Core Technology
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
What is Spicule?
Spicules are microscopic needle-shaped structures that form the skeleton of freshwater sponges (Badiaga / Spongilla).
A silica (SiO₂)-based nano-micro structure measuring approximately 100–300μm in length and 5–20μm in diameter, with hundreds of microscopic protrusions on its surface that naturally form microchannels upon contact with the skin.
Through these microchannels, active ingredients penetrate beyond the stratum corneum directly into the dermis — while simultaneously activating the skin's own Wound Healing Response. Spicule's core action goes beyond simple physical exfoliation: it promotes collagen synthesis and induces cellular regeneration.
Spicule is a naturally derived ingredient that is fully biodegradable, with no environmental burden compared to synthetic microplastics — which is why dermatologists call it 'Nature's Microneedle.'
100–300μm
Spicule Length
SiO₂
Key Component
Natural
Natural Origin
Mechanism
How Spicule Works
Spicule improves skin through two pathways: physical and biological.
Physical Action — Microchannel Formation
Spicule applied to skin forms thousands of microchannels in the stratum corneum
Active ingredients (hyaluronic acid, peptides, vitamin C, etc.) are delivered directly to the dermis through the microchannels
Absorption rate of active ingredients improved up to 3–5× compared to standard topical application
Simultaneously, unnecessary dead skin cells and waste are removed for immediate skin texture improvement
Biological Action — Skin Regeneration Activation
During microchannel formation, the skin perceives a micro-stimulus and initiates the Wound Healing Response
Fibroblast activation → promotes new synthesis of collagen and elastin
Increased secretion of growth factors (EGF, TGF-β) → accelerates epidermal cell renewal and skin barrier restoration
Skin regeneration cycle completed within 72 hours post-treatment — simultaneous improvement in elasticity, radiance, and texture
1987 — Present
Aladdin Peeling — The Beginning of Spicule Technology
Around 1987, a new peeling technique emerged in Europe that utilized Spicule — the skeletal component of freshwater sponges (Badiaga). The unique application method involved heating a powder containing Spicule with a ceramic lamp, which resembled Aladdin's magic lamp — giving birth to the name 'Aladdin Peeling.'
Aladdin Peeling spread rapidly among dermatology clinics, and the team that would become ADP-Derma introduced and advanced this technology across Asian markets. With over 1 million treatments performed across 20 years, the safety and efficacy of Spicule peeling has been extensively validated.
Why We Are the Experts
Why We Are the Spicule Experts
Not just the technology — 20 years of real-world clinical practice built ADP-Derma.
Korea's Largest Clinical Dataset
Over 1 million treatment records collected across 20 years of supply to dermatology clinics. We have the deepest understanding of Spicule's mechanisms, validated across diverse skin types, treatment environments, and post-treatment responses.
Patented Technology (No. 10-1762594)
We hold a domestic patent for Spicule-based skin improvement technology. Not merely importing and reselling ingredients — we have built differentiated competitiveness through independent R&D and intellectual property.
Trusted by Dermatologists
20 years of trust built through consistent supply to major dermatology clinics across Korea. The ingredients and formulas validated in dermatologist-recommended channels form the foundation of ALADDIN RX's homecare line.
Full Value Chain: Ingredient → Product → Homecare
From Spicule ingredient sourcing to clinic-use treatment product development, through to the ALADDIN RX homecare line. Products designed by the company that best understands how the ingredient behaves in the skin.
Partnership with Global No. 1 ODM
Collaboration with Korea's finest GMP manufacturing partners — including Kolmar Korea and C&F — to precisely translate clinically validated Spicule formulas into consumer-grade products.
Asian Optimization of European-Origin Technology
The only company that has spent 20 years redesigning and optimizing European-origin Aladdin Peeling for Asian skin characteristics — including thinner stratum corneum and heightened sensitivity to pigmentation.
Comparison
Spicule vs. Conventional Peeling Technologies
See how Spicule technology compares to conventional methods.
| 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 concern | Microplastic concern | ✓ Fully biodegradable |
| Clinical Data | Many (dispersed) | Limited | ✓ 1M+ cases (ADP-Derma) |
| Homecare Application | △ High-concentration only | ✗ Professional use only | ✓ Homecare product complete |