VT Cosmetics Reedle Shot: the Korean brand that makes your skin tingle
Where VT comes from, how its Reedle Shot works, which number to choose between 100, 300 and 700, and which cica or PDRN routine for your skin.
- VT COSMETICS is a Korean brand, now run by the company VT (formerly VT GMP), listed on KOSDAQ, the Korean stock market for growth companies.
- Its signature product is the VT Cosmetics Reedle Shot, launched in 2023: an essence containing micro-particles that make the skin tingle slightly.
- The numbers 50, 100, 300 and 700 show the intensity: the higher the number, the more it tingles.
- Alongside the Reedle Shot, the brand has two other pillars: centella (cica) and plant-based PDRN.
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You may have seen it on TikTok: a small silver bottle, and people explaining that their skin tingles a few seconds after applying it. That’s the VT Cosmetics Reedle Shot, a product launched in 2023 and now sold in Korea as well as in Japan and the United States.
In this guide, we explain where the VT brand comes from, what’s really in the Reedle Shot, how to choose between 100, 300 and 700, and above all which VT products to choose for your skin, with a complete morning and evening routine.
The story of VT COSMETICS, before and after the Reedle Shot
VT’s story is quite unexpected. The company behind the brand today was originally called GMP, a Korean business founded in 1986 and specializing in laminating machines and films (lamination, to protect printed documents). Nothing to do with beauty!
On the cosmetics side, it all started with a small company called Gonsen, created in 2010, which would become VT Cosmetic. GMP took a stake in it, then the two companies merged in 2019 under the name VT GMP. In the late 2010s, the brand collaborated with BTS, with a skincare line and a collab perfume released in 2019.
In 2023, the company spun off its former laminating business (which became a subsidiary called GMP again) and took the name VT: it now focuses on cosmetics. The same year, the brand launched the Reedle Shot. In Korea, a version is sold at Daiso, the product is also available at Olive Young, and the Reedle Shot 100 ranked no. 1 in the “applicator device” category at the Glowpick Awards.
Outside Korea, Japan has become its biggest market: VT has been there since 2018, starting with a soothing cream. In the United States, the brand arrived in stores at Ulta Beauty from July 2025, with the Reedle Shot as the headliner.
The VT philosophy: training your skin like a workout
VT sums up its style in three words: “In-Vogue and Timeless”, meaning following trends without ever falling into fads. On its website, the brand explains that our skin faces small daily aggressions, and that it needs help to strengthen its “physical condition”.
Hence its idea of “Skin Fitness”: like a muscle you train, skin would need light stimulation to get back into its rhythm. In practice, that means three things:
- Gentle stimulation: that’s the role of the Reedle Shot’s micro-particles, which create that tingling sensation.
- A soothing base: almost all the formulas contain centella asiatica, to keep the skin calm.
- A gradual scale: gentler versions to start with, and more intense ones once your skin is used to it.
VT’s signature product, in Korea and abroad. A light essence with CICA REEDLE™ micro-particles and centella: your skin tingles a little, then looks smoother and clearer. Start with the 100 version, the easiest to use every day.
VT COSMETICS’ key ingredients
The brand highlights several “in-house” ingredients, often with a little ™ after them. Here are the ones to know to find your way.
CICA REEDLE™, the Reedle Shot’s micro-particles
This is VT’s signature ingredient. The brand describes it as mineral-derived micro-particles, 14 times finer than a pore, that gently stimulate the skin. That’s what creates the tingling sensation, stronger or milder depending on the version. Try it with the Reedle Shot, or the Mild Reedle Shot 50 if your skin is sensitive.
Centella asiatica (cica)
A plant widely used in K-beauty, centella is found in almost the entire brand. VT combines it with hyaluronic acid and green propolis in a complex it calls CICAHYALON™, to soothe and hydrate dry skin. The simplest product to enjoy it: the Cica Cream Plus.
Plant-based PDRN (PHYTO PDRN®)
PDRN is an ingredient widely used in Korean skincare. VT uses a plant-derived PDRN, extracted from wild ginseng, presented as lighter than animal-derived PDRN. It helps keep skin supple, bouncy and luminous. It’s at the heart of the PDRN Reedle Shot and the whole PDRN range.
Bakuchiol and the Reti-A complex
Bakuchiol is a plant-derived active often presented as a gentler alternative to retinol. VT combines it with centella in its Cica Reti-A formula, designed for tighter, smoother skin texture. You’ll find it in the Reti-A Reedle Shot and the Cica Reti-A Essence.
Marine collagen
In the Cica Collagen range, VT combines centella with small-sized fish collagen for skin that looks firmer and fuller. The flagship product: the Collagen Reedle Shot.
