Spicule Skincare, Explained: VT Reedle Shot and the At-Home Microneedling Wave
Spicules are K-beauty's at-home answer to microneedling. What VT's Reedle Shot actually does, which strength to start with, and who should skip it.
Spicule skincare uses microscopic needle-like particles refined from freshwater sponges — listed as Hydrolyzed Sponge — to create temporary micro-channels in the skin's surface: a gentler, at-home version of microneedling, made famous by VT Cosmetics' Reedle Shot line. Microneedling used to mean a clinic chair, a numbing cream and a recovery day. Korea bottled the idea instead, one sweep of essence at a time.
- •Spicules are needle-like particles from freshwater sponges, listed as Hydrolyzed Sponge on ingredient lists.
- •VT's Reedle Shot comes in three strengths — 50, 100 and 300 — and Reedle Shot 100 is the right starting point for most skin types.
- •Begin with two to three nights a week; a brief prickle is normal, lasting redness is not.
- •Skip spicules on highly sensitive or irritated skin, active inflamed breakouts, or right after a peel or laser.
- •The full Reedle Shot line is available in Israel at Skin101.
The line went viral for a reason: you can genuinely feel it working. A fine prickle spreads across the skin in the first minutes — that is the spicules settling in. Here is what they are, how to choose your strength, and how to build them into a routine without overdoing it.
What spicules actually are
Spicules are microscopic, needle-like particles refined from freshwater sponges — on the ingredient list they appear as hydrolyzed sponge. Swept over the skin, they create temporary micro-channels in the outermost layer, the same logic as in-clinic microneedling but on a far smaller, gentler scale. Those channels help the actives layered on top absorb more effectively, while the micro-stimulation encourages the skin's own renewal process. The spicules then dissolve over the following hours, which is why the tingle can linger into the night. VT pairs them with cica — centella extract — so the formula soothes while it stimulates.
Reedle Shot 50, 100 or 300 — which strength is yours
The number on each bottle reflects the concentration of spicules, so the choice is really about how much sensation and stimulation your skin is ready for. The golden rule of spicule skincare: start lower than you think you need. You can always step up once your skin has shown you how it responds.
- •Reedle Shot 50 — the gentlest entry point: first-timers and anyone whose skin leans reactive.
- •Reedle Shot 100 — the viral classic and the right starting point for most skin types: a clear tingle, balanced by cica.
- •Reedle Shot 300 — the step-up for experienced users with resilient skin chasing texture and deeper absorption.
- •Mild Reedle Shot 100 2-Step Mask — a single-evening, pre-dosed way to try the technology before committing to a bottle.
Shop this article
Who should sit this one out
Spicules are physical stimulation, and not every skin wants that. Skip them — or wait — if your skin is highly sensitive or currently irritated, if you have active, inflamed breakouts (sweeping spicules over open blemishes is asking for trouble), or if you have recently had a professional treatment like a peel or laser. Everyone else: patch test first, begin with two to three nights a week, and let the skin set the pace. A prickle is expected; lasting redness or stinging means scale back.
How to layer it
- •Cleanse and dry the skin fully — Reedle Shot goes on first, before any other treatment.
- •Sweep it on in one direction with light pressure. Do not rub or massage — the spicules position themselves.
- •Follow with a hydrating serum — this is the moment the micro-channels are working for you.
- •Seal with a soothing cream, and keep strong acids and retinoids for a different night while your skin adjusts.
- •SPF the next morning, always — stimulated skin deserves protection.
For the follow-up step, centella is the natural partner: it helps calm the skin and supports the barrier right when the spicules have it most receptive. Skin1004's Madagascar Centella Ampoule — a single-ingredient classic — is exactly the kind of quiet, soothing layer this routine wants.
Shop this article
Spicule skincare is not a gimmick — it is in-clinic logic translated for the bathroom shelf. Start low, sweep gently, soothe generously, and let consistency do what one dramatic session never could.
The importer's stamp — small sticker, big difference
Before any product reaches this page, it has passed through the brands' official importer in Israel — which is why every unit we sell carries the importer's stamp and the official usage instructions on the packaging. With online marketplaces full of counterfeits and expired grey-market stock, that label is the difference between the formula the brand actually made and an imitation of it. Original products, officially imported: it's the quiet promise behind everything at Skin101.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Reedle Shot strength should beginners use?+
Reedle Shot 100 is the standard starting point for most skin types, balancing a clear tingle with soothing cica. Reactive or sensitive skin should begin with Reedle Shot 50, and Reedle Shot 300 is best reserved for experienced users with resilient skin.
Does Reedle Shot hurt?+
No. Reedle Shot produces a fine prickling sensation as the spicules settle into the skin, which can linger for a few hours as they dissolve. It should not be painful — lasting redness or stinging is a signal to use a lower strength or pause.
How often should you use spicule skincare?+
Start with two to three nights a week and let your skin set the pace. Apply Reedle Shot first on clean, dry skin, follow with a hydrating serum and a soothing cream, and keep strong acids and retinoids for a different night.
Can sensitive skin use Reedle Shot?+
Highly sensitive or currently irritated skin should skip spicules, as should anyone with active inflamed breakouts or a recent peel or laser treatment. Mildly sensitive skin can try Reedle Shot 50 — the gentlest strength — after a patch test, once or twice a week.
Why order from SKIN101?
Fast local delivery
Ships locally within Israel — up to 4 business days, usually 1–2. No overseas shipping waits, no customs risk.
Final prices, no surprises
International sites add 18% VAT plus clearance fees at the border on orders above ~₪250. Our prices already include everything — what you see is what you pay.
Originals from the official importer
Every product comes through the official importer and carries the Health Ministry approval sticker — unlike the many fakes and gray-market parallels sold without it.
Sales, coupons & gifts
Sales and coupon deals run all the time, and most orders include free gifts and testers that you pick yourself at checkout.