Ingredients · Exfoliants and acids
Hydrolyzed Sponge하이드롤라이즈드해면
What it is
Sponge broken down with acid, enzymes or other methods. Korean “spicule” (스피큘) serums and “shots” often list their spicules under this name — microscopic, needle-shaped pieces of sponge skeleton, sold as a micro-needle you rub on. The Korean dictionary lists it as a skin-conditioning agent.
On a Korean label
Written 하이드롤라이즈드해면. The front of the pack says 스피큘 or 미세침 (micro-needle). A related name, 해면 (sponge), is the dried, powdered skeleton of freshwater sponges, listed as an abrasive and exfoliant.
Korean rules
The Korean ingredient dictionary lists no limit, label caution or functional-ingredient status for it.
Related names on Korean labels
| Korean | English (INCI) | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| 해면 | Sponge | sponge — dried, powdered freshwater-sponge skeleton; an abrasive and exfoliant |
Questions
What is 스피큘 in Korean skincare?
Spicules: microscopic, needle-shaped pieces of sponge skeleton. On the ingredient list look for 하이드롤라이즈드해면 (hydrolyzed sponge).
Why does a spicule serum prickle?
The tiny needles prick the outer layer of skin. Dermatologists quoted by Vogue Korea (April 2024) advise extra care on dry or irritated skin, not rubbing it in hard, and following the directions on the box. The spicules don’t dissolve; they are shed with old skin cells.
Is 해면 the same as 하이드롤라이즈드해면?
Both come from sponges. 해면 (sponge) is the dried, powdered skeleton, listed as an abrasive; 하이드롤라이즈드해면 is sponge broken down with acid or enzymes.
Sources
- Korea Cosmetic Association — ingredient dictionary (대한화장품협회 성분사전)
- Vogue Korea — “미세침 화장품, 고통스러울수록 효과가 좋다?” (micro-needle cosmetics, 11 April 2024)
Checked 27 October 2026. Rules change — the official texts above are the final word.