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Product photo: Olive Young Korea
Reedle Shot 100
The entry level of VT's viral 'microneedle' serums: a milky essence with silica spicules, niacinamide, centella compounds and adenosine that gives a light prickle.
Buyer verdictThe best way to try the Reedle Shot trend. It's the mildest strength, and Olive Young's set adds three 1ml packs of the stronger 300 to test. Sensitive or broken skin should skip it. Seoul is close to 40% below Amazon US.
- Key ingredient
- Silica (Cica Reedle spicules), Niacinamide
- Texture
- Milky essence that gives a light, prickly tingle as you press it in
- Routine step
- serum · PM
- Korean pack
- 50ml (+3 x 1ml Reedle Shot 300)
Overview
Key ingredients
- Silica (Cica Reedle spicules) Tiny needle-shaped particles that create the prickly sensation
- Niacinamide Fourth on the list; evens tone and supports the barrier
- Centella extract, asiaticoside and madecassoside Calming compounds from VT's cica line
- Adenosine Korea's recognised wrinkle-care ingredient
- Macadamia seed oil Gives the essence its milky, comfortable feel
From the US, it's 38% cheaper in Seoul after tax and refund. From the UK, it's 27% cheaper in Seoul.
Seoul packs often add a bonus (+3 x 1ml Reedle Shot 300); we don't count it in the saving.
What it is
VT’s Reedle Shot serums are one of the biggest K-beauty trends of the last two years. The idea is a “microneedle” essence: microscopic, needle-shaped particles that create a prickly feeling when you press the product into the skin. VT sells several strengths, and Reedle Shot 100 is the gentlest.
Olive Young sells it in a 50ml bottle, often as a set with three 1ml packs of Reedle Shot 300, so you can test the next level up.
The Korean ingredient list starts with water and humectants, then niacinamide, macadamia seed oil and emollients. Silica appears in the middle; this is where the spicules come from. Further down are adenosine, sodium hyaluronate, centella extract, propolis extract, centella compounds (asiaticoside, madecassoside, madecassic acid, asiatic acid) and a full set of amino acids.
Korea registers it as a functional cosmetic for brightening and wrinkle care.
Who it suits (and who should skip it)
Good pick if
- You’re curious about the Reedle Shot trend and want the mildest version
- Your skin is normal, combination or oily, and fairly resilient
- You want smoother texture and a fresher look without acids
Skip it if
- Your skin is sensitive, rosacea-prone, sunburnt or broken
- You have active, inflamed acne you’d be pressing the essence into
- You dislike any tingling sensation
What the ingredients do
The spicules are the unusual part. When you press the essence in, the tiny particles lodge briefly in the surface of the skin, causing the prickle. VT markets this as helping its other ingredients absorb better and refreshing skin texture. The evidence is mostly brand-led, but many users like the smoother, brighter look over time.
Niacinamide is the most proven active here, helping even tone and calm redness. The centella compounds add a calming counterbalance to the prickle. Adenosine is a gentle wrinkle-care ingredient, and macadamia oil keeps the essence comfortable.
How to use it
VT’s directions are specific: use it in your evening routine on a clean, bare face, and press it in with your fingertips rather than rubbing. Follow with a soothing moisturiser.
Start with two or three evenings a week. If your skin is comfortable, you can increase the frequency. Avoid the eye area and lips, wash your hands afterwards, and wear sunscreen the next morning.
How it compares
VT Reedle Shot 300 is the next step, with a stronger prickle and less frequent use. Medicube Zero Pore Pad tackles texture with acids instead of spicules. If you just want hydration without the tingle, Torriden DIVE-IN Serum is the simpler choice.
Is it worth buying in Seoul?
Yes. Olive Young sells the same 50ml bottle as Amazon US and UK, and the Seoul sale price works out close to 40% below Amazon US and about a quarter below Amazon UK. The free Reedle Shot 300 minis in the Olive Young set aren’t counted in our price box.
One bottle clears the ₩15,000 tax refund minimum. Daiso also sells VT Reedle Shot 100 trial packs, six 2ml packs for ₩3,000, if you’d rather test it first. Our Daiso guide covers those.
FAQ
Does it hurt?
It shouldn't. Most people feel a light prickle, like tiny pins, for a few minutes. The 100 is the gentlest level. Stop if you feel burning or see lasting redness.
Is it real microneedling?
No. The 'needles' are microscopic silica spicules in the essence, not a device. The effect is far milder than clinic microneedling.
What's the difference between 100 and 300?
VT sells several strengths. The higher the number, the stronger the prickle. 100 is designed for daily beginners, and 300 is a step up.
Can I use it with retinol or acids?
Not on the same night when you start. Use it on alternate nights, and keep the rest of your routine gentle.
