Spicules: The Next Big Thing in K-Beauty Skincare for 2026
The beauty industry is currently witnessing the meteoric rise of spicules, a marine sponge-derived ingredient being hailed as “microneedling in a bottle.” This revelation comes according to the 2026 Skin Care Trend Report by Cosmetics Business, released earlier this month.
Leading the charge is Korea, with a surge of beauty products featuring spicules. These products are gaining viral attention on social media for their microneedling-like effects, eliminating the need for invasive procedures. The ingredient is set to join the ranks of recent breakout ingredients such as exosomes and PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide) that dominated the beauty scene in 2025.
Alongside spicules, the report identifies beta-glucan as a barrier hero ingredient. It also notes a growing demand for skincare products that support cosmetic treatments and procedures.
Industry experts suggest that skin longevity is becoming a pivotal turning point in beauty and wellness. This trend is where the cross-pollination of science, biology, and technology is unlocking unprecedented horizons for personalized, preventative care. It reflects a broader shift from the “glass skin” era towards “glass skin 2.0,” emphasizing repair, resilience, longevity, and regeneration beneath the surface.
Source: Cosmetics Business