Salmon Sperm Injections: A Breakthrough in Skin Health or a Trend Too Far?

You read that right—salmon sperm.

It sounds a little absurd, I know.

But in the world of regenerative aesthetics, salmon sperm injections are making quite the splash.

Also known as polynucleotide injections, this trending treatment is gaining popularity.

For its promise to repair, hydrate, and rejuvenate the skin at a cellular level.

But is that really the case?

Let’s dive in and explore this fishy little trend. Pun absolutely intended.

What Are Salmon Sperm Injections?

What Are Polynucleotide Injections?
Polynucleotides are long chains of DNA fragments—most commonly extracted from salmon or trout sperm—selected because their DNA is remarkably similar to our own. Once purified, they’re used in injectable form to stimulate skin regeneration and repair at a cellular level.

Unlike traditional fillers, which add volume, polynucleotides encourage the skin to heal itself. They boost collagen and elastin production, improve hydration, and help reinforce the skin’s structural integrity over time.

The result? Skin that appears firmer, plumper, and more resilient, with improved tone and texture.

As a clinical aesthetician with over 30 years of experience—and founder of The Naked Chemist—I’ve seen it all: the effective, the experimental, and the outright questionable.

And this treatment? It’s certainly raised a few eyebrows.

I’ve now worked with several clients who have undergone this procedure. Some had excellent results. Others? Not so much. So, what’s my honest prognosis?

Should you give it a go, or give it a miss? Let’s unpack how it works and see whether it lives up to the hype.

What Happens During the Treatment?

The procedure involves a series of tiny injections under the skin, typically in areas such as the eyes, cheeks, or jawline that are delicate or prone to ageing.

It’s not particularly painful, but you’ll walk out with a little bumpy appearance. Those small lumps typically fade within 24–48 hours as the polynucleotides are absorbed and dispersed into the tissue.

While downtime is minimal, some clients may experience mild redness, swelling, or tenderness after the procedure. On darker skin tones, bruising tends to be less visible, but it can still occur.

The Claimed Benefits

Here’s what proponents say polynucleotides can do:

• Stimulate collagen and elastin to improve firmness and elasticity
• Hydrate the skin by binding to water molecules
• Reduce oxidative stress and environmental damage
• Improve skin texture and thickness
• Minimise pigmentation and under-eye darkness
• Support lymphatic drainage for a brighter, healthier complexion
• I’ve seen some clients experience genuine improvements in skin tone and hydration, particularly in areas that’ve lost volume or resilience due to ageing.

The Potential Downsides

But I have to be honest—from some of the clients that are beginning to come to me with side effects, this treatment is not without its risks or limitations:

• Lack of FDA approval in many countries, including the U.S.
• Insufficient long-term data on safety and efficacy
• Ethical concerns around the source of DNA
• Risk of redness, swelling, itching, or allergic reactions
• Not ideal for those with fish or shellfish allergies
• Costly, and requires multiple sessions for noticeable results

And beyond the usual post-injection puffiness or bruising, there are more serious concerns worth highlighting, especially for those with compromised skin or autoimmune conditions:

Risk of Infection

Although polynucleotides are highly purified, injections always carry a risk of introducing bacteria into the skin, especially if protocols aren’t meticulously followed. Poor technique, contaminated equipment, or improper aftercare can all lead to localised infections, which may present as redness, pain, warmth, or swelling at the injection site.

Left untreated, these can develop into more serious complications, sometimes requiring antibiotics—or in rare cases, medical intervention.

Granulomatous Reactions

Another lesser-known but essential risk is the potential for granulomatous inflammation. In this delayed immune response, the body forms small nodules (granulomas) around the injected material it perceives as foreign. This is something I have written extensively about in my microneedling beware article.

This often occurs in the dermal immune layer known as the stratum granulosum, where immune cells reside. When these immune cells encounter something unfamiliar—such as fish-derived DNA—they may become hyperreactive, leading to persistent lumps, chronic inflammation, or tissue hardening.

While rare, granulomas can be stubborn to treat and may require corticosteroid injections or other medical therapies. This is why patch testing, practitioner expertise, and understanding your immune history are so critical.

Aftercare Essentials

To minimise side effects and support healing, I would recommend following these aftercare tips:

• Avoid alcohol and heavy exercise for 48 hours
• No makeup for 24 hours post-treatment
• Use gentle, fragrance-free skincare
• Avoid active ingredients (retinoids, acids) for 3–5 days
• Keep out of sunlight, steam rooms, saunas, and pools
• Don’t touch or massage the treated area—let the skin rest
• Stay well-hydrated and consider arnica to reduce bruising
• Always consult your practitioner if anything feels “off”

To conclude. The naked truth

As someone who has spent over three decades working with skin, I hold a deep respect for its natural intelligence and protective functions. That’s why I approach every treatment—especially new and trending ones—with equal parts curiosity and caution.

On one hand, polynucleotide injections are genuinely exciting. They mark a shift toward regenerative skincare, with the potential to support deeper healing, particularly for concerns like pigmentation, dehydration, and premature ageing. For the right person, in the right hands, they can offer subtle, visible improvements—without the bulk or permanence of filler.

But on the other hand, we must acknowledge the grey areas. There’s still a lack of robust clinical research, inconsistent results, and a genuine risk of adverse reactions—such as granulomatous inflammation or infection—particularly when the treatment is not carried out under strict hygiene protocols.

Unfortunately, many therapists perform these procedures without the proper training or understanding of advanced skin anatomy, which can lead to devastating consequences in the wrong hands.

Thorough consultation is essential, as is correct skin preparation—before, during, and after the procedure—to help minimise risk and prevent infection. Without this, even the most promising treatment can quickly become a problematic one.

Then there’s the ethical question. Does injecting salmon-derived DNA into the skin align with the values of clean, conscious skincare? For some, the answer might be yes. For others—including many of our clients—it may feel like a step too far.

So would I recommend it? Honestly, I’m still on the fence.

It’s not a blanket yes or no. It depends on the individual, their skin concerns, and most importantly, the practitioner administering it. Until we see more scientific data, stronger regulation, and long-term safety studies, I’d urge you to proceed mindfully.

At The Naked Chemist, we believe in healing the skin with integrity—using powerful, skin-identical ingredients and time-honoured herbs for skin that calms inflammation, rebuilds the barrier, and restores radiance from within.

If you’re seeking results without injections, our anti-inflammatory skincare range offers a gentler path—one that honours your skin’s natural rhythm and resilience.

Because at the end of the day, your skin deserves more than just the latest trend. It deserves care that’s safe, intentional, and rooted in respect.