Korea's Largest Clinical Dataset
Over one million treatment records gathered across 20 years of supplying dermatology clinics — the deepest understanding of how spicule behaves across skin types and conditions.
Spicule Technology
Freshwater Spicule — discovered in Europe in 1987. ADP-Derma has been opening new chapters in skin science with this ingredient ever since.
What is Spicule?
Spicules are microscopic needle-shaped structures that form the skeleton of freshwater sponge (Badiaga/Spongilla). These silica-based (SiO₂) nano-micro structures measure roughly 100–300μm in length and 5–20μm in diameter, and their hundreds of surface protrusions naturally create microchannels on contact with skin.
Through these microchannels, active ingredients penetrate beyond the stratum corneum into the dermis while activating the skin's own Wound Healing Response. Beyond physical exfoliation, spicules promote collagen synthesis and cellular regeneration.
Naturally derived and fully biodegradable, spicules carry none of the environmental burden of synthetic microplastics — which is why dermatologists call them nature's microneedle.
- Length
- 100–300μm
- Diameter
- 5–20μm
- Key Component
- SiO₂
- Origin
- Natural
How Spicule Works
Spicule improves the skin through two pathways at once — physical and biological.
Physical Action — Microchannel Formation
- Applied to the skin, the needle-like structures form thousands of microchannels in the stratum corneum.
- Active ingredients applied alongside (hyaluronic acid, peptides, vitamin C) are delivered directly into the dermis.
- Absorption of active ingredients improves up to 3–5× versus standard topical application.
- Dead skin cells and impurities are removed at the same time, for immediate texture improvement.
Biological Action — Skin Regeneration
- As microchannels form, the skin perceives a micro-stimulus and initiates its Wound Healing Response.
- Fibroblasts are activated, promoting new collagen and elastin synthesis.
- Increased growth-factor secretion (EGF, TGF-β) accelerates epidermal renewal and barrier recovery.
- The regeneration cycle completes within 72 hours — elasticity, radiance, and texture improve together.
Aladdin Peeling — The Beginning of Spicule Technology
Around 1987, a new peeling technique using spicule — the skeletal component of freshwater sponge (Badiaga) — emerged from Europe. Spicule-infused powder was warmed with a ceramic lamp and applied to the skin; the lamp's resemblance to Aladdin's magic lamp gave the technique its name, Aladdin Peeling.
It spread rapidly through dermatology clinics, and the team that became ADP-Derma introduced and advanced it across Asian markets. Over 20 years and more than one million treatments, its safety and efficacy have been extensively validated.
- 1987
- Discovered
- 1M+
- Treatments
- 20 years
- Heritage
Why We Are the Spicule Experts
We didn't just license a technology. Twenty years of real clinical practice made ADP-Derma.
Patented Technology (No. 10-1762594)
We hold a domestic patent for spicule-based skin-improvement technology — independent R&D and intellectual property, not ingredient resale.
Trusted by Dermatologists
Twenty years of consistent supply to major Korean dermatology clinics; the validated ingredients and formulas form the foundation of ALADDIN RX homecare.
Full Value Chain: Ingredient → Product → Homecare
From spicule sourcing to clinic treatment products to the ALADDIN RX homecare line — designed by those who understand the ingredient best.
Partnership with a Global No. 1 ODM
Collaboration with Korea's top GMP manufacturing partners, including Kolmar Korea and C&F, turns clinically validated formulas into consumer products.
Asian Optimization of European-Origin Technology
The only company to spend 20 years redesigning Europe's Aladdin Peeling for Asian skin — thinner stratum corneum and heightened pigmentation sensitivity.
Spicule vs. Conventional Peeling
| Category | Standard AHA/BHA | Synthetic Microneedle | ADP-Derma Spicule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Chemical exfoliation | Physical micro-perforation | Physical + biological dual action |
| Ingredient Penetration | Stratum corneum surface | Shallow dermis | Direct dermis-level delivery |
| Regeneration Activation | △ Indirect | ○ Partial | ✓ Directly triggers Wound Healing Response |
| Natural Origin | ✗ Synthetic chemicals | ✗ Synthetic polymer | ✓ Freshwater sponge-derived |
| Environmental Impact | Chemical wastewater | Microplastic concern | ✓ Fully biodegradable |
| Clinical Data | Many (dispersed) | Limited | ✓ 1M+ cases (ADP-Derma) |
| Homecare Application | △ High-concentration only | ✗ Professional use only | ✓ Homecare-ready |
