ROUND LAB Sunscreen Review (Birch Juice Moisturizing) | Does It Leave a White Cast? Honest Take on Reviews & Experience
【2025 OLIVE YOUNG AWARDS Winner】ROUND LAB’s popular sunscreen built around birch sap (자작나무 수분), SPF50+ PA++++
My real texture, white-cast test, and honest experience
※This post contains affiliate links.
- What ROUND LAB’s Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen actually looks and feels like
- What “birch sap” (자작나무수액) is and why it’s the key ingredient
- How to use it correctly
- Real reviews — the good and the not-so-good
- Drawbacks and things to watch for
- Where to buy it
For anyone hunting for a hydrating sunscreen that doesn’t leave a heavy white cast.
Bottom line: ROUND LAB’s Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen (자작나무 수분 선크림) took first place in the sunscreen category at the 2025 OLIVE YOUNG AWARDS. It’s built around birch sap (자작나무수액), positioned as a sunscreen that protects against UV rays while keeping skin hydrated — SPF50+ PA++++.
I picked up the “1+1” value set — two full 50ml tubes plus a 20ml travel size — and this review covers the real texture, whether it leaves a white cast, and my honest experience with it.
#KoreanSunscreen
#BirchJuice
#OliveYoungAwards
✅ Worth trying if you…
- Want a hydrating sunscreen for UV protection
- Are looking for a sunscreen that doesn’t leave a heavy white cast
- Want to try the 2025 OLIVE YOUNG AWARDS winner
- Are curious about the Korean brand ROUND LAB
❌ Maybe skip if you…
- Prefer a lightweight, watery sunscreen finish
- Have oily skin and get shiny easily
- Are sensitive to fragrance
- Want the simplest possible ingredient list
※ Purchased and tested in Korea for this review.
- ① What Is ROUND LAB’s Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen? First Look
- ② Features & Ingredients of ROUND LAB’s Birch Juice Sunscreen
- ③ How to Use It Correctly
① What Is ROUND LAB’s Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen? First Look
Suncare
▲ The 1+1 set box, with the “2025 OLIVE YOUNG AWARDS 1위” winner logo printed on it. Comes with a 20ml travel-size tube
▲ The tube itself, with a birch tree illustration on the packaging
💬 My honest first impression
It comes out white and slightly thick, more like a lotion than a watery sunscreen. Once I applied it, it blended in smoothly with a light finish.
There was a brief moment right after applying where I could see some white cast, but it settled into a natural finish once I worked it in. It wasn’t sticky, which made it comfortable for anyone who’s put off by the heaviness of typical sunscreens. Results vary from person to person, but it’s easy to fold into a daily routine 😊
| Brand | ROUND LAB (라운드랩) |
|---|---|
| Product | Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen (자작나무 수분 선크림) |
| Size | 50ml (also sold as a 50ml×2 + 20ml “1+1” set) |
| SPF/PA | SPF50+ PA++++ |
| Texture | Lotion-like sunscreen cream |
| Made in | South Korea |
② Features & Ingredients of ROUND LAB’s Birch Juice Sunscreen
Here’s a breakdown based on the packaging and official brand information.
2025 OLIVE YOUNG AWARDS Winner
The packaging itself carries the “2025 OLIVE YOUNG AWARDS 1위” winner logo — this product took first place in the sunscreen category that year.
Birch sap (자작나무수액)
Formulated with 1,425ppm of birch sap. Positioned as a sunscreen that protects from UV rays while keeping skin hydrated.
SPF50+ PA++++
Blocks both UVB and UVA rays. Strong enough for daily wear or outdoor activities.
“Moisture-lock” design
The packaging describes a “수분밀착” (moisture-lock) formula, designed to help hydration stay close to the skin.
ℹ️ Note: in Korea, this product is registered as a “3중 기능성화장품” (triple-function cosmetic) covering UV protection, brightening, and wrinkle-improvement claims, under Korea’s MFDS system. This is a Korea-specific regulatory category, and the standards differ from cosmetic classifications in other countries. This review isn’t asserting any specific medical effect — it’s simply sharing hands-on experience with a Korean product.
▲ The ingredient and function labeling on the back of the box (in Korean)
💊 Key Ingredients (per packaging)
According to the full ingredient list on the box, some of the notable ingredients are:
- Birch Sap (자작나무수액): 1,425ppm
- Sodium Hyaluronate
- Aloe Leaf Extract
- Adenosine
- Panthenol
- Various UV filters (including Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate)
The box also states that the product has completed human application testing and dermatologist testing.
※ The above is a general introduction based on packaging claims, not an independent lab analysis by this blog. Results vary from person to person. Please check the full ingredient list on the packaging or the retailer’s product page for the most accurate details.
③ How to Use It Correctly
Use as the last step of skincare
Apply after your toner and moisturizer, right before heading outdoors.
Spread an even layer over your face
Take an appropriate amount and blend evenly across your face and neck.
Reapply every 2-3 hours
For extended time outdoors, reapplying every 2-3 hours is recommended for better protection.
✅ Tips for best results
- Apply as the final skincare step, before heading out
- Blend evenly across face and neck
- Reapply if you’re outdoors for a while
⚠️ Things to watch for
- Stop use if you notice redness, swelling, or itching during or after use
- If these symptoms appear on sun-exposed skin, consult a dermatologist
- Avoid contact with eyes
- Store away from direct sunlight
④ ROUND LAB Birch Juice Sunscreen Reviews — What People Are Saying
👍 The positives
- Many say it leaves less of a white cast than expected
- Several mention it’s hydrating without feeling sticky
- Plenty of “the OLIVE YOUNG AWARDS win makes sense” comments
- The scent isn’t overpowering
👎 The complaints
- Some mention it gets shiny on their skin over time
- A few say it looks a bit white right after applying
- Not easy to find through official retailers outside Korea
- Many people say it doesn’t have the heaviness typical of sunscreens, making it easy for daily use
- The 1+1 set gets a lot of praise for value
- Results vary from person to person, and many recommend trying a small amount first
⑤ Drawbacks & Things to Watch For
❶ Can get shiny over time
Because of the hydrating finish, depending on your skin type and the season, you might notice some shine building up over the day. Blotting with tissue or setting with powder can help if that’s a concern.
❷ Some white cast right after applying
It settles into a natural finish once blended in, but you may notice some temporary whiteness right after application. Compared to milkier, more mineral-leaning sunscreens, the residual cast felt fairly light once blended — though fair skin tones tend to show less of it, while deeper skin tones may notice a bit more. Applying in thin layers helps it blend more evenly.
❸ The “brightening” and “anti-wrinkle” claims are Korea-specific
The functional claims on the packaging follow Korean regulatory standards. They don’t guarantee equivalent effects under other countries’ cosmetic classifications, so treat this as reference information only.
⑥ Where to Buy It
ROUND LAB’s Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen is available at OLIVE YOUNG in Korea, among other retailers. When I visited an OLIVE YOUNG store in Korea myself, it was displayed prominently in the sunscreen section, and it seemed like a lot of shoppers were picking it up — it clearly reads as a popular item.
Reference price (50ml×2 + 20ml, 1+1 set): around ₩29,000 (approx. $20 USD)
※ Prices fluctuate with exchange rates and promotions. Please check the official retailer for the latest price.
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⑦ FAQ
Q. Is this okay for sensitive skin?
A. It’s not guaranteed to work for everyone. Do a small patch test first. Stop using it if you notice redness, swelling, or itching, and consult a dermatologist if symptoms appear on sun-exposed skin.
Q. Does it leave a white cast?
A. You may notice some temporary whiteness right after applying, but many reviewers say it settles into a natural finish once blended in. Applying in thin layers helps it blend more evenly.
Q. Can I use it as a makeup primer?
A. Since it doesn’t leave much of a white cast, some reviewers use it in place of a primer. That said, it’s not formulated specifically as a primer, so if you’re worried about makeup longevity, layer it with your usual base products.
Q. How often should I reapply?
A. For extended time outdoors, reapplying every 2-3 hours is recommended for the best protection.
Q. What skin type is this best for?
A. Reviews suggest it works especially well for people who want extra hydration or deal with dryness. Since the texture leans hydrating, those with oily skin may want to test it first before committing.
⑧ Final Verdict — Who Should Try It
- Looking for hydration alongside your UV protection
- Hoping to avoid a heavy white cast
- Curious about the 2025 OLIVE YOUNG AWARDS winner
- After good value with a 1+1 set
👍 Overall — the good
- A hydrating sunscreen built around birch sap, with a light finish
- Blends into a natural finish once worked in
- Doesn’t feel sticky
- Great value with the 1+1 set
👎 Overall — the not-so-good
- Can get shiny over the course of the day
- Some see white cast right after applying
- Not easy to find through official retailers outside Korea
Winner of the sunscreen category at the 2025 OLIVE YOUNG AWARDS, ROUND LAB’s Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen is worth a look if you’re after a hydrating sunscreen that blends in smoothly 😊
🔗 Related Reviews & Korean Sunscreens
💡 More popular Korean sunscreens worth checking out
innisfree’s hyaluronic acid sunscreen is another hydrating option worth comparing on texture and white cast.
innisfree Hyaluron Moist Sunscreen Review
A hydrating, hyaluronic-acid-based Korean sunscreen. Honest review covering white cast and everyday wear.
※ This post is for general informational purposes and doesn’t guarantee any specific effect. If you experience any skin irritation, please see a dermatologist rather than self-treating. Prices change over time — please confirm current pricing before purchasing.
