IOPE vs VT Cosmetics — side by side, no bias.
Our pick
Reedle Shot 100
9/10 · VT Cosmetics
| Retinol Expert 0.1% | Reedle Shot 100 | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | IOPE | VT Cosmetics |
| Category | serum | serum |
| Editor Rating | 8.5/10 | 9/10 ★ |
| Category | serum | serum |
| Texture | Lightweight emulsion | Thick, almost gritty serum with fine microneedle spicules you can feel on application |
| Finish | Absorbed matte | smooth, slightly tingling, refreshed |
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| Verdict | Amorepacific's clinical retinol arm. IOPE's 0.1% retinol paired with peptide support is what Korean dermatologists recommend before jumping to tretinoin — effective enough for visible texture change at 8 weeks, gentle enough to not wreck your barrier on week one. | 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. |
