'I've tried both the microneedle-in-a-bottle products on the market. Here's how they stack up.'

Microneedling-in-a-bottle products have, without a doubt, been this year's biggest skincare rage.

Yes, quite a big call to make in such a heavily saturated market. But it's one I truly stand by because when I first wrote about the first at-home microneedling product, the VT Cosmetics Reedle Shot, the response was HUGE! Let me repeat that. HUGE!!

An at-home product that gives similar benefits to microneedling, except packaged in a bottle and sold at an affordable price? I can see why everyone rushed to purchase and try it for themselves.

The VT Cosmetics Reedle Shot even made it onto a You Beauty podcast episode, where Leigh Campbell confirmed the product's formula is well worth the hype (you can listen to the episode here).

Watch: Our writer tries the TikTok-viral three-finger makeup hack. Post continues below.

With all this buzz around a single product, I knew it wouldn't be long until another K-beauty skincare brand launched a similar product…

Just as expected, Medicube — the popular South Korean skincare brand most famous for the Collagen Night Wrapping Mask and AGE-R Booster Pro facial device — launched their Zero Exosome Shot.

Here's what happened when I put this new viral skin-tingling ampoule to the test and compared it to VT Cosmetics' viral OG Reedle Shot.

Firstly, what does microneedling do?

Microneedling is an in-clinic technique of skin needling, which is a treatment where tiny, baby needles create punctures in the skin to stimulate the production of collagen.

"Microneedling uses an electronic device to oscillate needles in and out of the skin at a very high speed, whilst pushing peptide-rich serums into the punctures to stimulate healing and regeneration," Laser Clinics Australia Global Medical Director Dr Jonathan Hopkirk previously explained to us.

What are the advantages of microneedling?

Microneedling not only makes the skin look smoother and healthier but helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, acne scarring, stretch marks, enlarged pores and pigmentation.

Skin specialists recommend getting three to four treatments, spaced out over four to six weeks, in order to see visible results.

Now, before you start booking appointments left, right and centre, there is a catch… just like any skin treatment, you should expect to pay a decent amount for microneedling. On average, a single full-face treatment in Australia can set you back anywhere between $160 to $400. This excludes the neck and decolletage, which come at an extra cost.

Most clinics will also recommend adding an LED session (again, at an extra cost) to help the skin quickly recover and boost the effects of the microneedling treatment. So, it really isn't the most budget-friendly.

But this is where at-home microneedling products come to the rescue.

What is the Medicube Zero Exosome Shot?

ICYMI, Medicube is THE K-beauty brand to own right now, globally popular for their clinical-grade products and innovative devices.

Their Zero Exosome Shot is marketed as a non-comedogenic "micro-sized, needle-shaped booster" that has a natural tingling sensation when applied.

"Drawing upon the principles of microneedling, we've crafted a micro-sized, needle-shaped booster to target a range of skin issues," Medicube's website reads. "Enhanced with 15M patented Exosome shots, this formula physically delivers active ingredients to pores, providing daily intensive treatments for home use."

The patented exosome-coated spicule is rich in peptides, amino acids, glutathione and vitamins, which penetrate into the epidermis to deliver incredible results. Benefits include smoothing skin texture, unclogging pores, helping with skin barrier, tackling acne and blemishes, and reducing blackheads, sebaceous filaments and enlarged pores.

Plus, the low-irritant and gluten-free gel formula is compatible with combination, dry, normal, oily and sensitive skin types, so everyone can take advantage of the skin-safe product.

Other notable ingredients include niacinamide to treat dark spots and boost hydration, and panthenol to reduce inflammation and help speed up the skin's healing process.

The Medicube Exosome Shot is available in two different needle strengths — 2000 and 7500. Those with more sensitive skin, or those who are microneedling newbies, will want to opt for the 2000 while those with more mature or tougher skin, or those who are no strangers to in-clinic microneedling treatments, can opt for the 7500 strength.

