Recently, one of our longtime customers burst into our SF studio and exclaimed, “Dara! I can finally use active products on my skin! And it’s all because of VENN!”

This Korean brand has quickly become one of our favorites—and yours—because it can have such a transformational effect on all skin types, even the fussiest (we say that with love). We’ve been so impressed. And, because it can be fun to experiment, we’re grateful that this brand turns the newest K-beauty trends into products that not only really deliver but also respect all skin types with thoughtful, better-for-you formulations.

The latest VENN winners to arrive on our shelves are tailor-made to deliver the smooth, radiant effect that everyone wants, "bloom skin" (the new "glass skin") —and we think this might be just what you needed to shake up your skincare routine. 

What are exosomes in skincare?

Exosomes have been a hot topic for some time. They’re tiny, membrane-wrapped packets, containing things like proteins and lipids, that cells release to send signals to one another. The ones used in most skincare products are gentle, plant-derived “exosome-like vesicles” that can give skin’s own hydration, barrier-repair, and renewal processes a turbo charge.

Early research suggests that they can help improve hydration and radiance along with a more even skin tone; they’re gentle and, depending on the types of exosomes used, can help skin recover faster from procedures while also helping to rejuvenate aging, depleted skin in their own right.

We already have VENN’s exosomes in the Regenerative 1B-EXO Compound K Mask; the brand’s award-winning Regenerative 10B-EXO EGF Ampoule is a 4-week intensive program that uses an even higher concentration of plant exosomes for deep hydration, a resilient barrier, and firmer, more even-looking skin: with 10 billion vesicles from ginseng berry & root, Centella, Artemisia, and buckwheat, as well as 10 ppm vegan EGF, it’s clinically proven to deliver visible lifting and elasticity improvement in 2 weeks. It’s a lighter, vegan alternative to their wildly popular PDRN-NE Ampoule system, and some people even use it as a scalp treatment, too.

What are spicules? (At-home liquid microneedling, explained)

Spicules have been all over the what’s-new-in-beauty news as a type of “at-home liquid microneedling.” They’re microscopic, needle-shaped structures that form the internal skeleton of marine sponges; in skincare formulas, they’re typically refined into teeny-tiny rods that open temporary micro-channels in the skin’s outermost layer before shedding with the skin’s normal renewal cycle (usually within 5 days, often sooner).

Spicules are boosters, or amplifiers: they’ll improve the delivery of ingredients into the skin with minimal barrier disruption, while also gently smoothing skin’s surface (more uniformly than you’ll typically find with a scrub, for example) so you see more refined texture and pore size.

VENN’s new Active Liquid Shot 0.1 gives you just enough spicule spice to wake skin up and boost ingredient absorption without making you deal with a day of redness and peeling, and it’s already gotten the attention of beauty editors at NewBeauty and Who What Wear. Unlike spicule serums that are just about the delivery system, VENN’s comes with built in actives (4% niacinamide, 2% tranexamic acid, Centella exosome vesicles, Compound K alongside 0.1% spicules) for an excellent all-in-one treatment that brightens, calms, and evens skin tone. Use it 1-3 times per week, alternated with retinoids or acids, for a smoother texture and more even skin tone.

How to use spicules and exosomes together for luminous skin

For maximum impact, you can pair the Active Liquid Shot with the Regenerative 10B-EXO EGF Ampoule: after cleansing your skin, the spicule serum is the prep step you can use 1-3 times per week, followed by the ampoule for maximum benefits. Follow with your favorite moisturizer, have a few sips of Relax Infusion spiked with Self-Compassion Elixir, and go to bed; wake up to smooth, glowing skin.

Continue using the Ampoules morning and night, every day, for continuous help with lifting, elasticity-boosting, and even-toned radiance.

Step 1. Cleanse (we love VENN's gentle Moisture-Balance Cleanser)

Step 2. Active Liquid Shot

Step 3. Regenerative 10B-EXO EGF Ampoule

Step 4. Moisturizer of your choice (we love Dara's Oil)

FAQ

How often should I use a spicule serum? 1–3 times a week, never on consecutive days.

Can I use spicules with retinol or acids? Please use them on different nights!

Does the Active Liquid Shot sting? A brief, mild tingle is normal.

Are plant exosomes the same as human exosomes? No; human exosomes usually come from stem cells, and VENN co-founder Brian Oh points out that they “exist in a legal gray area, even in parts of Asia, because they contain human DNA information.” They’re also fragile and often have to be kept cold. VENN uses plant-derived exosome vesicles from ginseng, Centella, and other botanicals because, Brian says, they’re stable at high temperatures, so they arrive on your skin as active as the day they were made. For topical skincare, he adds, “Exosomes make total sense.”

Can I use the EGF Ampoule on my scalp? Yes! In a 4-week clinical study, the Regenerative 10B-EXO EGF Ampoule visibly soothed the scalp, reduced the appearance of hair shedding, improved scalp elasticity, and boosted fullness at the crown. Part your hair, apply a few drops directly to a clean, dry scalp where you need it (crown or hairline), and massage in.