Round Lab Pine Calming Cica Ampoule Serum, Review

Naya
36 minutes ago
3 min read

Round Lab Pine Calming Cica Ampoule Face Serum Review

one for the sensitive beauties

Foreword

In this post we revisit a cult-favorite Korean beauty star - Round Lab. Previously, we chatted about the brand's bestselling Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen (reviewed here), Birch Moisturizing Cream (read more here), and Mugwort Calming Toner (read more here). Those products lived up to their claims and have stood the test of time. Today our focus is on the Pine Calming Cica Ampoule. Can it match the rest of the line?

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My Skin: dry, sensitive

About the Product

Round Lab Pine Calming Cica Ampoule (27 USD; Made in Korea) - is described as an intensively soothing face ampoule/serum that helps strengthen skin barrier, improve redness, and enhance texture. This product is suitable for people with rosacea and acne-prone skin.

Packaging: one thing I admire about Round Lab is their playful, quirky, and memorable packaging. The box is colorful, featuring an illustration of a girl relaxing in hammock, surrounded by pine trees (the key ingredient). The Pine Calming Cica Ampoule comes in a plastic bottle with a pipette. The bottle contains 30 ml / 1.01 fl oz worth of product, which is a standard amount for most serum-type skincare. This design is practical and travel-friendly.

Recyclable ♻️

Formula: within the Round Lab family, every line is dedicated to a certain star ingredient. The collection of "calming" products features pine. Here it is the fifth top ingredient on the list (i.e. its content is high). Essentially, the Pine Calming Cica Ampoule is a water-based formula, rich in Glycerin (humectant), Pine Leaf Extract (calming, antioxidant), and Propanediol (hydration). Anti-inflammatory Centella Asiatica (Cica) appears mid-list, alongside Citric Acid (pH adjuster) and various types of Hyaluronic Acid (hydration).

😊 PROS

The formula appears well-rounded and suitable for people with sensitive skin. There is a mild presence of acids and various natural extracts (e.g. Coptis Japonica, Melia Azadirachta, Asiatic Acid, and Madecassic Acid to name a few). An honorable mention goes to Salicylic Acid (BHA, exfoliant).

☹️ CONS

Although most Round Lab products are well-suited for people with sensitive skin, some botanical extracts may be slightly irritating for certain individuals. It is wise to review the full ingredient list prior to purchase.

Personally speaking, I did not face any adverse reactions while using the product.

Vegan🌱 Cruelty-free🐇

Texture: clear, watery gel. Neither sticky, nor greasy.

Scent: fragrance-free.

Finish: natural skin finish with a touch of radiance.

Application: similar to most serum products, the Pine Calming Cica Ampoule can be used as part of both AM and PM skincare routines. The gel consistency creates a nice emollient base for other products to go on top of. Works well with most formulas, including suncare and makeup.

first impression

It absorbs instantaneously, leaving skin feeling soft and hydrated. The sensation lasts well throughout the day (or night).

long-term use

I find myself looking forward to using this ampoule. As someone with sensitive skin who uses actives regularly, I need calming and restorative products to maintain balance. The Pine Calming Cica Ampoule has a soothing effect on my skin. And with Hyaluronic Acid and Sodium Hyaluronate in place, I found that there was no need to for any additional hydrating serums. Regarding texture improvement, I can't attribute it to this product alone, since I regularly use AHAs and BHAs to enhance it. After three weeks of consistent use, my pores appear the same. Redness around my chin, nose, and forehead has noticeably subsided. The post-inflammatory aftermath is minimal.

Adding the Pine Calming Cica Cream might be a great way to accelerate results. I have used this moisturizer before and it worked great in terms of keeping sensitivity and irritation at bay.

Verdict

Round Lab is a K-Beauty brand that I can rely on. These are reliable, sensitive skin-friendly formulas that are praise-worthy. The Pine Calming Cica Ampoule is no exception. You look at a humble yet effective face serum that shines at calming, moisturizing, and minimizing skin's redness. If you love Cica, look no further. After all, there are five types of it in this formula. This is a soft, refreshing and dependable solution to tackle inflammation and boost skin barrier. I am delighted to have it in my possession and give it a B+.