Why Round Lab Birch Juice Sunscreen Is a Korean Best-Seller

If you’ve been following the K-beauty scene for a while, you know that Korean beauty products are hallmarked as some of the best in the world. And that’s because K-beauty skin care is creatively developed to work for a variety of different skin types, while minimizing steps in your skin-care routine. Not to mention, many K-beauty products are affordable, too. So, when something flies off the shelves in Korea, it’s a no brainer to stock up on said product. That’s the case with Round Lab’s Birch Juice Sunscreen ($23)—which is the best-selling sunscreen in Korea.

The reason why this sunscreen has ballooned in popularity is because it ticks all of the boxes of a quality sunscreen, feels luxurious, and isn’t super expensive. Clocking in at SPF 50, Round Lab’s Birch Juice is protective against the sun’s strong UV rays, clocking in at SPF 50. Second, it’s hydrating and applies just like skin care. Formulated with hyaluronic acid and niacinamides, both of which are dermatologist-beloved ingredients, the Birch Juice doubles as a moisturizer, removing this step from your skin-care routine.

A well-known humectant, hyaluronic acid draws water to the skin’s barrier and keeps moisture in place. What’s more, “niacinamide has calming and anti-inflammatory properties, which counteract the effects of stress hormones on the skin,” making this ingredient friendly for people with sensitive skin, Shirley Chi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Southern California, previously told Well+Good.

@jennypysh_ I’m upset no one talks about this 🙄#koreansunscreen #kbeauty #beautyofjoseon #roundlab ♬ Treat Beats – DJ FUNexpected

In addition to keeping thirsty skin quenched, the sunscreen leaves skin more plump, thanks to the vitamins powered from birch sap, aka water sourced from birch trees. Per the brand and one research study, birch sap has purported benefits of preventing moisture loss from the skin and keeping skin looking pump and rejuvenated. It’s no secret why TikTokers rave about the sunscreen offering them a dewy glow. Packaged in a toothpaste-like bottle, the formula is easy to extract and blend, never leaving behind a greasy look or white cast (bye, ghost face).

Related Stories

Just an FYI though, it’s a chemical sunscreen, meaning the formula is absorbed by skin, converting UV rays into heat, which then leaves the body (versus mineral sunscreen, which sits on skin and reflects rays from the sun). It’s also not waterproof, so if you do plan on going in the water, we’d recommend something H2O-friendly.

Beyond Korea, this product has quickly become an online hit. Head to the reviews at Round Lab or Amazon, and you’ll find nothing short of five-star reviews. “I love this sunscreen so much! It doesn’t leave a white cast, it’s not too greasy, and it works really well for my super sensitive skin,” says one Round Lab reviewer. “My skin is so sensitive some days I’ll wake up with a rash all over my face and have no idea where it came from, but this product did not irritate me at all.”

Another reviewer on Amazon says it was a game changer for their acne: “As someone who struggles with acne, finding the right sunscreen has been a real challenge for me. But I was hopeful that this one would be different… It’s super moisturizing and doesn’t clog my pores or cause any breakouts—which is huge for me. The birch juice in the formula is also a nice touch, as it helps to hydrate my skin and prevent it from feeling dry and tight.”

This moisturizer does double duty as a skin protectant and moisturizer, so you get two products for the price of one. Retailing for $23 (at the time of publication), this sunscreen will leave skin feeling more hydrated, plump, and protected.