[ Review ] Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen

 

Product Description
Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++ protects the skin from UV rays without breaking down or feeling heavy. Blocks blue light and protects the skin, with a moisture-rich essence type that creates a refreshing UV protection barrier. Certified with the German Dermatest Excellent grade, it is safe for sensitive skin.

I received a complimentary Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen together with other skincare products from a Stylekorean collaboration some time ago. There was no obligation to review the product, but after giving it a fair amount of use and emptying it soon, I thought it was time to share my experience. I have previously emptied ROUND LAB Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Stick SPF50++++ so I was curious about their sunscreen. 

WHERE TO BUY : Shopee | Yesstyle

Packaging, Scent and Texture

Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen comes in a convenient 50ml squeeze tube with a screw cap. The tube makes it easy to dispense the sunscreen and control the amount during application.

It has a noticeable sunscreen-like scent that vaguely reminded me of MiZuMi sunscreens which unfortunately is not a scent I particularly enjoy.



The sunscreen has a thin, runny and watery lotion texture that spreads easily across the skin. It feels moisturizing upon application and reminded me somewhat of the Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ PA++++. However, the Round Lab sunscreen is noticeably thinner and runnier in comparison.

How To Use :
Apply liberally and evenly 15 minutes before sun exposure.

Tips : 
- ​Spending time in the sun increases your risk of skin cancer and early aging. To decrease this risk, regularly use a sunscreen with a Broad Spectrum SPF value of 15 or higher and other sun protection measures including: limit time in the sun, especially from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, hats, and sunglasses
- Reapply at least every 2 hours.
- Use a water-resistant sunscreen if swimming or sweating

Performance and Ingredients

Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen is formulated with birch juice, an ingredient known for its hydrating properties. The formula is designed to provide daily UV protection while helping to keep the skin moisturized.

I experienced slight stinging during my first use, but thankfully, this did not happen again with subsequent applications.

Due to its thin and runny lotion texture, I feel the need to apply more layers to ensure sufficient sunscreen coverage. Unfortunately, the downside is that the additional layers leave my combination skin looking increasingly greasy and shiny. This is particularly noticeable on my oilier T-zone and becomes even more apparent in Singapore's hot and humid weather.

While I appreciate the moisturizing feel of the sunscreen, the increasingly shiny finish with multiple layers is not quite ideal for my combination skin. I generally prefer a sunscreen that can provide adequate coverage without leaving my skin looking overly greasy or shiny.


This sunscreen contains 4 UV filters...

Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate : A new generation, chemical sunscreen agent with high UVA protection and high photostability. Also known as Uvinul A Plus.

Ethylhexyl Triazone : A new generation, chemical sunscreen that gives the highest photo-stable absorption of all available UVB filters today. Also known as Octyl Triazone and Uvinul T 150.

Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol : Also known as Tinosorb M, this is a "hybrid" sunscreen meaning it's half-way between physical (the ones that, at least partly, reflect the sun) and chemical agents (that absorb the rays, which most sunscreens do).  It is a new generation UV filter and gives a nice broad-spectrum coverage (280-400 nm, meaning UVB as well as UVA protection) and is highly photostable. It can also help to stabilize other less stable sunscreens, like Octinoxate and work well with other UV-filters.

The safety profile of Tinosorb M is great. It is not absorbed into the skin unlike some other chemical sunscreens and does not show estrogenic activity. However, Tinosorb M leaves a white cast on the skin that can be bothersome on darker skin tones. 

Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone : A chemical sunscreen agent that's very oil soluble and requires relatively low concentrations to achieve high SPF values. Particularly suitable for water-repellent and water-resistant formulations, it is super photostable where it loses 10% of its SPF protection abilities only in 25 hours when 2 hours counts already as "photostable" in the world of chemical sunscreens. Also known as Iscotrizinol.

For the uninitiated, 
UVA - Long wave ultraviolet A (UVA) rays penetrate deep into the dermis, the skin's thickest layer and causes premature skin aging, wrinkling and dark spots.
UVB - Short wave ultraviolet B (UVB) rays burn the superficial layers of the skin and is the main cause of sunburn and skin cancer.
PA - More + signs mean longer protection against UVA
SPF - Higher numbers mean longer protection against UVB

The key ingredients are...

Birch Tree Sap : Also known as Inje Betula Platyphylla Japonica Juice, it nourishes skin by decreasing inflammation, purifies and hydrates with its extensive minerals, enzymes, proteins and antioxidants.

Glyceryl Glucoside : Plays a role in boosting skin's skin's enzymatic antioxidants, which improves skin's environmental defenses. This includes reducing skin's tendency to become dehydrated.

Niacinamide : Decreases hyperpigmentation and lightens skin. Also, it helps ease redness from eczema, acne, and other inflammation.

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, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Glyceryl Glucoside, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Allantoin, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Artemisia Annua Extract, Pinus Sylvestris Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita 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

Conclusion

To conclude, Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen is a moisturizing Korean sunscreen with a lightweight, runny texture that spreads easily across the skin. I appreciate its hydrating feel and the fact that the slight stinging I experienced during my first use did not recur.

However, the thin and runny texture means I prefer to layer more product for adequate coverage, and unfortunately, the additional layers result in a greasy and shiny finish on my combination skin. I also find the sunscreen-like scent less appealing.

For those with normal to dry skin who enjoy a more moisturizing or dewy sunscreen finish, this could be a more suitable option. For my combination skin, particularly in Singapore's humid climate, I would personally prefer a sunscreen that offers adequate protection with a less shiny finish.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my review! If you found this post helpful, I'd love your support. You can support this blog by shopping through my affiliate links whenever you make a purchase, or, if my reviews have helped you discover a product or make a purchase decision, you can treat me to a cup of coffee. 

Every coffee goes directly towards keeping this blog running and allows me to continue creating honest, skincare reviews.

You can also follow me on : Instagram | Pinterest | Bloglovin

Thank you for stopping by, and see you in my next blog post!

No comments