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2026.08.05
What Is Target Cool? An Easy-to-Understand Explanation of Its Expected Effects, Benefits, and Drawbacks
Driven by the belief of “bringing happiness to more people,” I pursued a career in aesthetic medicine after gaining experience in general internal medicine and emergency surgery, along with overseas training. As an internationally oriented doctor holding a UN English Proficiency Test Special Grade A, I treat a diverse range of patients. My goal is to become a true all-rounder, spanning cosmetic surgery, cosmetic medicine, and cosmetic dermatology. With a deep understanding of global beauty standards, I serve as a Key Opinion Leader (KOL) for TargetCool, NEAUVIA®, and CORETOX®. Known for my gentle manner, I provide accessible consultations in both Japanese and English. I pursue aesthetic medicine that transforms not just appearance, but also enhances overall happiness.
Target Cool is a device that sprays CO₂ gas and allows you to adjust the cooling temperature and spray duration. It features a Boosting Mode for delivering medication into the skin, a Cooling Mode for cooling the skin, and a Freezing Mode for cooling affected tissue.
When I mention the name of this device in the exam room, people sometimes ask, “Is it something like dry ice?” While there are some similarities in how they work, their purposes and levels of precision are completely different.
In this article, we will explain the mechanisms, effects, benefits, and side effects of the treatments offered at our clinic—with a focus on the “Boosting Mode,” which delivers medication in the form of microscopic ice-like particles into the skin—based on the information we typically provide during consultations.
What kind of treatment is Target Cool?
Target Cool is a medical device that utilizes low-temperature CO₂ gas and features three modes for applications such as drug delivery and skin cooling.
By switching between the tip nozzles and settings, this device can be used for three different purposes: boosting, cooling, and freezing. Although the same CO₂ gas comes out of the same unit, I personally find it fascinating how its function can change so drastically simply by altering the temperature or the way it’s sprayed.
Our clinic currently offers two modes: Boosting Mode and Cooling Mode. From here on, I’ll focus on Boosting Mode, which involves the application of skin-nourishing formulations.
Boosting Mode | Delivers medication in the form of fine ice particles
Boosting mode is a mechanism that simultaneously sprays CO₂ refrigerant and the active ingredient at a considerable speed. At the moment of spraying, the active ingredient is rapidly cooled, turning into microscopic ice particles that penetrate the skin. This phenomenon is called “ice needling.”
These chilled microparticles first accumulate in high concentrations at the DEJ—the junction between the epidermis and the dermis—and then gradually penetrate into the dermis from there.
A major advantage of this treatment is that it does not use needles, making it easier to minimize the pain caused by the needle itself, as well as needle marks and bruising. That said, a tingling sensation may remain during the spray application, so it cannot be said that there is absolutely no pain.
In addition to skin-nourishing treatments such as Plural Silk, Jubelook, and GOURI, our clinic also offers treatments involving botulinum toxin, tranexamic acid, and placenta extract. After discussing your skin condition and desired results, we will work with you to determine which treatment is best suited for you.
Cooling Mode | Precise Skin Cooling
Cooling mode adjusts the refrigerant temperature within a range of -10°C to 5°C to cool the skin's surface. At our clinic, we primarily use this mode for acne treatment and hair regrowth therapy.
The difference from Boosting Mode is clear: rather than delivering medication in the form of ice particles, this mode is designed to relieve pain and inflammation through cooling alone.
Freezing Mode | Cooling Lesioned Tissue to Extremely Low Temperatures
Freezing mode is a function that cools CO₂ refrigerant to extremely low temperatures and sprays it onto the affected area to cool and destroy the target tissue.
For details on the medications available and treatment options,Target Cool Treatment PagePlease take a look. We also have a video showing the treatment process.
What kind of results can be expected from Target Cool's boosting mode?
In Boosting Mode, you can expect improvements in your skin texture depending on the type of product used; however, the results may vary from person to person.
There are three main changes that can be expected in Boosting Mode:
- Skin Improvement Tailored to the Medication Used
- Approaches to Skin Firmness and Smoothness
- Approaches to Dryness and Skin Condition
To be honest, the results you can expect aren't determined solely by the performance of the Target Cool device. Rather, the choice of medication, the condition of your skin at the time, and the specific treatment goals you're aiming for have a much greater impact on the results.
This device works by delivering microscopic particles of a chilled active ingredient deep into the skin. Think of it as a treatment designed to deliver the active ingredient deep into the skin, rather than leaving it on the surface like a topical serum.
The medication penetrates to a depth of approximately 0.3 to 0.4 mm below the skin’s surface. This is a shallower layer than that reached by manual injections, and some people notice an improvement in hydration and smoothness immediately after the treatment.
