Dr. Sarah Sheu's VT Reedle Shot Review

VT · Beauty · Reviewed by Dr. Sarah Sheu · Published 2026-05-30

Rating 1/5Source quality 100/100Evidence 14Claims 8Q&A 7Pros 2Cons 7BeautyIndependent creator

Based on a review by Dr. Sarah Sheu (accessed 2026-05-30).

This page converts Dr. Sarah Sheu's review of the VT Reedle Shot into structured evidence — timestamped claims, pros & cons, and buyer questions. It is not the original review and does not replace watching or reading the full source.

Product Evidence hub pending. This is currently the only analysed source for this product. A full evidence hub becomes available once a second qualifying source is processed.

Source verdict

The reviewer admits a previous mistake and states that her concern level regarding these products has significantly increased. She can no longer claim that the spicules are too short to cause real effects or side effects. She emphasizes the risks of delayed granuloma formation, increased absorption of allergens, and the fact that spicules remain embedded in the skin.

About this source

This review, conducted by a dermatologist, re-evaluates microneedling creams by analyzing the actual length of their spicules under a microscope. It compares these findings to manufacturer claims and the thickness of human skin, while also examining the potential for deeper skin penetration, associated health risks, and regulatory implications. The review references scientific literature to support its conclusions.

Review notes

This follow-up review strongly cautions against the use of microneedling creams like VT Reedle Shot, correcting previous misinformation about their safety. The product poses significant risks due to undisclosed spicule lengths and the permanent retention of foreign material within the skin. Microscopic examination revealed spicules measuring 184 to 232 microns, far exceeding the 15 microns stated by the company, which refers to width, not length. This length allows the spicules to penetrate deeply into the dermis, unlike temporary microneedling, and they remain embedded for extended periods. This bypasses the skin's natural barrier, risking sensitization to ingredients and potential long-term immune reactions such as granulomas. If you are considering or currently using these creams for deeper ingredient absorption, understand that you are introducing foreign material that can trigger delayed and irreversible immune responses. If you prioritize skin safety and avoiding long-term complications, it is advisable to avoid these products.

What the reviewer liked

  • Claimed to create tiny channels for deeper ingredient absorption
  • Claimed to boost collagen production

What the reviewer criticised

  • Misleading marketing regarding spicule length
  • Spicules are significantly longer than marketed (184-232 microns vs. 15 micron width)
  • Spicules penetrate deeply into the dermis and remain embedded as foreign material
  • Risk of sensitization to cosmetic ingredients driven deep into the skin
  • Potential for delayed, severe immune reactions like granulomas, even decades later
  • Lack of FDA or similar regulatory oversight for these products
  • Silica spicules cannot be dissolved if a reaction occurs

Structured claims

The spicules in products like VT Reedle Shot were measured to be 184-232 microns long, which is 10 to 15 times longer than the 15 microns often cited in marketing materials.

measurement_claimstrong

The 15-micron figure found in marketing refers to the width of the spicule, but it is the length that determines how deeply the spicule can penetrate the skin, which is not disclosed.

reviewer_claimstrong

With measured lengths of 184-232 microns, spicules are substantially longer than the human epidermis (30-65 microns thick), indicating they can reach the deeper dermis.

comparison_claimstrong

Research shows spicules stay embedded in the skin for extended periods (over 72 hours), which is a fundamental difference from traditional microneedling where needles are removed.

comparison_claimstrong

When the skin barrier is broken by spicules, common cosmetic ingredients like fragrances and preservatives, which are otherwise safe on the surface, can be driven deeper, triggering allergic contact dermatitis.

reviewer_claimstrong

The immune system can form granulomas around silica that remains in the dermis, and these reactions can be delayed by years or even decades, as shown in published cases.

reviewer_claimstrong

Despite the importance of spicule length for penetration and safety, neither VT nor Medicube's marketing materials provide this information; product numbers refer to concentration, not length.

reviewer_claimstrong

Under federal law, products that physically penetrate skin and claim to change skin structure are closer to medical devices, which typically require FDA approval or clearance, a question not currently being addressed.

