Lots of people I know might know nothing about Korean skincare, but they use kbeauty sunscreens for a variety of reasons. There are three cult sunscreens which you can see influencers and creators recommending all the time: Beauty Of Joseon, Skin1004 and the sunscreen which I want to introduce you to today - Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++. The best part is that I tried this trio and none of the reviews of this trio are on Kherblog, so let me start by introducing you to one of the cult Kbeauty sunscreens for Western users.
What's UV?
UV stands for Ultraviolet, it's nothing else than the selected range of frequencies of the electromagnetic spectrum. UV rays are not visible to humans, but that doesn't mean that they don't exist. Each type of UV - UVA, UVB and UVC has different wavelengths and different properties.
UVA, UVB and UVC - what does each of them do and where you can meet them?
I'm sure you know about UVA and UVB, but UVC or the difference between UVA2 and UVA1? Let's start from the shortest wavelengths - UVC (100nm - 280nm) exist in space and is absorbed by the ozone layer, it can kill bacteria that's why on Earth you can find it in germicidal lamps - you might ask me, but these lamps are usually visible to a human - it's because they are made in a way that makes them safe for you and other people - you shouldn't enter the room when the UV lamp is on and make people aware that the lamp is on we add other substances so the lamp has a blue/purple colour when it's on. This technology is used for example at labs and hospitals. We all remember UVB (280nm –315nm) because it is said that B in UVB stands for BURN. Indeed, this UV length is responsible for sunburns, but it also helps with the synthesis of Vitamin D - a vitamin which we all need because lack of it can lead to osteoporosis. UVB is focused on the epidermis aka the outer layer of the skin while UVA (315nm –400nm) can penetrate through the epidermis and dermis so it penetrates your skin deeper. A in its name stands for Aging. The bad news is that UVA can penetrate glass, and both UVA and UVB cause lots of damage including skin cancer and oxidative stress.
Should I wear sunscreen at home?
We already know that UVA penetrates through the glass so do we need to use sunscreen at home? Yes, especially if you spend lots of time working near the window then it's better to put on a layer of sunscreen in the morning and have any type of protection at home as well. But you can also use window films to reduce the risk. The choice is left to you, what I do is keep my blinds on the window during the entire morning and when the sun is not that intense because my windows are situated on the Eastern side the light usually starts to fade afternoon - usually by afternoon I already have sunscreen on, few times reapplied.
What's the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreen?
It depends on which side we look at this topic. Mineral sunscreens are sunscreens that don't contain any carbon atoms - this automatically makes them inorganic sunscreens. Chemical sunscreens contain carbon atoms, which makes them organic substances. The main difference is that mineral sunscreen usually leaves a white cast, and it's better if we use both Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide for a broad spectrum of UV protection. Chemical sunscreens don't leave a white cast, and they have more sophisticated formulas. Both are amazing, in some cases, PIH (hyperpigmentation), mineral sunscreens, and natural pigments can make a good layer of protection from UV rays.
Sunscreen reapplication
The majority of brands recommend reapplying sunscreen every 2-3 hours. The reason behind this is simple - we are active, we are sweating, we wear clothes or we touch our faces. All these things can remove a layer of sunscreen from the skin. We react differently to the same amount of UV radiation - my skin might react badly to 5 minutes of sun without protection, and my skin might need 10 more minutes. That's why on average we say that reapplying sunscreen every 2-3 hours is the best.
What do you mean by Western users?
