Spicules — Cica Reedles, sponge needles and microneedling in a bottle

Spicules are one of Korean skincare's most talked-about innovations — microscopic natural needles that create invisible channels in the skin's surface so actives absorb deeper. Think of them as an at-home, gentle cousin to professional microneedling: real results, no needles, no downtime bar a night or two of tingle.

The many names for spicules

The same ingredient shows up under a lot of different marketing names. Once you know them, product labels stop feeling confusing:

• Sponge Spicule — the classic term, referring to the natural marine sponge source.
• Sea Sponge Needles — descriptive name emphasising the needle shape.
• Micro-Spicules — used when the spicules are especially small and gentle.
• Microneedling in a Bottle — marketing shorthand for the professional-treatment comparison.
• Cica Reedles — VT Cosmetics' branded name (short for 'reed + needles'), often paired with Centella.

What spicules are for

• Deeper delivery of pairing actives — PDRN, peptides, Centella, niacinamide, growth factors.
• Firmer, plumper skin over 4–8 weeks as the tiny micro-injuries stimulate mild collagen response.
• Smoother texture and refined pores as dead surface cells are gently cleared.
• Fading of acne scars, fine lines and dull tone — steadily, with consistent use.
• Boosted glow without a peel — skin looks fresher within 24–48 hours of first use.

Percentages and strengths

• 0.5–1% spicules: the gentlest starter strength (e.g. many first-time formulas). Mild tingle, safe 2–3 nights a week.
• 1–2% spicules: the classic Cica Reedle-style strength. Noticeable tingle for 10–20 minutes; use 1–2 nights a week to start.
• 2–3% spicules: stronger, treatment-level. Strong tingle, some skin flushing. Best kept to once a week and only for skin that already tolerates spicules well.
• Never combine two spicule products in the same routine — pick one and rotate it in a night.

How to use spicules — step by step

1. Choose an evening. Never apply spicules before sun exposure or after a hot shower — the skin should be calm and cool.
2. Double cleanse and pat skin fully dry. Wet skin dulls spicule delivery and can concentrate the tingle unevenly.
3. Take a pea-sized amount and press-and-roll (do not rub) into cheeks, forehead and chin. Avoid the eye area, lips and any active breakout.
4. Expect a tingle within 30–60 seconds. It can feel sharp, prickly or warm — this is normal for 10–20 minutes.
5. Do not layer another active on the same night. Follow with a calming toner or essence, then a nourishing barrier moisturiser.
6. Sleep. In the morning, cleanse gently, hydrate and always finish with SPF 50 — freshly channelled skin is more sun-sensitive.

What to expect

• Night of use: tingle for 10–20 minutes, mild flush, then calm.
• Next morning: brighter, softer, slightly dewy skin.
• After 3–4 weeks: smoother texture, refined pores, fewer visible fine lines.
• After 8–12 weeks: firmer feel, softened acne scars and more even tone.

Who should skip spicules

• Actively inflamed acne, rosacea flares, eczema, sunburn or a broken barrier.
• Pregnancy — the tingling is safe but many spicule products are paired with actives (like retinoids) that aren't; check the full ingredient list.
• The week around any professional treatment (peels, lasers, injectables).

Explore Cica Reedle-style spicule ampoules and pairing PDRN, peptide and Centella serums in the Litsy shop — Korea's gentlest way to bring microneedling-style results into an at-home routine.