I've been using Round Lab's physical sunscreens for ages, and I'm still hooked. When my skin gets irritated and can't handle chemical filters, I break out in redness and burning. That's when I reach for my trusty zinc oxide-based physical sunscreen.
Name: ROUND LAB Birch Moisturizing Mild-Up Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++
Volume: 50ml
Manufactured: Korea
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Product Format
It comes in a cardboard box, which is a nice touch. Unlike some other sunscreens, this one has a green 'Mild-Up' label, which gives me a sense of reassurance. I like that it's straightforward and easy to understand.
The main product information is printed on the box, just like you'd expect. It's not fancy, but it gets the job done.
And here's the ingredient list and instructions. It's all pretty standard, but I appreciate the transparency.
That's the box, by the way. It's not the most exciting packaging, but it's functional and gets the job done.
The sunscreen comes in a soft tube. It's easy to apply and doesn't feel too greasy.
The lid is nice and wide, so you can store the sunscreen upright. It's a small detail, but it makes a big difference.
One thing that caught my attention was how minimal the packaging was. I like that Round Lab is keeping things simple and eco-friendly.
The box had all the necessary details, thankfully. It's not the most exciting packaging, but it gets the job done.
The dispenser is pretty standard for this type of product. It's not fancy, but it gets the job done.
But I have to say, the design makes it easy to get the last bits out. It's a small detail, but it makes a big difference.
Texture
The cream is thick, but still relatively light. It's not too greasy or sticky, which is a plus.
That's how the distribution process looks like. It's not the most exciting thing to look at, but it gets the job done.
It's not sticky at all, but it does give your skin a slight whiteness for the first 10 minutes or so. After that, it's just like normal skin. It's not a big deal, but it's something to be aware of.
And I have to say, it's not like I applied a ton of cream on the physical filters. It's a good thing, too, because it would be hard to get it all off.
Fragrance
There's none. I like that it's fragrance-free, especially for sensitive skin.
Usage
It gets used up faster than the chemical filter version, plus you have to replace it every 2 hours, so it's no surprise it gets used up quicker. But it's worth it for the peace of mind it gives me.
Ingredients
Here's the ingredient list, and I've taken a close-up shot for you. It's all pretty standard, but I appreciate the transparency.
My skin
I've got a combination skin, always leaning towards the oily side. It's sensitive, with some imperfections and post-acne scars, and my pores are pretty large. I've got moderate pigmentation, mainly in the forehead area. My skin's barrier is pretty weak, and I get redness on my cheeks, which is mostly due to blood vessels. I also have some cupping.
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How I used the sunscreen and my results
I used it mainly during the warmer months, reapplying it a couple of times a day, sometimes just once. In this case, physical filters are a must. I was a bit skeptical at first, but it really works well.
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The cream applies nicely to the skin, leaving a smooth, even layer that doesn't roll off or leave any residue. It just sits there, blending in seamlessly. I like that it's not too greasy or sticky.
For the first 10 minutes, my skin has a slight, milky appearance, but that fades away quickly, and you can't even tell that you've applied anything. It's a good thing, too, because it would be hard to get it all off.
The finish is neutral, not glossy or matte – it's just like my skin in its natural state. I like that it's not too shiny or dull.
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As for its moisturizing properties, I'd say it's lacking. It's mainly just a sunblock. There's a similar product from the same brand that uses chemical filters and also hydrates the skin really well. This one, though – it's not for me. But it does have some redeeming qualities, which I'll get to later.
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Sun protectionIt does its job really well, though. My pigmentation hasn't gotten any worse, and I haven't developed any new sun spots. I do have some existing pigmentation in my forehead area and a bit lower down, but it's pretty mild and not noticeable. I used this sunscreen when the UV index was around 8, and we usually reach 11 during the summer months. Throughout the time I used it, my skin never got burned or red, and everything was fine.
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Impact on sensitive skinThat's the thing that really sets this sunscreen apart - it didn't irritate my skin even when I applied it on top of other products. Unlike some chemical sunscreens that leave a burning sensation and redness, this one felt comfortable and calm on my skin. That's actually why I bought it in the first place.
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Moisturizing propertiesI'm used to sunscreens that also work as moisturizers, which you can layer under a serum or toner. But this one doesn't quite work that way. I didn't notice any moisturizing properties, and if you use it too much throughout the day, it can even dry out your skin. You really need a good moisturizing serum or toner underneath for it to feel comfortable.
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Effect on poresIt didn't clog my pores or cause any inflammation, which is a relief. To be honest, I don't usually have a lot of issues with clogged pores, so that's not a huge test for me.
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How to removeI usually use a regular face wash to remove chemical sunscreens, but this one requires a bit more effort. A regular face wash won't cut it, especially if you're reapplying throughout the day. You'll need a micellar water or a makeup remover with a cotton pad to get it all off. I try to avoid using oil-based cleansers, as they can strip your skin of its natural barrier. So, it's a bit more of a process to remove this sunscreen.
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Additional notesThis sunscreen didn't cause any allergic reactions, and it actually worked well on sensitive skin.
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Skin after useWhen I first started using this sunscreen, my skin was pretty irritated. Applying it on top of other products was a bit of a challenge, but once I let it sit for about 30 minutes, it started to feel more comfortable.
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Verdict: I liked it, but I'm not sure I'd buy it again unless the chemical prices drop significantly. It's a good product, but it's not perfect.
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Pros and Cons
Physical filtersIt doesn't irritate my skin in any conditionIt provides reliable sun protectionIt doesn't bleach my face (I only notice it for the first 10 minutes)Cons
It completely fails to moisturize, offering zero aftercare