The thing is that the brands that are popular in the Western market and sold as Kbeauty are created by Korean brands but not all of them are for the Korean market - some products are not available in Korea or they are available, but not as popular are in States or Europe. On the other hand, not every Korean brand sells its products outside of Korea. Some time ago Odile Monod - a beauty marketer & senior art director working in Korea shared a ranking of the most popular sunscreen brands in Korea created by the Korea Corporate Reputation Research Institute. You can see that some of the most popular brands are Dr.G, Hera, Cell Fusion C, and AHC aka my favourite brand of eye cream, but there are also brands like Lancome, Kiehl's and Nivea which belong to European companies. There are some Japanese companies like Anessa and Nivea as well - I made a review of Nivea's sunscreen and how different Japanese and European sunscreens are. In this context, when you check the Nivea's website for the Korean market, the sunscreens sold in Korea are the same as the ones in Europe. But there are brands like Shingmulnara or Elroel - okay maybe Elroel is a bad example since I see even in Poland this brand has some products available, but these brands are not as popular outside Korea as Missha, Skin1004 or Beauty Of Joseon.
Skin1004 has a flagship store in Seoul, Beauty Of Joseon became popular outside Korea and now this brand is available at Olive Young, but many brands are popular outside but not in Korea or they start outside and then try their local market. Round Lab is trending on apps like Hwahae, but it's also popular outside.
This is just a little information to keep in mind that not every product promoted as popular in Korea is popular there, but does it mean that the product is bad? No, but we have to remember that some products like tone-up creams are more popular in East Asia and they won't get as much popularity in the USA. So the top 3 sunscreens popular outside are not the same as the top sunscreens in Korea.
Brand introduction: Round Lab
Round Lab is a brand from South Korea. The brand was inspired by ingredients from the Korean Peninsula due to clean water and amazing natural conditions. The brand is focused on the encapsulation of ingredients. What I love about this brand and what's similar to Purito or I'm From - Round Lab takes ingredients from certain places in Korea.
The Pine Tree series is inspired by Yangyang County in Gangwon Province. The pine trees in Yangyang are growing near the coastline. The pine tree is also a symbol of life and resilience. Black soybeans from Jeongseon are full of nutrients, and they are used by Round Lab in wrinkle care products. Ulleungdo and Dokdo islands inspired Round Lab to use deep seawater. This water is rich in minerals, and I believe it's the most popular Round Lab series. By the way, there's another Korean brand that's also using deep sea water - Purito.
Mugwort from Geomundo Island is another ingredient chosen by the brand. This mugwort grows near sea and we all know how good Mugwort for the skin can be. That's the moment when I added an insight from my own experience, I work for some Korean brands in Poland as an educator or brand trainer. I like to remind people of Korean Mythology and the role of Mugwort. If you're more interested in Korean culture then The Legend of Dangun is a legend related to Mugwort. Last, but not least Round Lab is using ingredients derived from the Silver Birch Tree that grows in Inje County. It's a mountain area, and silver birch tree extract is supposed to help with the hydration of the skin.
Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++ - Packaging
Isn't Round Lab design the prettiest? I love these tiny illustrations, the entire packaging is based on three different colours - blue, white and black. This sunscreen comes in a paper box. It was made with FSC-certified paper and soy ink. Inside you can see a plastic tube.
Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++ - SPF & PA protection
Some Korean brands share with clients the information on SPF and PA values. Round Lab is one of these companies. According to research from the Korea Research Institute of Dermatology, the SPF value is 55.0±8.5 and the PA value is 19.80. Still, remember to reapply sunscreen every 2-3 hours.
Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++ - Additional information + brand claims
According to Round Lab, it's a moisturizing sunscreen that protects skin from UVA & UVB rays and blue light. It's an easy to blend product that leaves no white cast and it's suitable for sensitive skin. This sunscreen received the 2020 Hwahae Beauty Award in the Sunscreen Category.
Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen is safe for reefs, the US website says that the brand is cruelty-free, but they do ship products to China. I believe the shipping part is the loop to avoid testing, but in the case of Round Lab being cruelty-free I would recommend checking people who know more about this topic - I can't be an alpha and omega in every single topic.
Round Lab products are plant-based, they are vegan-friendly, but as I said before - they do ship their products to China so it's your choice if you support this brand or not.
Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++ - Texture & Scent
The texture of Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen is a pure joy! It's a super lightweight texture, more like a lotion or very liquid cream. It looks like white milk, but once you start to gently massage it on the surface of your skin, the white colour disappears. It leaves a moisturizing, wet layer at first but the more you blend the cream with the skin, it leaves a delicate film on the skin that keeps skin moist. It doesn't leave a white tint on my skin, but I'm pale. If you have darker skin or warmer skin I recommend checking other reviews too since sunscreens based on Tinosorbs like Round Lab can leave a greyish tint on the skin.
Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen doesn't smell like anything to me, I can't even smell this typical scent of sunscreen.
Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++ - Ingredients
Water, Dibutyl Adipate, Propanediol, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Niacinamide, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Caprylyl Methicone, Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone, Glycerin, 1,2- Hexanediol, Butylene Glycol, Betula Platyphylla Japonica Juice(1,425ppm), Sodium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Glyceryl Glucoside, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Allantoin, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Artemisia Annua Extract, Pinus Sylvestris Leaf Oil, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ascorbic Acid, Adenosine, Pentylene Glycol, Behenyl Alcohol, Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Decyl Glucoside, Tromethamine, Xanthan Gum, t-Butyl Alcohol, Tocopherol, Carbomer
Water hides in cosmetic products under names such as Aqua or Eau. It's a solvent, but it's not your regular drinking water. Water in skin care needs to fit some standards. It should be clean and free from minerals, microorganisms or other substances. Usually, water makes up the majority of the content of the product. Dibutyl Adipate is an oily emollient. This oil-soluble ingredient dissolves in oils. It creates a hydrating film on the surface of the skin to prevent the skin from dehydration. You can see it in sunscreens as a solvent.
Propanediol is also known as natural glycol - an alternative to propylene glycol. Propanediol is a solvent with additional moisturizing properties. It makes the product smooth to the touch. It can even improve the effectiveness of active ingredients. Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate or Uvinul A Plus is a sun-protecting agent. It covers the UVA range (320-400 nm), and its peak of protection is 354 nm. Polymethylsilsesquioxane is a silicone that protects your skin from dehydration by creating a film on the skin's surface. Silicones have a positive meaning to your skin - they make products easier to spread, make the formula more elegant and even protect skin and hair.
Ethylhexyl Triazone or Uvinul T 150 is a sun-protecting agent. It covers the UVB range (280-320nm). Its peak is at 314 nm. Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 - a vitamin soluble in water. It helps with problems like wrinkles, acne, skin texture, and enlarged pores and promotes collagen synthesis. Niacinamide makes the skin barrier stronger. It might be handy in cellulite treatments. Do you want to fight pigmentation or uneven skin? Try to mix niacinamide with Kojic Acid, Arbutin, Vitamin C, Tranexamic Acid or Retinol. Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol sounds a bit like a magic spell. You might know it as a Tinosorb M - a new generation of sun-protecting agents. Tinosorb M is a broad-spectrum filter since it covers UVA and UVB wavelengths (280-400nm). It's a so-called hybrid sunscreen agent because it's between mineral and chemical sunscreen agents. It might leave some white cast.
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate is an oily emollient derived from coconut. Some people call this amazing emollient, a "natural silicone". It leaves a silky, moisturizing film on the surface of the skin. Caprylyl Methicone is an alkylmethyl silicone and emollient. It has a waxy texture, making the product easier to apply. It works great with natural ingredients and pigment. It's a volatile silicone so you don't have to worry - it disappeared almost right after application. Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone is another hard name, but you can also call it Uvasorb HEB. It protects the skin from UVB and UVA II radiation ( it doesn't cover UVA I wavelength range). It's a photostable ingredient used in water-resistant formulas.
