HOKO PDRN Eye Drops: What the Viral Trend Gets Right and What to Know Before You Try It

Jaimee Munoz
2026-01-15T10:00:02-05:00

PDRN eye drops are trending in Korean beauty spaces — but are they safe to use on your skin? Here is what you need to know before trying the viral hack.

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HOKO PDRN Eye Drops have taken over Korean beauty social media — but if you think this is a new discovery, think again. Koreans have quietly used these drops for years as everyday artificial tears to soothe and refresh tired, dry eyes.

Here is what they actually are, why they are trending, and what you need to know before you try the viral skincare hack.

What Are HOKO PDRN Eye Drops?

HOKO PDRN Eye Drops are ophthalmic artificial tears — meaning they are formulated specifically for use in the eyes. They are widely used in Korea by people who spend long hours on screens, wear contact lenses, use daily eye makeup, or simply experience eye dryness and fatigue.

These are eye comfort products. They are not skincare.

What Is PDRN and Why Is It in These Drops?

PDRN stands for Polydeoxyribonucleotide — a bioactive ingredient derived from salmon DNA fragments. Despite what you may have seen online, it is not salmon collagen. They are completely different things.

PDRN is widely used in Korean medical and aesthetic settings for its supportive properties, particularly around hydration and tissue comfort. In ophthalmic formulations like HOKO, it is included to support the health and comfort of the ocular surface — especially when eyes are under stress from screens, environment, or contact lens use.

Published research has explored PDRN's role in supporting ocular surface health, contributing to its use in ophthalmic formulations. For those interested in the science, we have linked the studies at the bottom of this post.

Why Are They Going Viral?

The viral surge started when social media creators noticed that HOKO contains PDRN — a highly sought-after ingredient in Korean skincare and aesthetics. Because the drops are eye-safe, some creators began using them as a facial toner, soaking cotton pads for DIY mask treatments, or applying them directly under the eyes for fine lines and texture.

This is where we need to slow down.

Can You Use HOKO PDRN Eye Drops as Toner or Skincare?

Glow Unique does not recommend using ophthalmic eye drops as skincare — and here is why.

Eye drops are formulated to meet the very specific pH, sterility, and structural requirements of the ocular surface. The eye is an incredibly sensitive and specialized tissue. Formulations designed for it are not designed for facial skin and do not contain the stabilizers, preservatives, or delivery systems required for safe and effective cosmetic topical use.

Applying ophthalmic products to facial skin — especially the delicate under eye area — may cause irritation, contamination, or barrier disruption.

PDRN is a genuinely powerful ingredient. But formulation and delivery matter just as much as the ingredient itself. A well-formulated skin-targeted PDRN product will always outperform a repurposed eye drop.

What You Should Use Instead

If the PDRN trend has your attention — and it should, because

it is a legitimately exciting ingredient — the right move is choosing products actually formulated for your skin.

At Glow Unique we carry several skin-formulated PDRN options worth exploring:

EyeCool PDRN Drops — these are specifically formulated ophthalmic drops for eye comfort and soothing. If you want PDRN eye drops used as intended, these are a great choice.

UltiPro Fresh PN 4mg/ml — a skin-formulated PDRN product designed for topical use on facial skin, not repurposed from an ophthalmic formula.

Explore our full Skin Boosters collection for more PDRN and polynucleotide formulated skincare options.


The Real Takeaway

The viral popularity of HOKO PDRN Eye Drops says something important — people are genuinely hungry for regenerative skincare ingredients and real solutions for fine lines, texture, and skin resilience.

That demand is valid. The ingredient is real. The shortcut is not.

At Glow Unique our goal is always to separate viral hype from real world safety so you can make informed, confident choices for your skin and your eyes.

PDRN is powerful. The eye area is delicate. Use products as intended — and choose formulations built for the job.


Research References

Ceravolo et al. (2022) — Beneficial Effects of Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) in an In Vitro Model of Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy

Edirisinghe et al. (2022) — Effect of Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) Treatment on Corneal Wound Healing in Zebrafish (Danio rerio)


Disclaimer

This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. HOKO PDRN Eye Drops are ophthalmic products intended for use in the eyes only. Always follow manufacturer instructions and consult a qualified healthcare or eye care professional if you experience persistent eye or skin concerns. All skincare products mentioned are intended for cosmetic use only and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Results may vary.