the K-beauty skin care ingredient primed to break through in 2026

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Spicules are very fine, needle-shaped particles derived from freshwater sponges that can support cellular renewal

This article was originally published in Cosmetics Business’ Skin Care Trend Report. Receive your copy here

Breakout ingredients in beauty over the past year include exosomes and PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide). But in 2026, there is a new ingredient on the block that appears set to take beauty by storm: spicules. As ever, it is Korea leading the way with a wave of beauty products emerging from the country featuring this ingredient – a derivative of marine sponges.

Hailed for their microneedling-like effects, they are gaining traction on social media, often being referred to as ‘microneedling in a bottle’ and ‘liquid microneedling’

“Spicules are very fine, needle-shaped particles derived from freshwater sponges, commonly Spongilla species,” explains Dr. Jennifer Owens, founder of The Glow Clinic.

“When massaged into the skin they create thousands of tiny, temporary microchannels in the upper layers of the epidermis. Unlike traditional microneedling treatments, where metal needles are inserted and removed during a treatment, these microscopic particles remain within the superficial skin for a period of time before naturally shedding away with normal skin turnover.

“This creates a mild, controlled mechanical stimulus that can increase epidermal permeability, encourage exfoliation and support cellular renewal. Because of these temporary microchannels, active ingredients applied alongside spicules can penetrate more effectively. The overall effect is intended to mimic some of the surface-level benefits of microneedling, but without the use of invasive tools.”

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