Glycerin or Glycerol is a humectant. Its origin can be natural or synthetic - depending on the product. It protects TEWL (transepidermal water loss) and naturally occurs in the skin. It's one of the NMFs - natural moisturizing factors. It's practical in hair care. Glycerin won't clog your skin or irritate it just the opposite - it protects your skin from irritation. 1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic solvent and preservative - it protects products from microorganisms by boosting other preservatives. At the same time, it can moisturize the skin, and it has no unpleasant effects on your epidermis. Butylene Glycol is a common ingredient in products. It's not only a solvent. We use butylene glycol because it helps penetrate active ingredients, protects products from drying and moisturizes skin and hair. This ingredient can prevent hair loss and make your hair stronger.
Betula Platyphylla Japonica (Birch Sap) Juice (1,425ppm) is a sap from Asian white birch. It's a moisturizing juice rich in vitamins and amino acids. Sodium Hyaluronate or sodium salt of hyaluronic acid. It's a form of hyaluronic acid and naturally occurs in the skin. Sodium Hyaluronate has strong water-binding properties. Sodium hyaluronate combined with elastin and collagen is like a scaffolding for the skin. It has hydrating properties and leaves a hydrating film on the skin, but sodium hyaluronate prevents skincare products from drying.
Hyaluronic Acid is an ingredient loved by everyone! Hyaluronic acid naturally occurs in the skin. It's a glycosaminoglycan or GAG. What does that mean? It's a long polysaccharide - nothing else than sugar, and we all know what sugars do in the skin. It's not different from Hyaluronic Acid - it acts like a humectant. One HA molecule is supposed to hold up to 1000x heavier molecules than this one single HA molecule. Hyaluronic acid can have different molecular weights - smaller molecules are usually more hydrating than bigger ones. Glyceryl Glucoside is a humectant.
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate is a soothing and antibacterial ingredient. For many people, it's the only acceptable form of Licorice. This ingredient has many positive meanings for the skin - it has moisturizing properties, and it can even lighten the dark spot. Even sensitive skin should enjoy it. Allantoin is an ingredient that naturally occurs in our bodies, but brands usually go for the synthetic form of this substance. It comes from comfrey or soybean roots. It's a humectant with soothing and wound-healing properties.
Portulaca Oleracea Extract is a source of polysaccharides, flavonoids, betaxanthins, betacyanins and glutathione. It's one of the plants used in Korean traditional medicine, but in skincare, this antioxidant has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. Artemisia Annua Extract is an ingredient that has stayed in skincare Kbeauty trends for a while now. Mugwort comes in many different forms. Artemisia Annua is also known as sweet wormwood or annual mugwort, and it's not only a herb from traditional medicine. In some countries, you can find it in cuisine. It's an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties. Pinus Sylvestris (Pine) Leaf Oil is an oil with perfuming properties. It can be helpful for oily scalp.
Anthemis Nobilis (Chamomile) Flower Oil is a source of bisabolol and azulenes. It has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. It can boost the healing process. Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic polymer and quite a large molecule. It works as a thickener and emulsion stabiliser. Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate is an oil-in-water emulsifier. Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 is a thickener, it helps create elegant, non-sticky formulas. Ethylhexylglycerin is a preservative with subtle moisturizing and antimicrobial properties.
Ascorbic Acid is an antioxidant that stimulates collagen (type I and III) and elastin production. It helps with pigmentation - both PIE & PIH. It is better to use vitamin C during the morning routine because it boosts the efficiency of sunscreen. Ascorbic Acid can fix what free radicals destroy. Brands recommend mixing ascorbic acid with ferulic acid and vitamin E. Vitamin C has a cardinal role in strengthening the blood vessels and boosting wound healing. Ascorbic Acid in a concentration above 10% might be too irritative for sensitive skin or rosacea - even some acne-prone skin might not enjoy it.
