Before I begin this review, I must warn those who are overly enthusiastic about this product: if you're easily swayed by cosmetic hype, you might want to step back now, as this review could burst your bubble.
Now, let's discuss the positive aspects:
1. It exclusively uses mineral sunscreen filters, and the official website proudly claims it's NON-NANO! This means you can use it safely without worrying about potential risks.
2. In line with current trends, they've formulated the preservatives using 1,2-diol or glycol. For those interested in the science, "diol" means it has two -OH groups. Glycol has the same meaning. This product kindly allows cosmetic enthusiasts to show off their knowledge. These ingredients not only have preservative effects but also offer simple skin conditioning and viscosity reduction.
3. To be honest, this was a freebie from a friend who experienced slight white cast when first using mineral sunscreen. Being free, that was a plus. Considering the minimal white cast for a mineral sunscreen with these SPF and PA ratings, I suspect they've used high-quality coated mineral sunscreen ingredients.
That's all, folks.
If there are still some die-hard fans hanging around, I'll give you one more chance. If you're persistent, keep reading till the end.
The downsides:
1. The application is subpar, not to my liking at all.
2. The fragrance is equally disappointing, definitely not my cup of tea.
Was the fragrance added as part of the concept...? They should have just left it out.
3. The biggest issue, and what I despise most, is false and exaggerated advertising.
I'm not joking - while reading the product description on the official website, I was so shocked I nearly did a backflip.
Point 1. Non-nano mineral sunscreen that instantly reflects UV rays upon application?
This claim and the accompanying image are truly astonishing.
Hwahae editors, please upload the image exactly as I've attached it, even without points. It's definitely from the Round Lab official website. I've also cited the research paper accurately, so please make sure to include it.
All images I've referenced are from the Round Lab official website.
This text and image demonstrate the marketer's ignorance.
In the image, the NON-NANO particles are shown reflecting in a uniform direction, while the NANO particles... what? They're letting UV rays straight into the skin!
Let's establish some FACTS. First, addressing the text: the most accurate (and still generous) way to phrase it would be, "Our NON-NANO mineral sunscreen product can reflect, scatter, and absorb UV rays immediately upon application."
Mineral sunscreen ingredients like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide can reflect, scatter, and absorb UV rays. The extent of each varies, as do the wavelengths affected, even for the same ingredient. Wavelength is a key factor in distinguishing between UVA and UVB (UVA: 320-400nm, UVB: 290-320nm approximately). It's crucial to understand that mineral sunscreen ingredients don't just reflect! This is the most important point! In fact, one research paper is titled "Metal oxide sunscreens protect skin by absorption, not by reflection or scattering." To translate directly: "Metal oxide sunscreens protect the skin through absorption, not through scattering or reflection."
-Source: Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed 2016, 32, 5–10.
I'm sorry to shatter your misconceptions, but according to this paper, most UV protection comes from absorption. The graph shows that absorption dominates in the UV range. Reflection only starts to account for about 10% of protection beyond 350nm.
Research papers are backed by scientific knowledge and direct research, so they can be considered reliable sources. If this 2016 paper were false, it would have caused a major controversy and been retracted by now. I encourage you to read the cited paper if you're intrigued.
I trust you now understand how the image should be corrected.
Point 2. Aqua ceramide that prevents moisture evaporation and provides hydration to the skin~~~~
So what exactly is this aqua ceramide? This is also extreme exaggeration. For reference, if a single substance could prevent moisture evaporation, provide hydration, and be safe and non-irritating to the skin, it would be revolutionary in the cosmetics industry. They'd be fighting to patent it for billions.
Why is it difficult for one substance to do all this? Preventing moisture evaporation = oil. Water and oil don't mix, right? So oil on top of water prevents water from escaping. That's how it prevents evaporation. Conversely, providing hydration = water. So, a single substance that's both oil and water? Ironically, you have something similar nearby - detergent, or surfactants. Micelles have both hydrophilic (water-loving) and lipophilic (oil-loving) parts, which is what makes them surfactants. Anyway, it's challenging with current technology for a single substance to both prevent moisture evaporation and provide hydration.
Point 3. Soothing care for UV-irritated skin - Panthenol, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract
Okay, fine. They added these for skin soothing. But how much? This is likely a case of adding minimal amounts just to claim, "We added this!" It's probably just for marketing concept. I bet they added only trace amounts for advertising purposes.
(If they actually used significant amounts, let me know and I'll remove this point 3)
I'm sorry, Round Lab. But don't be too hard on your ignorant marketer... What would a marketer know? You need experts to do the advertising... It's just... the fault of encountering gullible consumers!
I really dislike incorrect information or exaggerated advertising, so I was going to give this product 1 star. But honestly, the ingredients aren't terribly bad, so I'm giving it 2 stars. (Just showing I'm fair-minded)
That's it for the negatives!
References:
1. Round Lab Official Website
https://www.roundlab.co.kr/
2. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed, Metal oxide sunscreens protect skin by absorption, not by reflection or scattering, 2016, 32, 5–10.
07/13/22
I'm adding a brief note after reading the comments.
To Jirool and Plant Legs who spoke quite aggressively: if you find it hard to believe scientific papers, what sources would you trust? The scientific theories we learn as university students all come from research papers. Look at the references at the back of your college textbooks. They're all either papers or other books, which in turn are based on papers. You ask if I've been to university - I've completed a master's degree, have a total IF over 20, and am currently submitting papers.
If you find it hard to believe this information, please provide me with more credible sources.
For this tip section, I'll answer questions from the comments. To be honest, I'm not sure what else to write at the moment!
Oh, and after trying it, I'd say it's not a bad product for oily skin types. Speaking of oily (ji-seong in Korean), it reminds me of the most famous Ji-sung I know - Park Ji-sung. I just watched some of his football games. (This is a dad joke playing on the Korean word for oily...)
The Cosmetic Consumer's 12 Commandments:
1. Rather than buying ridiculously expensive cosmetics, run to a dermatologist like a wise consumer.
2. If a product gets 3 stars or more by my standards, it's worth trying.
3. Anything below that, just toss it.
4. Of course, cosmetics can work differently for everyone, sometimes even better than dermatologist treatments(?), but I take no responsibility if you actually throw it away.
5. Skin care is somewhat systematic and scientific. Science! Learn what ingredients work well for you and which don't, and pay attention to ingredient lists.
6. There's nothing more foolish than buying tons of cosmetics just because they're on sale. But that's me, a cosmetics junkie.
7. Don't be stingy and keep opened cosmetics you haven't used in ages. But that's me, a cosmetics junkie.
8. Don't be fooled by ads featuring beautiful actors. We're all suckers when it comes to faces and skin.
9. But if Jung Yu-mi is in the ad, maybe let yourself be fooled once.
10. Don't buy something just because you're captivated by a review. That reviewer is the real sucker...
11. Don't be stupid and apply excessive amounts of product just because you've bought it. It's better to just admit you're a sucker.
12. The more you sleep, the better your skin gets~~~ There's no scientific evidence, but based on personal and acquaintances' experiences...
That's all, folks!
