VT Cosmetics X Beauty Within box

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Kitty (@kittiemui)

Where I got it

I have to admit that I check the StyleKorean app at least once a day to see what’s on offer. I love their value box sets (like the Radiance Recover Box, Anua x Jasmin Box, and the A+ Glam box), their TIMEDEALS (Laka Lip Tints, Braye Lip Sleek, etc.) as well as any new product launches.  The new box is a collaboration between Beauty Within and VT Cosmetics. I briefly knew about Beauty Within from their Youtube Channel a few years back. I do not remember much about the, but they do reviews of K-beauty and I believe they have an online shop for all things skincare.

The box took my interest right away because of the brand – VT Cosmetics and the focus on Retinol fro acne. The box contains 6 products and was valued at USD$169, but for only USD$39 (+$19.99 shipping), so it was a whopping 77% off! The single Reti-A reedle shot serum is already worth more than $39, so your purchase one serum and you literally get 6 other items for free.

What I got

This is the VT Cosmetics X Beauty Within Goodbye Acne, Hello Glass Skin box. This box contains 5 full sized item along with a single pack of single-use mask. Everything is packed into a sturdy box. This is slightly different to all other boxes I’ve purchased from StyleKorean and I am impressed with the quality! Nonetheless, let’s get into the products.

Reti-A Reedle Shot 100 (50ml). 

• Helps refine rough skin to achieve smooth and dewy skin.
• Formulated with CICA REEDLE that is 14 times thinner than pores and helps absorption, delicately stimulating the skin and assisting skin absorption to create a smooth skin condition.
• Enriched with Bakuchiol, a plant-derived retinol ingredient to unclog pores and smooth textured skin.
• The moist emulsion texture intensively delivers moisturizing properties and is gently absorbed into the skin.

Ingredients: Water, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Butylene Glycol, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Dimethyl Isosorbide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Sodium Polyacrylate, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Glyceryl Stearate, Polyglyceryl-6 Stearate, Polyisobutene, Silica, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Allantoin, Glycereth-26, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Adenosine, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Sorbitan Oleate, Polyglyceryl-6 Behenate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Lecithin, Polysorbate 20, Centella Asiatica Extract, Retinol, Bakuchiol, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Beta-Carotene, Propolis Extract, Diospyros Kaki Leaf Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Extract, Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Seed Extract, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Flower Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Asiaticoside, Castanea Crenata (Chestnut) Shell Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract, Madecassoside, Madecassic Acid, Asiatic Acid

Cica Reti-A Essence 0.1 ($30 for 30ml).

• Refined Pores – This essence effectively controls sebum production for a smoother skin texture.
• Gentle Retinol Formula – Enriched with LHA, our essence hydrates and refines skin texture gently, ensuring no stress on your skin.
• Targeted Treatment – Apply this concentrated essence sparingly to areas of concern for precise spot treatment.
• Silky-Smooth Texture – Experience the rich moisture and lightweight touch of our highly concentrated essence, designed to leave your skin feeling silky without any stickiness.
• Freshness-Sealed Packaging – VT’s airless container is specially designed to shield light and air-sensitive retinol, ensuring each application delivers the freshest ingredients to your skin.

Ingredients: Purified Water, Butylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), 1,2-hexanediol, Niacinamide, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Dimethyl Isocarbide, Glyceryl Stearate, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Behenyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Cetearyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Betaine, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Carbomer, Tromethamine, Polyacrylate-13, Ethylhexylglycerin, Centella Asiatica Extract, Adenosine, Polyisobutene, Sodium Hyaluronate, Allantoin, Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract, Gluconolactone, Bakuchiol, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Polysorbate 20, Sorbitan Isostearate, Ceramide Np, Retinol, Bht, Propolis Extract, Madecassoside, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Madecassic Acid, Baha, Disodium Edta, Parfum

Reedle Shot 700 (30ml).

