for more noticeable rejuvenation.
The Safety Concern
Polynucleotide products used in reputable clinics are extensively purified and generally well-tolerated. Side effects are usually mild: redness, swelling or small bruises.
The bigger concern is regulation. Some PN products are approved for medical use in parts of Europe and Asia, but many still operate in grey zones depending on the country. Dermatologists emphasise choosing trained practitioners and high-quality, traceable products.
PN injections represent the broader future of beauty: regenerative, subtle and rooted in biotechnology. They are not a miracle cure or a replacement for fillers, but for those seeking texture improvement, hydration and a naturally fresh look, fish sperm injection is becoming a compelling option.
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