ROUND LAB Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen vs Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Aqua Fresh Rice+B5: The Ultimate Comparison (2025)

The Ultimate Korean Sunscreen Face-Off: Which One’s Right For You in 2025?

Torn between ROUND LAB Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen and Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Aqua Fresh Rice+B5? You’re definitely not alone. These two K-beauty SPF heroes have taken the skincare world by storm, each with its own cult-like following. But which one will truly meet your skin’s needs and vibe with your routine? 🤔

This guide dives deep into textures, ingredients, real user feedback, and even makeup compatibility—so you don’t just get the facts, you get *the feel*. Let’s help you choose your new go-to SPF! ✨

🔍 Key Specs at a Glance

🌿 Product Formulation Breakdown

🌳 ROUND LAB Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen

A long-standing K-beauty favorite, this sunscreen combines SPF50+ PA++++ protection with a moisturizing formula powered by Birch Sap (1,425ppm), niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid. It hydrates, calms, and strengthens the skin barrier — basically a skincare cocktail with sun protection benefits.

🍚 Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Aqua Fresh Rice+B5

A lighter, fresher follow-up to the original Relief Sun, this SPF50+ formulation features rice seed water, panthenol (B5), and oat kernel extract. It uses 5 modern chemical UV filters for broad-spectrum protection, while maintaining a non-greasy, breathable texture.

🧴 Texture & Application

ROUND LAB

Think “moisturizer with SPF.” It spreads smoothly, feels silky, and absorbs fast. You’ll notice the hydration immediately — without tackiness. Its slightly creamier feel makes it ideal for drier skin types or cool-weather wear.

BoJ Aqua Fresh

As the name suggests, it’s super watery and lightweight. It absorbs almost instantly, leaving no greasy finish or film. Perfect for people who hate the feel of sunscreen or want that “barely-there” experience.

✨ Finish & Feel on Skin

ROUND LAB leaves a subtle satin finish with a hint of glow — not oily, just healthy. It’s deeply hydrating and often used as a 2-in-1 moisturizer + sunscreen.

BoJ Aqua Fresh dries down semi-matte, leaving your natural skin tone and texture visible. Zero white cast, zero residue — like it was never there.

💄 Makeup Compatibility

• ROUND LAB: Excellent under makeup. Creates a cushiony layer that grips foundation without sliding or pilling. Even reapplication over makeup works with minimal effort!
• BoJ Aqua Fresh: Works like a lightweight primer. Great for oily/combo skin wearers who want a non-slippery SPF layer under foundation or tint.

⚠️ Sensitivity Check

While ROUND LAB is widely loved, some users have reported reactions due to the birch sap — especially those with springtime or pollen-related allergies.

BoJ Aqua Fresh is unscented, designed for sensitive skin, and features calming ingredients like oat and panthenol. So far, fewer reports of irritation have surfaced — a safer pick for reactive skin types.

💰 Price & Value

ROUND LAB usually retails for around $28 but can drop to as low as $11.99 during sales. You get 50ml of product that works double duty as SPF + moisturizer.

BoJ Aqua Fresh is in a similar range (typically $15–$25), also with 50ml. It’s more of a pure sunscreen, so oily-skin users may still want a light moisturizer underneath.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are both sunscreens fragrance-free?

Beauty of Joseon Aqua Fresh is completely fragrance-free and formulated for sensitive skin. ROUND LAB also doesn’t have added fragrance, but birch sap can be reactive for some.

2. Can I use these sunscreens under makeup?

Yes! Both provide smooth, non-greasy bases. ROUND LAB adds a cushiony layer while Aqua Fresh acts like a primer with a semi-matte finish.

3. Which is more hydrating?

ROUND LAB is richer and ideal for dry skin. Beauty of Joseon Aqua Fresh offers lighter hydration for oilier skin types.

4. Do either of these leave a white cast?

Neither sunscreen leaves a white cast. Both are completely transparent and blend easily into all skin tones.

📝 Summary & Final Verdict

• ROUND LAB Birch Juice: Best for dry or dehydrated skin, works as a 2-in-1 moisturizer + SPF, offers a glowy satin finish.
• Beauty of Joseon Aqua Fresh: Best for oily/combo skin, ultra-lightweight and breathable, perfect under makeup with a semi-matte finish.
• Both offer SPF50+ PA++++ protection, zero white cast, and skin-nourishing ingredients.