Where can you buy the Medicube Zero Exosome Shot in Australia?

Luckily for us, several K-beauty stockists in Australia now carry this product. But my favourite place to shop is Lila Beauty where you can purchase the 2000 Shot version for $44.95 (normally $64).

Our Medicube Zero Exosome Shot review.

It was safe to say the bar was set HIGH for the Medicube Zero Exosome Shot after seeing huge improvements in my skin's health after using the VT Reedle Shot 300 and 700 over the past couple of months.

Here's what happened after I got my hands on the Medicube Exosome Shot Pore Amploue 2000…

After cleansing my face and using my Medicube AGE-R Booster Pro device on 'Air Shot Mode', I dotted the Zero Exosome Shot all over my face and lightly tapped the formula in until fully absorbed.

Image: Supplied.

As expected, the needles. Were. Needling. A sensation I have come to adore.

I then followed this up with a light layer of Medicube's Zero Pore One Day Cream and then sealed it all in with the Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask before heading to bed.

After repeating this exact same routine every third night for the past two weeks, I can honestly say my pigmentation has drastically improved (especially since I tried this after suffering a severe episode of skin allergies and perioral dermatitis), the number of clogged pores have slowly started to reduce and any dry, flaky skin I had has completely subsided. While my skin's texture hasn't fully recovered post-traumatising-allergy episode (RIP), I actually think using this product has fast-tracked the healing process.

How does the Medicube Zero Exosome Shot compare to the VT Cosmetics Reedle Shot?

So, Medicube's Zero Exosome Shot or VT Cosmetics' Reedle Shot — which one should you buy?

Both contain microneedles to create a prickling needle-like sensation. The key ingredient in VT's product is anti-inflammatory Cica and hyaluronic acid to hydrate and soothe the skin, while Medicube's uses patented exosomes, chemical exfoliants (AHA, BHA and PHA) and niacinamide to remove dead skin cells and increase collagen and elastin for skin turnover.

In terms of texture, they're both exactly the same — incredibly lightweight gel formulas that absorb super quickly into the skin.

Image: Supplied.

The major difference between the two is that VT's Reedle Shot comes in five different strengths (50, 100, 300, 700 and 1000) while Medicube's only has two (2000 and 7500). So, if you have extremely sensitive skin, I would opt for the VT Reedle Shot 50 since Medicube's lowest 2000 strength compares to VT's 100. And if you have extremely thick or tolerable skin, you may prefer the higher strengths VT offers as the Zero Exosome Shot only goes up to a 7500 strength (which sits between VT's 300 and 700 strengths).

So, with all this in mind… which one do I like better?

Look, I'm normally a direct yes or no person when it comes to skincare but TBH, I truly love both formulas. Sorry!

I adore the exfoliation benefits of Medicube's 2000 but I also adore the hydrating effect of VT's. Because of this, I've found myself using the Reedle Shot 700 once a week and then opting for the Zero Exosome Shot 2000 in the days between that.

If you suffer from dullness, dryness, hyperpigmentation, irritation, sensitivity and a damaged skin barrier, I'd say opt for the VT Reedle Shot 100. If you want a product that tightens enlarged pores, improves clogged pores and skin texture (like closed comedones), enhances skin barrier, promotes collagen production, and fades pigmentation, opt for the Medicube 2000.

VT Cosmetics has also launched iterations of the OG Reedle Shot, like ones fortified with collagen, vitamin A and even a powerful 'Pro' version. So, if you're looking for more targeted concerns, you might want to check out the full VT Cosmetics range, which you can browse here.

On a final note, liquid microneedling won't completely replace a professional in-clinic treatment. After all, there's only so much skincare products can do! However, there's no doubt both products feel like microneedles and come with microneedling benefits you and your skin will absolutely love.

Feature image: Supplied.

Have you tried the Medicube Zero Exosome Shot or VT Cosmetics Reedle Shot before? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.