reviewer_claimmoderate

Evidence items

Microscopic measurement of spicule length

measurement_testneutralt=02:29–02:40

The reviewer measured three spicules under a 200x microscope, finding lengths of 184 microns, 191 microns, and 232 microns.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XG-wcGPvDlc

Comparison of measured spicule length to company marketing claims

comparisonnegativet=02:40–02:51

The measured spicule lengths (184-232 microns) are 10 to 15 times longer than the 15 microns quoted in the company's marketing, indicating a significant discrepancy.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XG-wcGPvDlc

Clarification of '15 microns' on packaging

reviewer_claimneutralt=03:00–03:22

The reviewer inferred that the '15 microns' stated by VT refers to the width of the spicule, not its length, which is crucial for determining penetration depth.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XG-wcGPvDlc

Comparison of spicule length to human epidermis thickness

comparisonpositivet=03:55–04:22

Human epidermis is between 30 and 65 microns thick. The shortest spicule measured (184 microns) is almost three times longer than the thickest epidermis on the face, suggesting deep penetration.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XG-wcGPvDlc

Pig skin study on spicule penetration depth

measurement_testpositivet=04:55–05:27

A 2019 study using 120-micron sponge spicules on pig skin showed channels created were around 49 microns deep. The reviewer's measured spicules were even longer.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XG-wcGPvDlc

Pig and mouse skin studies on spicule retention

specification_claimpositivet=05:27–05:43

Other studies on pig and mouse skin reported that spicules remained embedded in the skin for more than 72 hours.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XG-wcGPvDlc

Comparison of spicule creams to traditional microneedling

comparisonneutralt=06:40–07:05

Unlike real microneedling where needles go in and come straight back out, spicule creams are fundamentally different as they leave foreign material (spicules) behind inside the skin.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XG-wcGPvDlc

Risk of allergic reactions from deep absorption of topicals

expert_opinionnegativet=07:54–08:35

Applying serums containing potential contact allergens (e.g., fragrances, preservatives, plant extracts) after creating channels with spicules can drive these ingredients into deeper layers, triggering allergic contact dermatitis.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XG-wcGPvDlc

Reference to JAD paper on silica spicule risks

expert_opinionpositivet=09:25–09:59

The reviewer discusses a paper titled 'Hidden Risks Behind the Cosmetic Use of Silica Spicules for Transdermal Delivery' published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, which raises concerns about these products.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XG-wcGPvDlc

Explanation of granuloma formation

expert_opinionneutralt=10:14–10:49

When foreign material enters the deeper layers of skin and the body cannot break it down, the immune system may build a wall of immune cells around it, forming a granuloma, which can appear as a firm bump or nodule.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XG-wcGPvDlc

Examples of delayed granuloma reactions to silica

reviewer_claimnegativet=11:27–12:47

Published cases show that silica from wounds or dust exposure can cause granulomas with significant delays, appearing 20 to 26 years later, suggesting that an immediate lack of reaction does not guarantee long-term safety.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XG-wcGPvDlc

Comparison of spicules to fillers regarding dissolvability

comparisonnegativet=13:28–13:58

Unlike hyaluronic acid fillers, which can be dissolved if a reaction develops, silica spicules cannot be broken down by the body, making any potential reactions more difficult to treat.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XG-wcGPvDlc

Companies do not disclose spicule length

reviewer_claimnegativet=14:26–14:52

The reviewer checked VT and Medicube's marketing materials and confirmed that neither company discloses the actual length of their spicules anywhere, despite its importance.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XG-wcGPvDlc

Medicube's claim on spicule dissipation

specification_claimnegativet=14:59–15:19

Medicube's FAQ states that leftover product 'will not be absorbed into your body' and 'will naturally dissipate,' a claim the reviewer questions given the measured length of the spicules and their ability to penetrate skin.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XG-wcGPvDlc

Quick answers

  • How deep do the spicules in microneedling creams penetrate the skin? The reviewer's measurements showed spicules ranging from 184 to 232 microns long.
  • Are microneedling creams like VT Reedle Shot safe to use? The reviewer initially believed these creams were safe due to perceived short needle length, but after her own investigation, she states she can no longer confirm their safety.
  • What are the risks of using silica spicule creams? Spicules remaining in the dermis can trigger immune responses, potentially leading to granulomas years or decades later.
  • Do microneedling creams require FDA approval or oversight? Under US federal law, products that physically penetrate the skin and claim to change skin structure, like improving nasolabial folds, are considered medical devices rather than cosmetics.