• Improvesment to healthy skin: A night care product that induces changes in skin condition overnight by wrapping the skin with a soft texture cream rich in moisture. As a special home skin care product that can be used every 7 days, it helps your skin to have a healthy condition, such as improving skin turnover.
• Absorbs quickly into the skin: CICA REEDLE is made of silica, a natural mineral. It gently stimulates the skin to promote the absorption of active ingredients in VT skincare products. *The tingling sensation is a natural phenomenon that occurs as the product absorbs into the skin and supplies nutrients.*
• Benefits for your skin: Centella Asiatica Extract, Triple Hyaluronic Acid, Centella 4X Complex, and Green Propolis Extract are particularly effective for soothing and hydrating.
• Suitable for: REEDLE SHOT 700 is a gentle yet effective exfoliating serum that can be used by all skin types. It is perfect for those who want to take care of their skin while they sleep, or who want to exfoliate their skin as part of their daily skincare routine. REEDLE SHOT 700 is also a great option for those who want to restore their skin’s balance and natural vitality.

Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Propanediol, Methylpropanediol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butylene Glycol, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Glycereth-26, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Niacinamide, Silica, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, 1,2-Hexanediol, C12-16 Alcohols, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Polyisobutene, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Palmitic Acid, Arginine, Cetearyl Glucoside, Carbomer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Adenosine, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Sorbitan Oleate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hyaluronate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Glucose, Propolis Extract, Asiaticoside, Hydrolyzed Elastin, Madecassoside, Madecassic Acid, Asiatic Acid, Glycine, Serine, Glutamic Acid, Aspartic Acid, Leucine, Alanine, Lysine, Tyrosin, Phenylalanine, Threonine, Proline, Valine, Isoleucine, Ceramide NP, Histidine, Methionine, Cysteine, Glycosphingolipids

Glucamune Cream ($24 for 100ml).

• Intense Hydration: Formulated with Glucamune, VT’s essence offers 9.7 times the soothing effect of Heartleaf(Houttuynia cordata) and 111% more moisture than hyaluronic acid, providing instant hydration for sensitive skin.
• Suitable For All Skin Types: Perfect for dehydrated skin that easily becomes dry and sensitive, sensitive skin prone to external irritants, and rough, tight-feeling skin.
• Gentle Moisture Care: Clean formula, featuring Clean mucin, ensures low-irritation hydration, making it ideal for those with delicate skin.
• Non-Greasy, Glowy Finish: Enjoy a refreshing, non-sticky application that leaves your skin with a radiant, dewy finish.
• Cream offers a generous amount, providing long-lasting hydration and care for your skin.

Ingredients: Water, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Betaine, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, 1,2-Hexanediol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Cetearyl Olivate, Arginine, Carbomer, Hydroxyacetophenone, Sorbitan Olivate, Vinyl Dimethicone, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Polyacrylate, Panthenol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tremella Fuciformis (Mushroom) Extract, Disodium EDTA, Allantoin, Dipropylene Glycol, Arachidic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Malt Extract, Glycerin, Oleic Acid, Beta-Glucan, Citric Acid, Squalane

Reti-A Reedle Shot 100 2Step Hydrogel Mask ($6 for 1). Begin with the Reti-A Reedle Shot 100, which primes the skin with a potent blend of ingredients for enhanced pore tightening and texture refining. Follow with the Reti-A Reedle Shot Tightening Hydrogel Mask, which adheres seamlessly to the skin, allowing the pure pore-conditioning ampoule to deliver deep hydration and texture refinement. As the mask absorbs, it transforms from an opaque sheet to a clear, flexible layer, ensuring optimal delivery of active ingredients.

• INTENSIVE TEXTURE SMOOTHING – Experience unparalleled skin transformation with this dual-step treatment that combines potent pore-conditioning ingredients for visibly refined skin texture.
• PREMIUM DELIVERY & COMFORT – With its advanced hydrogel design, this mask helps your skin fully absorb the active ingredients while offering a relaxing, derma-like experience.

Step 1: Reti-A Reedle Shot 100

• CICAHYALON™ – A proprietary blend of synergistic ingredients that enhances skin firming and smoothness.
• CICA REEDLE™ – Advanced spicule micro-particles that improve absorption and offer soothing benefits.
• Vitamin A Complex – A powerful skin renewing complex including pure Retinol.
• Bakuchiol – A natural alternative to retinol that supports skin texture and firmness.
• Polyphenol – Provides antioxidant protection to combat environmental damage.
• Beta-Carotene – A potent antioxidant that helps maintain healthy skin.

Step 2: Reti-A Reedle Shot Tightening Hydrogel Mask

• CICA REEDLE™ – Enhances absorption and soothes the skin.
• Reti-A (Vitamin A Complex) – Provides intensive skin texture smoothing and tightening benefits.
• Hydrolyzed Elastin – Supports skin elasticity and firmness.

