

Another dimension of this phenomenon lies in its cultural symbolism. The use of ingredients derived from nature—whether snail mucin, bee venom, or now salmon sperm—has long fascinated consumers seeking “organic” or “biologically compatible” solutions to skin concerns. In East Asia in particular, there is a cultural emphasis on harmony between humans and the natural world, which makes treatments using natural extracts more appealing. The exotic origin of the product also adds to its allure in Western markets, where consumers often equate foreign or unusual therapies with authenticity and innovation. In this sense, salmon sperm injections are not only a medical procedure but also a cultural export, reflecting the global diffusion of Korean beauty practices and the growing influence of K-beauty on international standards of skincare.