Adenosine naturally occurs in the skin. One of the adenosine's roles in our bodies is being a neurotransmitter. In skin care, we use adenosine for its anti-wrinkle properties. Adenosine is an anti-inflammatory ingredient. It can boost collagen production. At the same time, it speeds up the healing process. Adenosine can have positive effects on reducing redness. In hair care, adenosine can help with hair loss. Pentylene Glycol is mostly a solvent and stabilizer, but it has great moisturizing properties. Behenyl Alcohol might sound scary, but it's a fatty alcohol. This type of alcohol is positive for the skin since it works as an emollient. It helps with the texture of the product.
Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate is an oil-in-water emulsifier, suitable for vegans. Decyl Glucoside is a non-ionic surfactant that works as an emulsifier and thickener. Tromethamine is a synthetic pH adjuster. Xanthan Gum is a polysaccharide that works as a thickener. t-Butyl Alcohol is a solvent with a scent similar to camphor. It's common in perfumes. Tocopherol is an antioxidant known as Vitamin E. It's an oil-soluble vitamin that fights free radicals and makes UVB protection and natural lipid barrier stronger. It's good to mix it with vitamin C for better effects. Oily skin might react with pore-clogging to vitamin E. It is not true that vitamin E works as a preservative or helps with scars. Carbomer is a synthetic thickener.
How does Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++ work?
I tried quite a lot of sunscreens, and I do have my favourites. When I changed my favourite Dr.G tone-up sunscreen and switched to Round Lab, the first thing I noticed was how lightweight was this texture. I was positively surprised by this texture, just the way it blends into the skin and keeps the skin moist. I feel like once you touch it, the texture melts.
This sunscreen is recommended for sensitive skin and I feel it might work. The problem with sensitive skin is that not every sensitive skin tolerates chemical sunscreens and Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen is based on chemical sunscreen agents.
I'm positively surprised with this sunscreen. It feels hydrating, even after an entire day I feel like my skin is moist. It does remind me of another sunscreen I tried - Beauty Of Joseon Relief Sun Rice Probiotics SPF50+ PA++++.
Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen has some good points like no white cast, moisturizing formula, lack of scent, it doesn't sting my eyes. It has everything I need, so getting this sunscreen is like getting a full package.
Fake Round Lab sunscreens
What comes with huge popularity? Counterfeit! People think that only high-end products get counterfeits, no brands like Round Lab have the problem of fake products too. Round Lab shared how to check the authenticity of their products on their website, but what I saw is that lately some counterfeit products are sold under the name Jaysuing or even without any brand name on the product.
Similar sunscreens to Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++
One important thing we have to discuss, lots of Korean sunscreens are very similar since the company behind the formulation of these sunscreens is Kolmar. I find Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen and Beauty Of Joseon Relief Sun Rice Probiotics SPF50+ PA++++ to be almost the same, but there's a difference. BOJ didn't work well on my skin, I couldn't use it under makeup. If you don't like Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen, but you want a similar texture then Beauty Of Joseon might be a good choice.
Another sunscreen with a similar, lightweight texture is Skin1004 Magadascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water Fit Sun Serum. The other option you might consider is another sunscreen created by the same manufacturer is Mary&May Cica Soothing Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++. I tried this one and I loved it, a good sunscreen for sensitive skin.
Read more about: Mary&May Cica Soothing Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++
Last, but not least iUnik Centella Calming Daily Sunscreen is another sunscreen from Kolmar and here Centella is the main ingredient. I tried it, and it was one of the best sunscreens I tried back then.
Read more about: iUnik Centella Calming Daily Sunscreen
It's just a tiny part of sunscreens you might want to try as well.
Where to get Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++ and how much does it cost?
I got Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen from YesStyle as a part of the influencer program (if you're an influencer or creator click my link to join*). Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen* costs at the moment $22.22/50ml, but its regular price is $31.74. You can use my code BETWEENDOTS to save on your YesStyle order.
Overall, Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen is popular and I fully understand why.
Have you ever tried this sunscreen before?
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*** This product was gifted by YesStyle, even though it still shows my personal opinion on the topic and product. This post contains affiliate links, all affiliate links are marked with *. By using these links you help me to pay for domain and all the cost related to blogging.***
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