People Are Calling This K-Beauty Microneedling Serum ‘Witchcraft’

Korean beauty formulas always seem to be moving the needle forward in terms of innovation, especially when it comes to skin care. Speaking of needles: There’s a new, buzzed-about K-beauty serum that supposedly has the potential to simulate microneedling at home. Microneedling is a pricy in-office treatment that typically yields visible results for just about every major skin concern and can start at almost $200. Luckily, like most Korean beauty goods that have a reputation for affordability, this action-packed serum will only cost you $21.

Before we talk about the interesting components that make the VT Reedle Shot serum “liquid microneedling,” Florida-based board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Trisha Khanna, explained that traditional microneedling treatments, also referred to as collagen induction therapy, use tiny needles to create a controlled injury in the skin to stimulate the body’s wound healing process.

“Thus, it achieves increased collagen and elastin production, improved skin texture, reduced fine lines and scars,” she said.

Khanna explained that the Reedle serum mimics this procedure by using marine-sponge derived “spicules” – rigid, microscopic structures that make up the sponge’s exoskeleton — to simulate the way the needles might perform.

“When the spicules are massaged into the skin they create micro injuries at the superficial skin level, allowing mild exfoliation, increased epidermal turnover, and allows enhanced penetration of actives.

According to Khanna, this replicated delivery system has the potential to improve skin texture, clarity, reduce pore size and make the skin care ingredients that you normally use every day, much more effective.

It’s a formula that has delivered some astounding results for Reedle users of all ages, rendering some “speechless” after it managed to completely eliminate pores and hyperpigmentation, fade sun spots and make skin look and feel smooth, according to one Amazon customer.

“I am so glad I found this. I immediately can tell the difference. I see an increase in hydration [and] noticeably my skin is smoother and plump,” another reviewer wrote, while yet another called the VT Reedle Shot “witchcraft in a bottle” and a “holy grail product” after it did wonders on acne-troubled skin.

“I’ve never seen anything like it,” they wrote.

But with all this talk of a needle-adjacent formula, you are understandably wondering if the serum feels like needles on the skin. Both the brand and Reedle Shot-users liken the sensation to a “tingle” that fades quickly and doesn’t hurt.

This could be because, in addition to the spicules, the formula contains cica asiatica extract, a medicinal ingredient used in a lot of Asian skin care products for its soothing and redness-reducing properties. Even so, some users suggest patch-testing, especially if you have sensitive skin, or introducing the product into your nightly routine gradually.

It also comes in four different concentrations, with the 50 containing the least amount of spicules, and the 700 containing the most.

As Khanna mentioned earlier, one of the key benefits of this serum is that it maximizes the absorption of your other skin care products, thus making them more effective and amplifying your results. Because of this, the brand recommends applying the Reedle serum as the first step in your skin care routine, after you’ve washed your face, then follow up with your regular regimen.

It’s hard to deny the glowing testimonials that we’ve listed below. But, you’ve already heard enough about the wonders of the VT Reedle Shot, grab yourself a bottle now for as little as $21.

Promising Amazon reviews:

“I’m so picky with my skincare, so I was hesitant to try this, but I took a risk and I’m so happy I did! My skin is so smooth after just a few days after using this serum. My large pores are gone! AND makes my skin GLOW! Highly recommend this serum. There are tiny microneedling particles in this serum, so it makes your skin tingle at first, but your skin gets used to it. Really works. 10/10” — Leanna

“I never write reviews for any skin care products because I feel no matter how much I like it ,someone might not share the same experience.so I never recommend or tell anyone what I use on my face .i always tell them it’s really a process of elimination.they have to find what works for them BUT I think I have to make an exception..WOW I’m speechless because I was extremely skeptical about using this product but when I tell you my pores are gone ,face looks and feels smooth ,dark spots fading and no hyperpigmentation..I just can’t believe it ..if anyone thinking about this and you have sensitive skin ,please do a patch test on your hand first and start with the lower dose .this is an honest review.im not getting paid for this .i still don’t like to recommend products but I honestly never tried a product that I felt worked IMMEDIATELY and really did what was advertised.hopefully i still see the same results over time .sometimes I’ll try a product .it works for a while and then boom no more results .kind of like panoxyl.when I first used it I was extremely impressed but now it simply stop working for me.” — Lea Jean

“I’m 39 turning 40 in a couple months. I am so glad I found this. I immediately can tell the difference. I see an increase in hydration, noticeably my skin is smoother and plump. I have combination oily dry skin and large pores. This is definitely worth the investment to better your skin.” — Stephanie

“Witchcraft in a bottle. I don’t normally write reviews, but I am legitimately amazed by this product. I have been struggling with breakouts pretty badly lately and have spent tons of money on different products to help clear my skin. This is the ONLY one that made a REAL difference. I received the product right after I developed the worst cystic nodule I have ever had (and subsequently tried and failed to drain). It was so bad I didn’t even leave the house except for work. I used this product before bed the night it arrived and the nodule was SIGNIFICANTLY improved the very next morning. I have never seen anything like it. After a few short days the nodule has almost completely disappeared (and is easily concealed under a bit of makeup) and the rest of my face has almost completely cleared. The routine I have been using is: 1. Cleanse with Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser. 2. Apply the Cica Reedle Shot 100 with my fingers. 3. Apply Paula’s Choice BHA liquid exfoliant with a cotton disc. 4. Apply Olay Super Serum with my fingers. I have done this morning and night for about 4 or 5 days now and the change in my skin is absolutely INSANE. This is definitely a holy grail product for me.” — Randi

The experts consulted for this story do not necessarily endorse the products ahead unless otherwise noted.

For more miraculous and affordable Korean skin care products, take a look at this list of popular K-beauty items from some of our previous coverage: