Round Lab's Soybean Nourishing Cream Didn't Deliver for Me

Hello there!

I've tried a bunch of creams from Round Lab, including their SPF range, and I've been really happy with their ocean water and birch sap creams. Unfortunately, their soy-based products have been a letdown - neither the cream nor the toner worked for me, and they even seemed to cause some issues.

I've got combination skin that's prone to dryness, acne, blackheads, and sensitivity. When I'm looking for a moisturizer, I need something that'll provide good hydration and nourishment, especially during the winter months, as well as protect and repair my skin's barrier.So, you'd think this Soybean Nourishing Cream from Round Lab would be the perfect solution, right? Wrong! I didn't get any of the hydration or nourishment I was expecting - all I got was more breakouts, puffiness, and clogged pores.

The price isn't exactly budget-friendly - 2000+ rubles for 80 ml. I have no idea what to do with such a large bottle now, since I won't be using it on my face anymore. Looks like I'll have to slather it on my neck instead - and I've already got over 10 bottles lined up for that!

Appearance

I've always been a fan of Round Lab's minimalist and stylish packaging, and their soy-based range is no exception. The bottles are presented in soft, pale beige and white tones.

I'm pretty sure I've got a genuine product, since I always buy Korean cosmetics from the official distributor. Round Lab doesn't offer any additional protection against tampering - just a standard cardboard box.

I was stoked to find that the product comes with a translation in Russian, which is a nice touch. You can also find the expiration date printed clearly on the box.

The packaging is pretty sweet, if I do say so myself. You get the box, the cream, a little scoop, and a protective membrane under the lid. It's all very sleek and modern.

The plastic container is pretty convenient to use. I've got to say, I'm really digging the design and graphics from this brand – they're super modern and nice to hold.

IngredientsI think the main issue lies here.

I always check skincare products on multiple websites before buying, and this one from EcoGolik is a total no-go. I check the ingredient list on proacne-program for comedogenicity and break down the active ingredients on skinsignal. I analyze whether there are any components my skin can't tolerate, like squalane, and look out for oils and other comedogenic ingredients.

I have to say, at first glance, Round Lab cream didn't seem to have anything out of the ordinary...

Looking back, I should have paid closer attention to the ingredients at the top of the list, or I wouldn't have ordered this cream.Water, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl Stearate, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Polyglyceryl-3 Distearate, Diisostearyl Malate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butylene Glycol, Vinyl Dimethicone, Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycine Max (Soybean) Seed Extract (10,000 ppm), Ceramide NP, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Panthenol, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Glyceryl Stearate, Pentylene Glycol , Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Boron Nitride, Palmitic Acid , Hydroxyacetophenone, Stearic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydrogenated Lecithin , Adenosine, Tromethamine, Sorbitan Isostearate, Dextrin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, Disodium EDTA, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Extract.

I was surprised that the proacne-program website approved the composition, but looking closer, I'm not sure what they were thinking.

Potentially problematic for oily/acne-prone skin:

Ethylhexyl Stearate - moderately comedogenicDiisostearyl Malate - a dense emollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride - usually safe, but can "overload" oily skinHydrogenated Coco-Glycerides - coconut derivatives that aren't great for comedonal skin

It's not a deal-breaker, but for acne-prone skin, there's still some risk.

Thanks to ChatGPT for breaking down the ingredients for me. I wouldn't have nitpicked the composition if I hadn't had such a fast and negative reaction from my skin.

Will it clog pores and cause acne?

More likely yes, especially if:

your skin is oilyyou're prone to comedonesyou use it under makeup during the dayyou apply it in thick layers

❗ This isn't an acne-safe moisturizer, despite the good soothing ingredients.

I think it's those 'bad' ingredients at the top of the list that triggered the blackheads and pimples.

At the time I started using Round Lab Soybean Nourishing Cream, I had clean skin with no acne, clear pores, thanks to using retinoid. Keep in mind that on combination skin, the cream might clog pores, cause blackheads, and acne.

Texture and scent

The cream itself doesn't look or feel greasy. I'd describe the texture as rich, creamy, and dense.

The cream feels on the skin, but not like oil or a film, its dense texture. The finish isn't matte, but rather a shiny, slightly tacky one. Not a summer variant, but perfect for autumn/winter.

The color is interesting, a beige-cream shade. And the scent? The cream has almost none. There's a minimal 'natural' whiff, something like the smell of active ingredients, and a bit of herbal notes. The scent doesn't linger on the skin, it quickly dissipates.

My impressions, results

I initially looked for a basic moisturizer for the cold season to cover up active ingredients and dryness. Round Lab with soybeans seemed like a great option due to the soothing ingredients (panthenol) and ceramides. It should support the barrier, hydrate, and moisturize. Unfortunately, it didn't quite go as planned.

I have to say, I noticed my pores clogging up, expanding, and getting dirty literally right off the bat. And this was after just one use. I was determined to get clear skin, but this cream completely ruined my face overnight. After a few uses, I started getting under-the-skin bumps on my forehead and chin - something I hadn't experienced in a long time. You might think I gave up, but I kept using the cream both morning and night, paired with a toner from the same line.

The second huge drawback: this cream just doesn't cut it when it comes to moisturizing and nourishing my combination skin during the winter. After using it, my face feels like it's stretched tight, and I need to reapply moisturizer over and over. It's especially bad on my cheeks and forehead. My forehead has actually become like a mesh, thanks to the lack of moisture in that area. And the worse it gets: my skin becomes dehydrated, develops flakes, and fine lines. Add in some acne and dark spots, and I'm left with a lovely complexion...

The third con: I broke out in hives from the Round Lab cream with soybeans. It might be an individual intolerance, but the fact remains. The cream spreads all over my skin, gets in my eyes and on my mucous membranes, and irritates my eyes, resulting in swollen upper and lower eyelids. Plus, I get this weird, fuzzy sensation in my eyes.

The fourth: this cream doesn't soothe my skin - it actually irritates it. After applying it, I get redness, burning sensations, and discomfort. Not suitable for sensitive skin

The verdict: my face is puffy, dry, and covered in dark spots and under-the-skin bumps. That's not what I expected from the highly-recommended cream.

Of course, I didn't notice any lifting or anti-aging effects. One plus side is that my foundation doesn't run. The cream with soybeans doesn't slide off, and it doesn't conflict with other products.

I had to stop using Round Lab Soybean Nourishing Cream due to severe dryness and skin irritation. I went back to a trusted cream with a different formula, and within the first day, my skin felt better. The redness and puffiness went away, and the dryness and flakiness disappeared. Now I'm focusing on getting rid of acne and blackheads.

Even though I experienced individual intolerance and a rare reaction, this is my personal experience, which is why I wouldn't recommend this cream. I'm not even sure which skin type it would suit – maybe just normal skin that's not prone to dryness, acne, or sensitivity. If you have dry skin, this cream won't provide enough nourishment and hydration, and if you have oily skin, it might clog your pores.

I've tried the brand's other line with sea water, and it's a completely different story from the 1025 Dokdo Cream. Although, the formula in that line isn't perfect either.