Beauty enthusiasts are now experimenting with a new skincare trend that most might consider unconventional – salmon sperm facials.
These facials have become a viral trend on social media, and are now making waves in the beauty industry, leaving many wondering if we’ve finally gone overboard.
From Kim Kardashian to Jennifer Aniston, even celebrities seem to be indulging in this new-age dermatological discovery.
“Salmon testicle DNA has been praised in research for its capacity to repair moisture barriers, boost collagen synthesis, reduce inflammation, restore skin suppleness, and stimulate cell regeneration. As such, it is a promising treatment for skin damage and a key component in anti-ageing,” Chane Ann Marshall, Beauty Therapist, Aesthetics by King’s College Hospital London Dubai, said in an exclusive interview with Arabian Business.
The trend, which originates in South Korea, has been gaining traction in high-end spas and dermatology clinics worldwide. Experts claim that DNA extracted from salmon sperm, specifically known as protamine, can work wonders for the skin, offering benefits ranging from increased hydration to improved elasticity and even DNA repair.
The extracted salmon sperm is then injected into the recipient’s face using small needles, usually requiring multiple sessions to achieve ‘visible results’.
“Within the aesthetics industry, the usage of sperm DNA in facials is a new and unique approach. To sum up, salmon PDRN [polydeoxyribonucleotide] has promising prospects for skin rejuvenation, revitalisation, anti-ageing, anti-inflammatory, and healing in the aesthetic industry,” Marshall said.
But does this really work? Cosmetic chemist, Ron Robinson said on via a post on Instagram, “One study, demonstrated that salmon sperm helped repair cellular damage, [sped up] healing of wounds and diminished inflammation. Other studies have shown that the proteins found in salmon sperm help reduce signs of aging. It’s been used in Korean beauty for many years. I have not seen the studies, but I’d stick with the gold standard anti-ageing ingredients.”
Dubai-based influencer Lailli Mirza shared her experience with the treatment recently, the TikTok video showed her visiting a local supermarket to pick up the ‘best quality’ salmon which she then supposedly took to an aesthetic clinic, located on Jumeirah Road.
The video then skips to show her at the clinic, where she then had the treatment.
However, according to Marshall, the process of extraction from the Salmon takes place in specific labs with high safety standards and testing and cannot simply be purchased from the store for use.
While injecting or applying fish reproductive material on one’s face might seem repulsive to some, early adopters are raving about the results.
“The salmon semen facial works. It works,” said influencer, Lauryn Bosstick in a recent podcast episode.
“Don’t knock it before you try it,” Lailli Mirza said.
Cruelty-free beauty alternatives urged
The trend has not been without controversy, however. Animal rights activists have raised concerns about the ethical implications of harvesting salmon sperm for cosmetic purposes.
“The process involves extracting sperm from salmon, which can be seen as invasive and ethically problematic. Furthermore, the environmental impact of salmon farming, including overfishing and habitat destruction, cannot be overlooked,” Vegan skincare brand Flaniere said on its website.
People for the Ethical Treatment for Animals (PETA) via a Facebook post said, “Glowing skin is in, but salmon sperm facials? Now that’s fishy. PLEASE, keep the salmon in the sea & your beauty routines cruelty-free.”
Despite the scepticism, the beauty industry is taking notice. Several high-end skincare brands have begun incorporating salmon DNA into their product lines, with some bottles of “miracle” serum retailing for hundreds of dollars. Market analysts predict that the global market for marine-based cosmetics could reach just under $1,110 million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 6.60 percent.
Kim Kardashian’s dermatologist Dr. Simon Ourian said, “We understand it might sound a bit fishy at first, but our new Salmon Sperm Stemcell Facial is a game-changer in luxury skincare. By integrating this cutting-edge technology, we offer our patients an exclusive treatment that is both effective and indulgent. The results are truly impressive,” EIN Presswire reported.
For those brave enough to dive into the world of salmon skincare, the facial offers an unusual blend of luxury and novelty. Some spas are offering the treatment with premium pricing, with some even costing thousands of dollars.
However, Marshall argued, “Salmon sperm facials are a high-end, exclusive procedure. These facials can be more expensive than many regular facials, though prices do vary. Still, there isn’t a significant price difference.”
The trend has also spawned a host of spin-off treatments, from Salmon DNA-infused serums to at-home facial kits. Beauty influencers have been quick to jump on the bandwagon, sharing their reviews and experiences on social media with hashtags like #salmondna gaining traction.
As far as safety concerns go, Marshall said that salmon-derived PDRNs are “generally good,” she explained, “While trials conducted in the short term have demonstrated a good safety profile, longer-term research is required to assess the safety of salmon PDRNs over an extended length of time.”
Whether this fishy phenomenon will stand the test of time or be swept away by the next big trend remains to be seen.
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