Buyer questions answered

How deep do the spicules in microneedling creams penetrate the skin?

The reviewer's measurements showed spicules ranging from 184 to 232 microns long. Given that the human epidermis is typically 30 to 65 microns thick, these spicules are significantly longer, suggesting they can reach the dermis, where collagen and blood vessels reside.

Are microneedling creams like VT Reedle Shot safe to use?

The reviewer initially believed these creams were safe due to perceived short needle length, but after her own investigation, she states she can no longer confirm their safety. Spicules remain embedded in the skin, which is a fundamentally different and potentially more concerning situation than professional microneedling.

What are the risks of using silica spicule creams?

Spicules remaining in the dermis can trigger immune responses, potentially leading to granulomas years or decades later. Creating channels in the skin also allows potentially allergenic ingredients from other topicals to penetrate deeper, increasing the risk of contact dermatitis. Unlike hyaluronic acid fillers, silica cannot be dissolved if a reaction occurs.

Do microneedling creams require FDA approval or oversight?

Under US federal law, products that physically penetrate the skin and claim to change skin structure, like improving nasolabial folds, are considered medical devices rather than cosmetics. Such devices typically require FDA approval or clearance, but these spicule creams are not currently receiving such regulatory scrutiny.

How do spicule creams compare to professional microneedling?

While both involve creating channels in the skin, professional microneedling uses devices where needles penetrate and immediately exit, leaving temporary channels. Spicule creams, however, leave foreign silica material permanently embedded in the deeper layers of the skin, posing unique long-term risks.

Do the numbers in product names (e.g., VT Reedle Shot 100, 300, 700) indicate spicule length?

The reviewer confirmed after checking VT and Medicube's marketing materials that numbers like 100, 300, or 700 in product names denote the spicule concentration, meaning a higher number indicates more spicules. The actual length of the spicules is not disclosed by the companies.

What precautions should I take if I choose to use spicule creams?

The reviewer advises using a milder version (e.g., Reedle Shot 100 vs. 700/1000 for fewer spicules), applying gently by tapping instead of rigorously rubbing, and layering only simple products without potential contact allergens like fragrance. It's crucial to keep the cream away from eyes, and if any new firm bumps or nodules appear, see a dermatologist and mention spicule cream use.

Specs mentioned in this review

Microscopic measurement of spicule length
The reviewer measured three spicules under a 200x microscope, finding lengths of 184 microns, 191 microns, and 232 microns microns
Pig skin study on spicule penetration depth
A 2019 study using 120-micron sponge spicules on pig skin showed channels created were around 49 microns deep microns
Pig and mouse skin studies on spicule retention
Other studies on pig and mouse skin reported that spicules remained embedded in the skin for more than 72 hours
Medicube's claim on spicule dissipation
Medicube's FAQ states that leftover product 'will not be absorbed into your body' and 'will naturally dissipate,' a claim the reviewer questions given the measured length of the spicules and their ability to penetrate skin

Not covered in depth by this source

  • Not covered: Ride Feel
  • Not covered: Durability
  • Not covered: Stability
  • Not covered: Traction
  • Not covered: Weight
  • Not covered: Value
  • Not covered: Breathability

Why this source is included

100/100 source quality

  • ✓ Independent of the brand
  • • Hands-on demonstration
  • ✓ Specific testing or measurements
  • ✓ Clear sponsorship / relationship disclosure

Transcript summary

Dr. Sarah Sheu revisits microneedling creams, admitting her previous assessment was flawed. Through microscopic analysis, she discovered that the spicules are considerably longer (184-232 microns) than the 15 microns specified in marketing, which refers to width. These longer spicules can penetrate the dermis, potentially leading to delayed immune reactions like granulomas and increased absorption of sensitizing chemicals, a concern supported by a recent dermatology journal paper. She advises users to opt for milder versions, apply gently, use simple layering products, avoid the eye area, and consult a dermatologist if any new bumps appear.

Full transcript is not redistributed here to respect the original creator’s rights.

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