Anua vs VT Cosmetics — side by side, no bias.
Our pick
Reedle Shot 100
9/10 · VT Cosmetics
| Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum | Reedle Shot 100 | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Anua | VT Cosmetics |
| Category | serum | serum |
| Editor Rating | 8.5/10 | 9/10 ★ |
| Category | serum | serum |
| Texture | Lightweight, slightly viscous serum | Thick, almost gritty serum with fine microneedle spicules you can feel on application |
| Finish | matte, smooth | smooth, slightly tingling, refreshed |
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| Verdict | A potent brightening serum that pairs 10% niacinamide with 4% tranexamic acid — two well-researched brightening ingredients with complementary mechanisms. This combination targets hyperpigmentation from multiple angles, and the results are visible within a few weeks of consistent use. The texture is clean and non-greasy, sitting well under moisturizer. At $20, this competes directly with serums costing twice as much. The only caveat: 10% niacinamide can cause flushing in some people, so patch test first. | At-home microneedling in a bottle. The spicules are made from freshwater sponges and feel like tiny prickles as you massage them in — the sensation is alarming the first time but completely normal. Over 4-8 weeks, it genuinely improves texture, reduces pore visibility, and smooths scarring. Start with the 100 concentration before graduating to 300 or 700. |
