VT Cosmetics Reedle Shot 100 and 300

Where I got it

I saw this product from an IG reel where it was one of the top-selling products on Cosme (a massive Japanese skincare shop). It has been viral all over Korea, spreading to Japan and eventually the US. I’m sure if you love K-beauty you would’ve heard of it. It has been sold out a few times last year in several physical stores and online retailers.

Currently, their stock seems to be stable and there are plenty of retailers stocking these up. Major k-beauty retailers like YesStyle and OliveYoung, eBay, Amazon, etc. all have stock. I got mine from YesStyle* for NZD$53.40 and NZD$71.75 for the Reedle Shot 100 and 300. Shipping was free as well.

*affiliate link with extra 5% for you

What I got

These are the VT Cosmetics Reedle Shot 100 and 300 (50ml). The Reedle shot range comes in 50, 100, 300, 700 and 1000. The higher the number, the more “reedles” the more effective, and tingling it gets. You could start with 50 if you are sensitive, or 100 if you don’t have particularly sensitive skin. Let’s start with 100 and 300 for me. I have also ordered 700, but I will have a blog post on that separately.

Enriched with Centella Asiatica Extract, Triple Hyaluronic Acid, Centella 4X Complex, and Green Propolis Extract to soothe and hydrate the skin.

Suitable for all skin types, it’s especially beneficial for those looking to effectively absorb skincare ingredients, address daily skincare needs, or elevate their routine. If you’re a fan of diverse skincare products but desire noticeable results, this is a great fit for you.

Reedle Shot 100. A light and fast-absorbing facial essence, efficiently delivers active ingredients to enhance skin texture. Designed for daily use with an ideal blend, it’s a breeze to incorporate into your routine. Reedle Shot 100 Essence is your go-to for gradually increasing usage frequency.

Ingredients: Water, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Butylene Glycol, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil. 1,2-Hexanediol, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Sodium Acrylate/ Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Polyisobutene, Silica, Glycereth-26, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Adenosine, Sodium Polyacrylate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Centel la Asiatica Extract, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Sorbitan Oleate, Xanthan Gum. Propolis Extract, Asiaticoside. Made,assoside, Madecassic Acid, Asiatic Acid, Glycine, Serine, Glutamic Acid, Aspartic Acid, Leucine, Alanine, Lysine, Arginine, Tyrosine, Phenylalanine, Threonine, Proline, Valine, Isoleucine, Histidine, Methionine, Cysteine.

Reedle Shot 300. A fast-absorbing serum delivers powerful ingredients to refine your skin texture. Enriched with a high concentration of Cica Reedle, it’s recommended for use every three days to achieve the best results.

Ingredients: Water, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Butylene Glycol, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Silica, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyl dimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Polyisobutene, Glycereth-26, Ethylhexy|glycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Adenosine, Sodium Polyacrylate, Centella Asiatica Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Sorbitan Oleate, Xanthan Gum, Propolis Extract, Asiaticoside, Madecassoside, Madecassic Acid, Asiatic Acid, Glycine, Serine, Glutamic Acid, Aspartic Acid, Leucine, Alanine, Lysine, Arginine, Tyrosine, Phenylalanine, Threonine, Proline, Valine, Isoleucine, Histidine, Methionine, Cysteine

Now, I have read a couple of product descriptions online and watched several product reviews of this product – from influencers to dermatologists to just general skincare enthusiasts like myself. Some information states the “needles” are crafted from silica, but I found out that they are hydrolyzed sponge spicules. Which are marine invertebrates that live in the shallow water of seas. Often used for drug delivery, but is also gaining popularity is skincare and cosmetic products. It has been called as “a natural alternative to micro-needling”. It spicules do take hours to fully dissolve, therefore you could feel the prickly sensation even overnight.

How I find it

The Reedle Shots are designed to be used with your existing skincare products. Starting with 100, I could use this after cleansing and toning every night. It is best to use a gentle sweeping motion instead of a rubbing motion. After the serum, it is recommended to use a sheet mask to boost the benefits of your mask. Otherwise, use your usual serum and that would boost the effects as well because it is now much more easily absorbed by your skin.

Once your skin gets used to 100, you can move up to 300 and alternate the days. I used 100 every night for a week, and then I started putting in 300 twice a week for another 2 weeks. At the time I am writing this, I have just finished my 3rd week using 100 and 300. I also have my hands on 700 which I will add to my schedule once a week. I will put that in another blog post and link it here. However, let’s get back to the review of 100 and 300.

There are no particular skincare ingredients you need to avoid while using the Reedle Shot, it contains Cica (Centella asiatica), which is known for its calming and soothing benefits, also Hyaluronic acid for hydration. You can use vitamin C, retinol, peptides, niacinamide, AHA, BHA, etc. without any issues (just bearing in mind the effects of these ingredients will be enhanced). After cleansing, I apply a light toner/essence on my skin before I use 2 pumps of the reedle shot. I smooth it on my face with a gentle massage motion. The tingling sensation is very bearable and just feels slightly prickly. I have been using NIOD CAIS3 and CAIL at night after the reedle shot, and then Vitamin C serum in the morning (without reedle shot). By the time I apply a moisturiser, I can still feel the reedles (spicules) on my skin.

Overall

Overall, the Reedle Shots worked for my skin and I’m loving it so far (100 and 300). By just using 100, I have already seen results in the first week. My skin is overall brightened and my skin tone is much more even. My skin is hydrated and plump from the hydrating skincare I use over the Reedle Shot serum. When combined with 300, I could see the results showing up even more. My texture has improved slightly and I have less congested skin. If you do not have many skin issues, using 100 would be sufficient and you need not step up to 300. It is also important on what skincare you use over the serum. If you are concerned about pigmentation and skin tone, use a Vitamin C serum; if you are concerned about anti-aging, use a copper peptide or an antioxidant; for hydration, use a hyaluronic acid serum, etc.

However, I am also a little skeptical about the long-term application of the spicules on my skin. It works by penetrating my skin but it does take a long time to dissolve. The reedle shot does feel abrasive on the skin when I smooth it on, but I have yet to experience any sensitivity. There have yet to be any clinical studies available to show how well it works and how long the spicules would stay in my skin.

My plan right now is to use up the 3 bottles (100, 300, and 700), then stop for 2-3 months to see how my skin goes. I’m sure my skin won’t go downhill all of a sudden, but I treat it as a treatment program and then I will maintain it to a high standard. Once I need another treatment, I will use the Reedle Shots again to see amazing results.

What do you think about these Reedle Shots if you have tried them? I am also trying the 700 as well, so I have yet to review it. Once it is up, I will link it here.