Liquid microneedling emerges as viral skincare trend

Liquid microneedling is the latest skincare trend to move from online forums into the mainstream, with new search data revealing rapidly growing consumer interest.

Analysis, conducted by beauty and wellness booking platform Fresha, shows Google searches for “liquid microneedling” have increased by 535% over the past year, with 38,000 searches recorded in March 2026 alone. The surge points to rising curiosity around Korean-inspired spicule treatments, which promise microneedling-like effects.

Unlike traditional microneedling, which uses needles to puncture the skin, liquid microneedling products are typically applied as serums or masks. Microscopic marine sponge derivatives, known as spicules, create surface-level stimulation that helps deliver active ingredients while producing a tingling or prickly sensation.

The trend is gaining traction across Reddit communities such as r/AsianBeauty and r/SkincareAddiction, alongside Sephora-led TikTok content, where users share visible peeling, redness and before-and-after results.