Spot Patch ($5.66 for 48ea). Quantity and Sphere : 10mm x 18 + 12mm x 30. Cares for the wounds without touching it. Protects the scar or acne on the face.

Ingredients: [Adhesive Sheet] Polyurethane [Hydro-colloid] Polyisoprene, Polyisobutylene, Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose, White Mineral Oil [Liner/ Film Paper] Release Liner

How I find it

This is a very exciting box to unpack for me. I already love the reedle shot serums and I also love retinol serums. Let’s start with a first impression of the Reti-A Reedle Shot 100.

This is a beginner level reedle shot serum at level 100 (I believe this also comes in level 300). This serum is contains Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (HPR) which is a retinoid derivative, which is potent for its anti-aging and skin-renewing properties. HPR is active directly in the skin, therefore does not require convesion to retinoic acid and could potentially reduce irritation. Retinol enhances cell turnover and stimulates collagen synthesis, it also helps with reduction in pigmentation. So you can see why I like this stuff. The reedle shot helps to exfoliate the dead skin cells on top and also allowing the ingredients to deliver deeper into the skin.

The serum is lightweight and hydrating, and I use 2-3 pumps for the entire face before any other serums or moisturisers. This will need continuous, and consisten use to see results as with any skincare, especially retinol products. Only use in PM, and I always use minimum SPF50 during the day.

Next is a new product I have been wanting to try from VT. Their Cica Reti-A Essence 0.1. I would say I use this as a serum, so I’m not sure why they call it an essence. This also has Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (HPR) at 2,400IU/g (0.1%). This serum does not have the spicles that is in the reedle shot, so I am assuming this is would be a more beginner-friendly version. The texture of this essence is actually quite lotion-like. It was not what I have expected to be a runny consistency. It pumps out almost like a cream, but it’s really easy to spread and smooth out.

I would say if you do not like the reedle shots, or your skin is too sensitive for the reedle shots but you still want to try HPR, this would be a good option. This one is also fragrance-free. Personally, I wouldn’t use this on top of the Reti-A reedle shot, but definitely use this when the Reti-A reedle shot runs out. Make sure you use this at night after toner, then use a moisturier on top. Don’t forget to use SPF in the morning too!

Next we have the Reedle Shot 700. This one is 2 steps up from the 100, and this is designed to be a spot treatment. Not an everyday, all-over-the-face serum. The 700 has a thicker consistency, almost like a balm and you only need a small dot to problematic areas like pigmentation, acne marks, fine lines, etc. I have tried using this all over my face, but the prickly sensation is still there when I wash my face the next morning. Not saying that it’s a bad, thing, but I just want to be careful using this over sensitive areas and maybe only use it 1-2 times a week.

I have been using the reedle shot 700, 1-2 times a week for at least 6 months now, and I really do see a big difference in some of my problematic post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation spots (post-acne marks). So glad to have a back-up bottle!

Next is the Glucamune Cream which I was expecting to be a thick cream, but it turns out to be a gel-cream with some viscosity. It reminded me of snail mucin back in the days. It feels the same as snail mucin as I glide it across my face. The slimey feeling disappears instantly so you don’t get that yucky feeling and it feels very hydrating and soothing.

It leaves a light film on the skin that is moisturising, but not oily and thick. You might not be used to that feeling of a film on the skin as it might feel a little tacky right after. Once the gel-cream sinks in, it no longer feels tacky and your skin will be protected all through the day or night.

Lastly, the Reti-A 2-step mask. It is simply a hydrogel mask with a single dose of reti-A Reedle shot serum. This would be handy for a flight, travel or an overnight trip somewhere. The hydrogel mask is nice, and I only leave it on for a maximum 30 minutes because I find that hydrogel masks does nothing for my skin if I use it longer than 30-40 minutes.

Overall

I am so glad I picked up this box. I am a firm believer and user of VT reedle shot serum, as well as retinol. I have already seen an improvement on my skin by using both of these ingredients, and not a single irritation in sight. My pores are more refined, my post-acne scars are slowly improving, my skin is glowing, and my fine lines are less visible.

I don’t think I would advocate mixing retinol products, but I would definitely alternate from time to time. The Glucamune Cream was also a standout because it is so lightweight but so hydrating and moisturising. I wasn’t expecting a lot, but it really did surprise me. This is indeed a great moisturiser for daytime and nighttime.