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Do You Truly Understand Hydrolyzed Sponge, the New Star Cosmetic Ingredient?
2026-06-25
Q1: What exactly is Hydrolyzed Sponge?
Commonly known as sponge micro-needles in the industry, its INCI name is HYDROLYZED SPONGE with the CAS number 9009-54-5. It is a refined powder raw material processed from natural freshwater sponges via enzymatic hydrolysis, acid hydrolysis and purification.
Controlled hydrolysis breaks the macromolecular protein chains of raw sponge tissues while retaining micron-sized siliceous spicules. The end product is fine, snow-white powder. The spicules are merely a dozen microns in diameter and 200 to 320 microns long. They cannot pierce the dermis and only form temporary microchannels within the stratum corneum.
According to a 2026 raw material report released by the U.S. cosmetic ingredient research platform Moumoujus, hydrolyzed sponge is a marine-derived skin conditioning agent. Unlike chemical exfoliants such as fruit acids, it works purely through its physical structure with far lower irritation, making it suitable for most skin types.
Controlled hydrolysis breaks the macromolecular protein chains of raw sponge tissues while retaining micron-sized siliceous spicules. The end product is fine, snow-white powder. The spicules are merely a dozen microns in diameter and 200 to 320 microns long. They cannot pierce the dermis and only form temporary microchannels within the stratum corneum.
According to a 2026 raw material report released by the U.S. cosmetic ingredient research platform Moumoujus, hydrolyzed sponge is a marine-derived skin conditioning agent. Unlike chemical exfoliants such as fruit acids, it works purely through its physical structure with far lower irritation, making it suitable for most skin types.
Q2: What are the core components of Hydrolyzed Sponge?
Its composition falls neatly into two categories: structural substances and nutritional substances with stable and well-defined fractions.
- Structural main component: siliceous spicules made of silicon dioxide. Accounting for over 90% of the raw material, they form the core framework for transdermal penetration. Featuring moderate hardness and porous hollow structures, they can carry a wide range of active skincare ingredients.
- Nutritional active components: low-molecular marine peptides, free amino acids and marine polysaccharides. The hydrolysis process breaks long sponge protein molecules into short-chain peptides. Combined with glucan and other polysaccharides, the ingredient delivers both conditioning and repairing effects. A 2022 experimental paper published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology confirmed that cosmetic-grade qualified hydrolyzed sponge contains no less than 3.2% total free amino acids and roughly 2.5% polysaccharides. Impure proteins are fully filtered out to drastically reduce sensitization risks.
Q3: What tangible skincare benefits does Hydrolyzed Sponge deliver?
It integrates physical penetration enhancement with exfoliation and skin repair, which sets it apart from ordinary exfoliating ingredients.
First of all, these micro-spicules create countless tiny openings on the skin surface, boosting the penetration of hyaluronic acid, peptides and plant extracts up to 30 times higher than conventional formulas, solving the absorption barrier for high-molecular skincare actives.
In addition, the spicules gently buff away dead skin cells, unclog pores and improve closed comedones and acne. It enables mild exfoliation without scabbing, avoiding redness and stinging caused by high-concentration acids.
Furthermore, hydrolyzed peptides and polysaccharides form a breathable protective film on the skin surface to cut down transepidermal water loss. They also activate dermal fibroblasts and stimulate collagen synthesis. Long-term use reduces fine lines and firms the skin texture.
Clinical data published by South Korea’s Synbiotek Laboratory in 2025 verified that after 8 weeks of continuous use of essence containing 3% hydrolyzed sponge, subjects saw an average 18.5% improvement in skin elasticity and noticeably less roughness. 87% of participants reported smoother and finer skin.
Q4: Which products can incorporate Hydrolyzed Sponge, and what are its real-world applications?
This raw material boasts excellent formula compatibility and is widely used across cosmetics and topical care products.
Daily skincare cosmetics
It is widely added into serums, exfoliating masks, lyophilized powder, anti-acne creams, repair lotions and eye creams, with a regular dosage between 0.5% and 8%. High-concentration formulas (up to 16%) are mainly formulated into professional spa exfoliation kits and soft mask powder for periodic keratin management.
In-salon aesthetic treatments
As natural micro-spicules, it is applied in minimally invasive superficial transdermal procedures as an alternative to metal micro-needles, matched with anti-acne, scar-fading and brightening actives.
Besides beauty products, low doses of hydrolyzed sponge are also added to some herbal topical patches and ointments to raise the transdermal absorption of herbal extracts, greatly expanding its application scope.
According to the EU CosIng database, hydrolyzed sponge has been included in the global inventory of approved cosmetic ingredients with full regulatory compliance, making it ideal for formulating export-grade skincare products.
Q5: What is the chemical stability of Hydrolyzed Sponge? What are the requirements for storage and formula production?
Thanks to its siliceous framework, it features outstanding physicochemical stability and poses few barriers for formula development.
- Acid & alkali stability: It remains structurally intact in conventional skincare systems with a pH of 4.5–7.5 without spicule breakage. It mixes well with niacinamide, panthenol, plant flavonoids and various peptides without adverse ingredient interactions.
- Thermal stability: The sealed powder can be stored at room temperature away from light with a 24-month shelf life. Temperatures above 60℃ will denature partial protein fractions, so it fits cold compounding rather than high-temperature emulsification.
- Antioxidant property: The siliceous structure resists oxidation. Only low-molecular peptides tend to clump when exposed to strong light and humid air. As long as the raw material is kept dry and airtight during production, its physical properties stay consistent. Safety assessment documents show that hydrolyzed sponge rarely breeds microorganisms. Strict humidity control in warehousing eliminates the need for excessive preservatives, lowering the formulation burden.
From raw marine sponge to a mainstream salon-grade ingredient, hydrolyzed sponge combines physical penetration promotion with nutritional skin repair. Owing to its stable structure and broad formula compatibility, it has become a core raw material in the natural exfoliation sector. With more clinical trials published in overseas dermatology journals, this natural micro-needle ingredient will keep gaining popularity in serums, masks and minimally invasive aesthetic care products.
Summit Ingredients Co.,Ltd established in 2015, is located in the Weinan North China High-tech Enzyme Industrial Park. Leveraging the abundant natural resources of the Qinling Mountains, the company has built a 4,500㎡ modern production base with an annual raw material processing capacity exceeding 3,000 tons. Currently, it has two overseas branches: one in California, USA, and the other in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Please contact us: at contact@summitingredients.com for any inquiries.
We specialize in the research and development and customization of plant extracts, fruit and vegetable powders, and food additives, spanning diverse fields such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and the health industry. The company strictly adheres to multiple international management systems, including ISO9001, ISO22000, HACCP, KOSHER, and HALAL With "Natural, Healthy, and Excellent" as its core values, the company is committed to becoming a trusted strategic partner for global clients through high-quality customized solutions. Free samples are available upon request; please contact us at: contact@summitingredients.com.