Sunscreen is perhaps the only skincare product that anyone, at any age, can benefit from using. As for figuring out which one to buy? There is no one-size-fits-all answer because we all have different skin types and needs, but an overarching principle I tend to go by is "the best sunscreen is one you actually enjoy using," which is something a wise derm friend once told me. To that end, the Round Lab Birch Juice Sunscreen has been my go-to for over a year now for so many reasons, which I’ll get into below.
I'm a Beauty Editor & This Is the Only Sunscreen I've Repurchased Repeatedly
So hydrating, but not heavy
•
Published May 1, 2024
Dasha Burobina for PureWow
How it looks straight out of the tube
Reason #1: It’s an Absolute Delight to Apply
The very first thing I noticed about the sunscreen is that it applies like a nice moisturizer. Hydrating but not heavy, you feel it absorb immediately into your skin as you rub it in, which it does with ease without leaving behind any sticky residue or a pallid cast.
How it looks immediately after blending
Reason #2: It's Very Hydrating
It’s so hydrating, in fact, that I usually skip moisturizer when I wear this. This isn’t all that surprising once you look at the ingredient panel. Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, a blend of amino acids, minerals and Birch Sap juice: It’s like a who’s who of skincare superstars.
Me wearing the sunscreen with a full face of makeup
Reason #3: It Plays Well with Makeup
Because it both applies and functions like a moisturizer, it sets a nice, smooth base for anything you want to put on top—whether that’s just a touch of concealer or a full face of makeup. Either way, I haven’t run into any issues with pilling or sliding, which isn’t always the case with sunscreen.
Reason #4: It Doesn’t Cause Breakouts
Pros:
- has SPF50+ PA++++
- absorbs well
- moisturizing
- no white cast
- leaves a subtle sheen
Cons:
- a bit pricey when not on sale
- not as easy to find in stores
Round Lab
The clincher? It hasn’t broken me out once, and I have extremely acne-prone skin that’s also easily irritated. I’m guessing all those aforementioned skincare ingredients like niacinamide help keep things calm.
Bottom Line:
As of writing, I’m on my fourth or fifth tube of the stuff, which brings me to its only downside: It’s on the pricier end at $28 for just under 1.7 ounces. And at the rate that I use sunscreen (liberally, every single day, sometimes multiple times a day), I blow through it. But wouldn't you know, it appears to be on sale at the moment, so I shall pick up an extra tube before summer starts!