The VT COSMETICS ranges to know
| Range | What it’s for |
|---|---|
| Reedle Shot | Versions 50, 100, 300 and 700: pores, uneven skin texture, radiance. The brand’s foundation |
| Reedle Shot + | PDRN, Collagen, Reti-A, Hydrop…: the same principle, with an extra active depending on your need |
| Cica | Sensitive skin, redness, need to soothe |
| PDRN | Dull skin lacking bounce |
| Garlic AC | Blemish-prone skin, occasional small pimples |
| Masks | Cryo Ice, hydrogel, Daily Mask: an extra cool or comfort boost on top of your routine |
| Complexion, lips | Cushion, Lipp Plumper: light makeup with skincare actives |
Which VT COSMETICS for your skin?
Pick your need: we give you our favorite product, plus two others to complete it.
Sensitive skin that turns red quickly
Stick with cica and the gentlest version of the Reedle Shot: a soothing cream every day, and a cleanser that doesn’t strip.
Blemish-prone skin
The Garlic AC range is made for this: a light gel-cream for the whole face, and spot treatments to apply only on the little pimple.
Dull skin lacking bounce
Go for plant-based PDRN: a PDRN Reedle Shot in the evening, a radiance ampoule and pads to prep the skin.
Uneven skin texture, first signs of aging
Bakuchiol and collagen for smoother, firmer skin. Introduce them one at a time, preferably in the evening.
Dehydrated skin that feels tight
Choose the more hydrating “Hydrop” versions, and a hyaluronic acid serum.
A complete VT COSMETICS routine, morning and evening
Morning
- CleanseA gentle cleanser, or just water if your skin is dry.
- ToneA PDRN Tension Toner Pad swiped over your whole face.
- Targeted careThe PDRN Mint Micro Bubble serum, or the Mild Reedle Shot 50 if your skin is used to it.
- MoisturizeThe Cica Cream Plus, in a thin layer.
- ProtectThe Airy Sunscreen, even when it’s gray.
Evening
- Remove makeupThe PDRN Grinding cleansing balm to melt away makeup and SPF.
- CleanseThe Cica Mask Cleanser, lathered on damp skin, then rinse.
- Targeted careThe Reedle Shot (100 at first), in a small amount, a few pumps are enough.
- MoisturizeThe Reedle Shot Hydrop Cream or your usual cream, to soothe after the tingling.
- Extra, from time to timeA PDRN hydrogel mask once or twice a week.
Our tips for using the VT Cosmetics Reedle Shot well
- Always start with the lowest number: 50 or 100. The 300 and 700 are more intense, save them for later.
- Tingling is normal in the first few minutes. If it burns, turns very red or lasts, rinse and stop.
- Not on damaged skin: avoid the Reedle Shot on irritated skin, after a scrub or shaving, or on an open pimple.
- Don’t rub: gently pat the product in with your fingertips, without massaging.
- One stimulation at a time: don’t combine the Reedle Shot with an acid exfoliant or retinol on the same evening.
- Sunscreen is a must the next day, especially with the more intense versions or bakuchiol.
VT products are cosmetics: they help refine the look of skin texture, soothe and hydrate, but they don’t replace medical advice. If you have very reactive skin, rosacea, inflammatory acne, or if your skin reacts strongly (lasting redness, burning, itching), ask a dermatologist for advice before using the Reedle Shot.
Here, lots of girls do the evening test: they apply the Reedle Shot just before bed, then a soothing cream on top. The next morning, no trace of the tingling is left, and you can see right away whether your skin likes it or not. And keep the Cryo Ice mask in the fridge: applied after the Reedle Shot, it’s a real cooling boost.
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Frequently asked questions about VT COSMETICS
Is VT COSMETICS a Korean brand?
Yes. VT COSMETICS is a South Korean brand, based in Seoul and run by the company VT (formerly VT GMP), listed on the Korean stock exchange.
What is VT’s Reedle Shot?
It’s an essence launched in 2023 that contains micro-particles called CICA REEDLE™. They lightly stimulate the skin, hence the tingling sensation, for skin texture that looks smoother.
What’s the difference between Reedle Shot 100, 300 and 700?
It’s the intensity: the higher the number, the stronger the tingling. The 100 is for daily use, the 300 is a more intensive treatment to use less often, and the 700 is reserved for skin that’s already used to it. The 50 (Mild) is the gentlest.
Is it normal for the Reedle Shot to tingle?
Yes, a light tingling for a few minutes is normal. However, if it burns, if your skin turns very red or if it lasts, rinse right away and stop. If in doubt, ask a dermatologist for advice.
Can you use the Reedle Shot every day?
The Reedle Shot 100 and the Mild 50 are designed for daily use. Still, start with every other evening in the first week, then increase if your skin tolerates it well.
Is the Reedle Shot suitable for sensitive skin?
Choose the Mild Reedle Shot 50, the gentlest version, and do a test on a small area first. If you have very reactive skin or rosacea, talk to a dermatologist first.
What’s the link between VT COSMETICS and BTS?
BTS was the face of the brand in the late 2010s, and a skincare line and a perfume in collaboration with the group were released in 2019.
Are the VT COSMETICS products at Ma Petite Corée authentic?
Yes, everything we sell is official and ships directly from our office in Seoul.
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Jihyun, team Ma Petite Corée