VT Reti-A Reedle Shot 100 Review: Does It Really Smooth Textured Skin?

If you’ve been following my skincare journey for a while, then you already know how much I love the VT Reedle Shot line. There’s just something about that signature tingling, microneedling-like sensation that leaves my textured, combination skin feeling smoother and more refined. So naturally, when VT launched the Reti-A Reedle Shot 100, I had to try it.

As someone with sensitive, easily irritated skin, retinol products can be… complicated. Some are too strong, some leave me red and flaky, and some clog my pores rather than help. But because I had already used other serums from the Reedle Shot line, and my skin generally reacts well to them, I felt confident giving this ampoule a go.

And after using it on and off for a few months, I finally feel ready to share a full, honest review based solely on my experience.

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What Makes VT Reti-A Reedle Shot 100 Special?

This serum combines two things that my skin personally loves:

✔️ CICA-based soothing care

✔️ Texture-smoothing ingredients

 

The formula includes VT’s patented CICAHYALON™ and CICA REEDLE™ complexes, which are designed to strengthen the skin barrier while helping the formula absorb better. CICA REEDLE is also what gives that microneedle-like feeling, little plant-derived “needles” that increase absorption and improve the overall texture of your skin.

The key active here is Bakuchiol, a plant-derived retinol alternative that helps unclog pores, refine texture, and improve elasticity without being as irritating as traditional retinol.

If you’re new to reedle-type serums, here’s what to know:

When you apply this serum, you’ll feel a tingling, slightly prickly sensation. It’s not painful, but definitely noticeable. If you’re not expecting it, your first reaction might be, “Wait… is this normal?”, but yes, it absolutely is.

My First Impressions

Because I used other Reedle Shot serums before, I knew exactly what kind of sensation to expect. This one feels very similar, a light tingling that fades after a minute or two.

The texture is a light emulsion, not watery but not thick either. My sensitive skin usually reacts to heavier serums, but this one absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave any greasy or sticky finish.

The first night I used it, I didn’t pair it with anything else except moisturizer. With sensitive skin, less is more, especially when testing new retinol products.

And honestly? My skin felt completely fine the next morning. No redness, no extreme dryness, no tight feeling.

Did It Cause Irritation or Breakouts?

For me personally, I didn’t get irritation, but I do want to mention something important:

If your skin barrier is compromised or you’re using too many active ingredients alongside this serum, you may notice a few breakouts at first. It’s not necessarily purging; sometimes it’s simply your skin saying:

“Girl, this is too much at once.”

This serum is active and should definitely be used with a simple routine, especially at first.

My advice?

Stick to cleanser → Reti-A Reedle Shot 100 → moisturizer.

That’s it.

How I Use It in My Routine

Because my skin is combination and sensitive, I use this serum a few times per week at night, never daily.

A typical routine looks like this:

1. Gentle cleanser

2. VT Reti-A Reedle Shot 100

3. A hydrating, simple moisturizer (no strong actives)

I avoid exfoliating acids and vitamin C on the same nights. The serum is powerful on its own and doesn’t need any competition.

My Results After a Few Months

The biggest improvement I noticed?

My texture. 100%.

 

I struggle with small bumps, clogged pores, and unevenness, especially around my cheeks and jawline. After consistent use, I started noticing that my skin looked:

✨ smoother

✨ less congested

✨ more even

✨ softer to the touch

The changes weren’t instant, but they were definitely visible.

If you're using it specifically to smooth bumpy, textured skin… I can confidently say it works.

Is It Suitable for Beginners?

Surprisingly… yes.

Even though this serum contains microneedle-like ingredients and bakuchiol, I would still recommend it to beginners, as long as you start slow and don’t pair it with too many actives.

If you're new to retinol or reedle-type products, just start with once a week and build from there. The formula is much gentler than most traditional retinol serums.

Pros & Cons

✔️ Pros

• Helps smooth and refine textured skin

• Great for combination and congested skin

• Tingling sensation, but not painful

• Lightweight, fast-absorbing formula

• Works even on sensitive skin when used correctly

• Can be beginner-friendly with proper routine

✖️ Cons

• A tingling sensation might feel strange if you’re not used to it

• Can cause breakouts if mixed with too many actives

• Not ideal for extremely compromised barriers

Final Thoughts — Is It Worth It?

If you want smoother, more refined, less textured skin and you’re open to trying something a little different, VT’s Reti-A Reedle Shot 100 is absolutely worth it.

It gives you that microneedling-like effect without actual needles, and the results genuinely show with consistent use.

And if you want to grab it from YesStyle, you can use my discount code SWEET07 to save a little money, as I always do.