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Every so often, a kbeauty product goes viral and I see it everywhere - on every social media platform, PR kit, store flier, etc. Sometimes, the popularity is well deserved, but other times it’s just hype and great marketing. One of the recent viral products is VT Cica Reedle Shot 100, available on Amazon, YesStyle (reward code KBHOBBIT), Stylevana (code INF10KBH), Olive Young (code KBHOBBIT77), Jolse, and iHerb (code CWN6107).
While the marketing materials mention skin soothing ingredients like centella, madecassoside, and propolis, the real reason people are interested in this ampoule is spicule. The microneedle-like Cica Reedle™ are mineral derived particles aimed at helping the skin absorb beneficial ingredients. I’m not new to spicule in skincare, but typically they are attached to patches and removed after use. This is the first leave-on spicule product I’ve seen.
The ampoule (some call it an essence) promises to tighten pores, smooth and revitalize the skin, and provide anti-inflammatory benefits.
How to use
Use in the evenings after cleansing
Massage until fully absorbed
Reedle Shot 100 can be used daily
The brand also makes Reedle Shot 300 and 700 versions - pick one; don’t use multiple at the same time. The brand notes that tingling during and after application is normal.
My impressions
I no longer use this product, but I thought it was still worth it to share my thoughts. The reason I initially hesitated to reach for the product during my evening routine is the outright discomfort during application. It doesn’t quite feel like needles, but it definitely stings and pricks. And the faster I applied the Reedle shot, the more it hurt. Patting is definitely better than rubbing in this case. That alone isn’t enough to deter me from an effective treatment. After all, most of us go through tons of discomfort for various purposes almost daily (ever tried working out?). If this had fantastic results, I would stick with it despite the pricking, which only lasted a few moments anyway.
VT Cica Reedle Shot 100 sat on my sink while I constantly chose something else to use. In the meantime, I stumbled upon a Dr Dray video with her thoughts on the product. I have nothing but respect for Dr Dray and have watched her videos for years. I love her brutally honest approach and unapologetic reviews - she tells it how it is, backed by her medical background and experience, and isn’t afraid to upset a brand. I highly suggest watching the video itself, but in short - it’s unclear what exactly happens to the spicules after use. It’s possible that they accumulate in the skin and there is not enough data to tell what that may do to the skin long term. I’m not easily scared, and Dr Dray isn’t into fear mongering. But not knowing if the spicules dissolve, combined with less than pleasant application experience, made me not use the product again. I’m not paranoid, but I’m cautious - the risk doesn’t outweigh the reward for me.
I’m not writing this to scare anyone or to dissuade you from trying the essence. I’m walking you through my experience and the reason behind not giving the VT CIca Reedle Shot another try. I encourage you to do your own reading, watching, and most of all - thinking. Then make a decision you are comfortable with. I guess this advice can extend to all areas of life, not just skincare.
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VT Cica Reedle Shot 100 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, Centella Asiatica Extract, 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