Hands is a leading Japanese general goods store with 9 locations in Tokyo and 93 stores nationwide (as of September 12).

The beauty products section at Hands Shinjuku Store, the largest in scale and product variety, features a well-equipped tester bar where you can quickly try out the latest products under the concept of "Becoming the You You Want to Be." Additionally, the pop-up space showcases various brands throughout the year, making it a popular spot for Japan's beauty enthusiasts.

We spoke with Maki Takano from the Public Relations Department of Hands Inc. to bring you the top 4 recommended needle cosmetics, handpicked by Hands' skincare products buyer.

When you hear "needle cosmetics," you might wonder, "What does 'needle' really mean?" The term comes from "microneedling," a cosmetic dermatology treatment. Microneedling involves using tiny needles to create micro-injuries in the skin, triggering its natural healing process for healthier, rejuvenated skin.

This process stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, which can help reduce wrinkles, sagging, pore size, and improve overall skin tone and texture.

Recently, more women in Japan and Korea have been turning to this treatment at beauty clinics. Positive word-of-mouth from those who've tried microneedling has only added to its growing reputation for effectiveness.

With this trend, demand for at-home skincare options using the same principles has skyrocketed, leading to the creation of "needle cosmetics." These include syringe-like sticks with tiny microneedles or patch-like sheets with solidified needle-shaped projections infused with beauty ingredients, designed to penetrate the skin.

Unlike treatments done in beauty clinics, needle cosmetics are made to only reach the stratum corneum (the skin’s outermost layer), ensuring a safer, more accessible at-home treatment that mimics microneedling.

Needle cosmetics are set to grow even more popular in the future, so it's a good idea to find one that suits your skincare needs before the trend really takes off!

To help you out, at Hands Shinjuku Store—known for stocking the latest in cosmetics—we asked one of the retailer's merchandise buyers to recommend four of their top needle cosmetics. Let’s take a look!

For concerns around the eyes and mouth, the injection-type microneedle serum is highly recommended. Inspired by medical microneedles, this easy-to-use system releases serum from the needle tip when pressed, delivering it directly to the skin’s surface (stratum corneum).

After cleansing, place the tip on the targeted area, press the button 1 or 2 times, and hold for 3 seconds to let the microneedles do their job.

According to the buyer, this method helps reduce fine lines caused by dryness, leaving your skin smoother and enhancing your smile. The serum includes a special egg-derived cell culture extract called Cerament (*1), along with an extract from Euglena, sourced from the beautiful Ishigaki Island in Okinawa, Japan.

(*1 Skin Conditioning Ingredient: Avian Egg Membrane Cell Cultivation Extract, BG, Pentylene Glycol)

This serum, from the Korean skincare brand VT—famous for starting the CICA (Centella Asiatica) skincare trend—combines CICA (*2) with natural microneedles (*3). It helps refine the skin’s texture by removing unnecessary keratin, leaving your complexion smoother and more even.

According to the buyer, it’s the best-selling microneedle skincare product at Hands. With its beauty needles, it offers spa-like treatment right from the comfort of home!

(*2 Skin Conditioning: Centella Asiatica Extract)
(*3 Exfoliant: Silica)

This luxurious face mask, made by a Kyoto-based brand, is infused with powerful ingredients like human stem cell culture extract (*4), JOIE Spicule (*5), CICA (*6), tea tree (*7), and more.

After washing your face, simply apply the face mask to clean skin, leave it on for 10-20 minutes, and then remove it to complete your skincare routine.

The unique natural needles, JOIE Spicule (*5), gently stimulate the skin, enhancing hydration and improving pore size, firmness, radiance, and smoothness. It also helps keep your skin moisturized while preventing irritation, leaving you with a pleasant tingling sensation and a firmer, more elastic feel.

(*4 Moisturizing: Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Conditioned Media Extract, Human Fibroblast Conditioned Media)
(*5 Firmness: Hydrolyzed Sponge)
(*6 Skin Conditioning: Centella Asiatica Extract)
(*7 Moisture and Oil Balance: Tea Tree Leaf Oil)

This sheet mask is specifically designed for the delicate areas around the eyes and mouth. Just apply it before bed and let it work its magic overnight—simple and effective. The mask is packed with micro-sized hyaluronic acid (*8) formed into tiny needle-like structures that deliver six types of serum ingredients (*9) deep into the skin.

According to the buyer, these masks help firm and hydrate the skin, leaving it smooth and moisturized. Plus, they’re fragrance-free, paraben-free, ethanol-free, and silicone-free, making them safe for sensitive skin.

(*8 Moisturizing Ingredient: Sodium Hyaluronate)
(*9 Moisturizing Ingredients: Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Conditioned Media Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Collagen)
(*Skin Conditioning Ingredients: Placenta Extract, EGF (Human Oligopeptide-1), FGF (Human Polypeptide-11))

We’ve introduced some top needle cosmetics available at Hands Shinjuku Store. It’s rare to find so many needle skincare products in one place, and at Hands Shinjuku, you can even test some of them out. Take this chance to visit and experience these innovative cosmetics for yourself!