Spicules: The Revolutionary ‘Microneedling in a Bottle’ Set to Transform K-Beauty
A groundbreaking K-beauty skincare ingredient, spicules, is creating a buzz and set to revolutionize mainstream beauty in 2026. Extracted from marine sponges, these minuscule needle-like particles have earned the monikers “microneedling in a bottle” and “liquid microneedling” across various social media platforms. The term “spicule skincare” has seen a staggering 119% increase in Google searches year-over-year.
As highlighted by Cosmetics Business in their 2026 Skin Care Trend Report, spicules are following the successful path of other breakout ingredients such as exosomes and PDRN. Korea is at the forefront of this trend, with brands like VT Cosmetics and Medicube introducing spicule-infused products. These products create temporary microchannels in the skin, enabling active ingredients to penetrate up to 60 times more effectively than traditional application methods.
The magic of this ingredient lies in its ability to create tiny pathways on the skin’s surface without the need for invasive tools, thereby mimicking some benefits of professional microneedling. VT Cosmetics’ Reedle Shot products, available in varying strengths (100, 300, 700) based on spicule content, have achieved an impressive cumulative sales figure surpassing 11.7 million units by 2025. However, dermatologists advise caution, recommending users to start with low concentrations and to avoid the treatment if they have conditions like rosacea, eczema, or active acne.
Source: Cosmetics Business