{"id":20445,"date":"2026-09-04T21:14:02","date_gmt":"2026-09-04T20:14:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cosmacon.de\/?post_type=encyclopedia&p=20445"},"modified":"2026-09-04T21:23:41","modified_gmt":"2026-09-04T20:23:41","slug":"vegan-spicules","status":"publish","type":"encyclopedia","link":"https:\/\/www.cosmacon.de\/en\/glossary\/vegan-spicules\/","title":{"rendered":"vegan Spicules"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\u201cLiquid microneedling\u201d\u2014no device, no needles, right in the cream: Spicules are one of the most defining K-Beauty trends. In addition to the classic sponge needles derived from freshwater sponges, vegan, mineral-based spicules are now gaining traction\u2014with a distinctly different profile in terms of sensation, penetration, and sustainability.<\/p>\n

What are spicules?<\/h2>\n

Spicules are microscopically small, needle-like structures that penetrate the outermost layer of the skin when massaged in. They create extremely fine microchannels, have an exfoliating effect, and thus improve the absorption of accompanying active ingredients\u2014a purely physical effect often described as \u201cliquid microneedling.\u201d Traditionally, they come from the freshwater sponge<\/strong> (Spongilla<\/strong>).<\/p>\n

The difference: mineral-based, vegan spicules<\/h2>\n

Instead of animal-derived sponge needles, the new generation uses a mineral structure with the INCI designation Calcium Sodium Borosilicate<\/strong>. Rather than a sharp needle shape, these particles have a shorter micro-rod geometry (\u201cMicro-Rod\u201d). This significantly alters the balance between efficacy and tolerability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t
Characteristic<\/strong><\/th>Sponge spicules (animal-based)<\/strong><\/th>Vegan spicules (mineral-based)<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Source<\/td>Freshwater sponge \/
\nMarine sponge<\/td>		Calcium Sodium Borosilicate<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Shape<\/td>Sharp needle<\/td>Rounded micro-rod<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Penetration depth<\/td>Down to the dermis<\/td>Primarily the upper skin layer (stratum corneum)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Irritation potential<\/td>Higher<\/td>Reduced<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Vegan<\/td>No<\/td>Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n<\/div>\n
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Mechanism of action:<\/strong> The fine particles create temporary microchannels and provide a gentle mechanical exfoliation. This removes dead skin cells, refines skin texture, and promotes the penetration of active ingredients such as peptides or PDRN<\/strong>.<\/div>\n

Effect Profile and Typical Effects<\/h2>\n