Have You Heard Of Microspicules? Why Liquid Microneedling Is The Skincare Trend For Facial-Grade Results

The quest for facial-level results at home is nothing new, but can sea sponges – yes, you read that right – really be the solution we’ve been searching for? Well, liquid microneedling with microspicules is certainly taking K Beauty (and now the broader skincare industry) by storm, with the promise of helping us achieve ‘glass skin’ by mimicking some of the benefits of microneedling without the need to head to a clinic. Here’s what you need to know…

What are microspicules?

Microspicules are microscopic, needle‑like structures, often derived from sea sponge or coral skeletons. They’re so small – usually less than 0.2 mm in length – that you can’t see them with the naked eye, but, when popped into your serum as an ingredient and applied topically, they can help create microscopic channels in the skin’s surface.

Their key role is to gently pierce the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of your skin) to create micro-channels that improve absorption of actives, like peptides, hyaluronic acid, and exosomes. That’s actually how microneedling works, too – which is why micropicules have been given the nickname ‘liquid microneedling’.

What are the benefits of liquid microneedling? 

As well as improving overall ingredient penetration, microspicules are great for refining skin texture, because the micro-injuries they cause on your skin can promote cell turnover. Plus, they can give you a glow boost too, by removing rough texture. Ultimately, that means they can give you many of the benefits of microneedling at-home … and all without the fear of visible needles for the needlephobes among you.

How do they compare to in-clinic microneedling?

Unlike professional microneedling, which uses actual needles to penetrate deep into the dermis, microspicules primarily work on the top layers of your skin. Basically, you can think of them acting like a very fine exfoliant, so the results you’ll get will be more gradual and subtle than if you head to a clinic for needle-based microneedling.

Still, studies suggest that the micro-channels that microspicules create in your skin can still improve ingredient penetration by up to 60 times. That means choose a serum with other great ingredients to target your specific skin concerns, and you could see really boosted results.

What does liquid microneedling feel like?

It’s not super stingy like in clinic microneedling can be. At most, you might feel a slight tingling or prickling sensation as you rub the microspicules into your skin (and some people report still being able to feel some of this post-application if they run their hand over their face). Other serums have more of a grainy texture straight out of the pump, which is most akin to a very thin exfoliating mask, but these granules quickly absorb into your skin.

Anything else to bear in mind?

Be particularly gentle around your eyes to avoid any irritation and start slowly, building up your usage rather than heading straight to applying every day, especially if you have a sensitive complexion. Remember, you are creating little micro-channels, so only apply your microspicule serum to clean, dry skin, and apply SPF in the morning afterward to keep your skin suitably protected post-exfoliation .

Intruiged to give liquid microneedling a try? Here are seven recommendations…

7 trending microspicule skincare products to try 

1. Yepoda The Skinject Effect, £21 

Consider this the beginner-friendly serum that can help you take your first step towards K Beauty signature ‘glass skin’ look, courtesy of vegan spicules – which provide a light signature tingle – plus a whole host of other exciting treatment-like active ingredients, including PDRN (aka polynucleotides in your skincare), kimchi-derived exosomes and hyaluronic acid. The result is a promise to improve skin radiance, texture, and bounce in just a month, making it perfect for anyone curious about microspicules without wanting to break the bank.

2. Lab 31B Need.l Micropeptide Needle Power Serum, £83

Not content with just utilising the benefits of liquid microneedling alone, this clever serum is packed with over 10,000 micropeptide ‘needles’ – a variation on spicule tech that sees the microspicules ‘filled’ with peptides and hyaluronic acid. This helps push these fine-line-reducing ingredients deeper into your skin, and combined with bakuchiol (aka a natural alternative to retinoids), this makes for a really targeted solution for a smoother, firmer complexion. Best of all, the serum does all that, with no irritation or sting in sight.

3. VT Cosmetics Reedle Shot 100, £23.90

Social media has been abuzz with this trendsetter in the world of microspicules – and for good reason. VT’s patented Cica Reedle technology uses 95,000ppm micro-sized needles alongside a soothing blend of cica, amino acids and hyaluronic acid, which makes it brilliant for those with sensitive or reactive skin that would otherwise be unsuitable for in-clinic microneedling. Best of all, just because it’s calming doesn’t mean it doesn’t pack a big punch in terms of results, as it still makes light work of refining pores, gently exfoliating and enhancing the absorption of your other actives.

4. Skin Republic Microdart Serum Ampoule + Spicule Sachets, £7.99

This travel-friendly solution from Skin Republic makes liquid microneedling even easier to dip a toe into -not least because you get almost a week’s worth of treatment for just £8. Each sachet contains a face and neck-covering amount of the brand’s exciting spicule skin renewal technology, which has been clinically proven to visibly reduce the appearance of pores, remove rough texture, and even help smooth fine lines over time.

5. 111Skin Exosome Face Lift, £655

If you want to turn your liquid microneedling experience into a really luxurious ritual, then this high‑end microspicule‑enhanced exosome treatment will really supercharge your routine. The duo (serum and overnight mask) works together, using spicules to help deliver both exosomes and peptides deep into your skin, promoting firmness, elasticity, and improved texture in just a month. It is a fairly heavy-hitting skin solution in terms of more involved age-proofing results too, with clinical data showing visible lifting and wrinkle reduction for many users.

6. Exoblanc Liquid Microneedling Spicule Cream, £40

With its 6000ppm marine-derived spicules pushing a whole array of results-driven actives deeper into your skin, this classic Korean skin renewal cream aims to brighten and smooth without any harshness. Niacinamide, PDRN, lactobacillus-derived exosome technology, aloe, and NAD support all feature, working together to refine tone, texture, and smooth your skin. The best part, though, is that your skin barrier stays supported, avoiding irritation and making it great as an effective – yet gentle – way to chase that ‘lit-from-within’ radiance we often crave.

7. Sarah Chapman Spicule Collagen Infusion Mask, £76 for four 

Want the effects of an award-winning facial at home? Sarah Chapman’s spicule mask was inspired by Sarah Chapman’s own microneedling treatment in clinic. In fact, the two‑step system is a bit reminiscent of how a chemical peel works (but it is way more gentle, don’t worry). First, there’s the microstimulation concentrate, packed with 3,000 ppm hydrolysed sponge spicules to create micro‑channels in your skin, so line-smoothing adenosine and hydrating collagen, panthenol and arginine can work where they are needed most. Then, a cooling bio-infusion mask follows, meaning intense hydration, pore refinement, and a party-ready temporary tightening effect after just one application.