Exploring the Growing Popularity of Biostimulators in Skincare

What Are Biostimulators & Why They Matter

Biostimulators are injectable treatments—such as Sculptra (PLLA), Radiesse (CaHA), polynucleotides, PCL, and PRP/PRF—that stimulate your body’s natural collagen and elastin production, instead of simply filling or masking. By activating fibroblasts, they initiate a regenerative process that gradually restores skin structure, firmness, and elasticity over several months.

This approach aligns with the growing consumer preference for subtle, natural-looking improvements, and long-lasting results—avoiding the “pillow face” or overdone aesthetic often associated with traditional fillers.

Market Growth & Industry Momentum

• According to the American Med Spa Association (AmSpa), biostimulators like Sculptra and Radiesse are projected to expand significantly over the next five years within non-surgical treatments.
• The broader skin boosters market (which includes HA boosters and biostimulators) is expected to reach approximately US $2.82 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of around 13%.
• Regions in Asia-Pacific, including the Philippines, are rapidly adopting treatments like Rejuran (polynucleotides), exosome therapy, and ASCE+—indicating a global shift toward regenerative skincare.

Trend Drivers Boosting Biostimulator Adoption

• Desire for natural, long-lasting results: Patients are increasingly choosing treatments that refine over time and support natural aging processes rather than abrupt change.
• Responding to weight-loss skin laxity (such as “Ozempic face”): Biostimulators are particularly effective at tightening and volumizing areas affected by rapid weight loss.
• Rise of regenerative and preventive aesthetic medicine: Consumers now prioritize treatments that support skin health and longevity over short-lived superficial fixes.

 Popular Biostimulatory Treatments on the Rise

• Polynucleotides / PDRN (e.g., Rejuran)
  Salmon-derived DNA fragments are injected to promote collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid buildup. Extremely popular in East Asia, these treatments are becoming mainstream for addressing aging, under‑eye concerns, acne scars, and pigmentation.
• Poly‑L‑lactic Acid (PLLA)
  Found in Sculptra, it gradually rebuilds skin structure through slow, controlled bioresorption, with benefits lasting up to two years.
• Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA)
  Used in Radiesse, CaHA delivers both immediate volume and long-term backbone stimulation via collagen induction.
• Polycaprolactone (PCL)
  Modern variants like liquid PCL boosters (e.g., GOURI) provide scaffolding for tissue regeneration with prolonged effects—showing visible changes in about 1–3 months and lasting up to a year.
• PRP / PRF and Exosomes
  Harnessing autologous growth factors, these treatments support collagen remodulation and vascular healing in a more “natural” format, gaining traction among regenerative proponents and driven by K-beauty influence.

Patient Experience & Considerations

• Subtle onset; extended outcomes: Most users begin seeing effects after ~1 month, with peak improvement at 3–6 months and longevity up to two years depending on modality.
• Minimal downtime: Treatments are typically well tolerated—minor swelling or bruising may occur but usually resolves within a few days.
• Important safety caveats: Some procedures are not reversible (e.g., PLLA or CaHA), and require skilled, licensed professionals to avoid complications like nodules or unpredictable volume effects..

Forecast: What's Next in Biostimulator Trends?

• Higher adoption rates among millennials and Gen-Z, who seek skin longevity over cosmetic correction.
• Expanded market entry for newer modalities like liquid PCL and advanced polynucleotide formulations targeting regenerative anti-aging.
• Integrated, multi-modality protocols combining biostimulators with devices (RF, lasers, microneedling) and topicals.
• Increased regulatory scrutiny, especially for non-FDA-approved agents, driving the need for more robust clinical data.

 In Summary

• Biostimulators are quickly becoming essential in modern aesthetic medicine.
• They offer gradual, natural, long-lasting rejuvenation by tapping into the body’s own regenerative mechanisms.
• Market growth is significant and fueled by consumer demand for subtleness, safety, and combined anti-aging efficacy.
• As regulatory frameworks mature and new clinical evidence emerges, biostimulators are poised to become a mainstream skincare cornerstone.