However, it’s not the case that your skin concerns will be resolved immediately after treatment. The way the effects manifest, how long they last, and the appropriate interval between treatments all vary depending on the products used and the condition of your skin.
One more point I’d like to mention is that even with the same medication, the depth to which it reaches the skin and the way it is delivered differ between manual injections and Target Cool. It’s not a matter of which method is superior; rather, it’s a question of which is more suitable for each individual. If you have any specific expectations regarding the final results or concerns about pain, please don’t hesitate to let us know during your consultation.
At our clinic, we determine the medications to be administered and the treatment methods to be used only after assessing not only the condition of your skin but also any cosmetic procedures you have undergone in the past and any medications you are currently taking.
What are the pros and cons of Target Cool's boosting mode?
While the boosting mode helps minimize needle pain and bruising, it may cause redness, irritation, or an allergic reaction to the medication.
Benefits of Boosting Mode
- Allows medication to be administered without using a needle
- It helps minimize pain and bruising caused by the needle
- No stitch marks
- You can choose a product based on your specific skin concerns.
- You may notice a difference immediately after the treatment.
The biggest advantage is, of course, the ability to deliver skin-nourishing formulations without using needles. I think this could be a good option for people who are interested in skin-nourishing injections but have been hesitant to try them because of concerns about needle pain or bruising.
There is also a wide variety of treatments available, including Prulial Silk, Jubelook, Gouri, tranexamic acid, and placenta. One of the great things about this is that you can choose the one that best suits your concerns and preferences.
However, this does not mean that choosing any of the compatible medications will yield the same results. Since each medication has different objectives and treatment intervals, we’ll decide on these details together during your consultation.
Disadvantages and Side Effects of Boosting Mode
- You may feel a slight stinging sensation when the product is sprayed.
- Loud noises occur during the procedure
- People who are sensitive to temperature fluctuations may experience redness.
- There is a possibility of an allergic reaction to the medication used.
- Results and duration may vary from person to person.
Just because this treatment doesn't use needles doesn't mean there are absolutely no sensations or side effects. Some people report a tingling sensation during the procedure, and the noise made when the mist is sprayed may also be a concern for some.
If you are sensitive to temperature changes, redness may persist for about 2 to 3 days after the procedure. Additionally, depending on the medication used—such as botulinum toxin—there is a small risk of an allergic reaction. If the redness persists or if you experience severe itching or swelling, please contact the medical facility where you received the treatment as soon as possible.
Whether Target Cool is right for you and which treatment option you should choose depends on your skin condition and medical history. Please be sure to inform us before your treatment of any history of allergies, medications you are currently taking, and any cosmetic procedures you have undergone in the past.
If you have any questions about your post-treatment recovery or which products are right for you, please feel free to ask us directly during your consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
We answer your questions about how Boosting Mode works, any discomfort involved, the medications used, downtime, and treatment results.
Q. Could you briefly explain what Target Cool is?
A. This is a medical device that precisely sprays low-temperature CO₂ gas to deliver medication and cool the skin. It features three modes: boosting, cooling, and freezing.
Q. How does Boost Mode work?
A. This mechanism involves high-speed喷射 of CO₂ refrigerant and medication, transforming the medication into fine ice particles that are delivered to the skin. Known as “ice needling,” this method delivers medication without the use of needles.
Q. Does the Boosting Mode treatment cause any pain?
A. There is no pain from the needle, but you may feel a tingling sensation when the medication or CO₂ refrigerant is injected. The sensation varies from person to person.
Q. Which medications can be administered in Boosting Mode?
A. Our clinic offers treatments such as Plural Silk, Jubelook, Gouri, botulinum toxin, tranexamic acid, and placenta. We will determine which treatment is best for you during your consultation.
Q. How can I maximize the effectiveness of Boost Mode?
A. There is no single method that guarantees universally better results. Choosing a treatment tailored to your specific skin concerns and strictly following the recommended treatment schedule and post-treatment precautions is ultimately the fastest way to achieve results.
A skin treatment delivered at a cool temperature. For those considering needle-free drug delivery.
Target Cool is a medical device that uses low-temperature CO₂ gas for applications such as drug delivery and skin cooling. In particular, the “Boosting Mode” is a treatment that delivers fine, ice-like particles of medication to the skin without the use of a needle.
While this treatment helps minimize pain and bruising from the needles and allows you to choose a solution tailored to your skin concerns, there is also a possibility of redness, irritation, or allergic reactions to the solution.
At our clinic, we review your skin condition, desired results, and treatment history before working with you to determine the most suitable medication and treatment method. If you’re wondering whether the “Boosting Mode” is right for you, please feel free to discuss it with us directly during your consultation.
