Two light Korean chemical sunscreens with nearly the same filters. SPF level and scent are what separate them.
Isntree’s Hyaluronic Acid Daily Sun Gel and Round Lab’s Birch Juice Moisturizing sunscreen are closer than their names suggest. Both are chemical sunscreens that use avobenzone for UVA, homosalate and two salicylates for UVB, and both leave no white cast. Both also add niacinamide and hyaluronic acid.
The differences that matter are practical. Round Lab is SPF 45; Isntree is SPF 30. Isntree is fragrance-free, while Round Lab contains chamomile and pine oils, which give it a light scent and can bother sensitive skin. Isntree also packs in more skin-care extras, including ten forms of hyaluronic acid and ectoin. The Round Lab pick here comes as a two-pack.
Which sunscreen fits your skin?
Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Daily Sun Gel: gentle daily SPF 30
Fragrance-free, hydrating SPF 30 gel.
Isntree’s gel is a white, lotion-like cream that spreads thin and absorbs quickly, with no white cast. Its UV filters are homosalate, octisalate, butyloctyl salicylate and avobenzone, stabilized by diethylhexyl naphthalate. It is rated SPF 30 and PA+++, the Korean scale for UVA protection.
The skin-care side is generous for a sunscreen: niacinamide, centella, ten forms of hyaluronic acid, ectoin and adenosine. There is no fragrance and no essential oils, which makes it one of the easier chemical sunscreens for reactive skin. The tube holds 50 mL (1.69 fl oz).
- No fragrance or essential oils
- Niacinamide, ectoin and ten forms of hyaluronic acid
- Light gel texture with no white cast
- SPF 30 is lower than Round Lab’s SPF 45
- Not made for swimming or heavy sweat
Round Lab Birch Juice: higher SPF with a light scent
Higher SPF 45, lightly scented, two-pack.
Round Lab’s US formula lists its active ingredients as avobenzone 2.7%, homosalate 13.5% and octisalate 4.5%, with butyloctyl salicylate boosting SPF. It is labeled Broad Spectrum SPF 45, so it covers both UVA and UVB and gives more UVB protection than Isntree.
Niacinamide, birch sap, hyaluronic acid and allantoin are there for hydration and comfort. The catch for sensitive skin is chamomile flower oil and Scots pine leaf oil. They give Round Lab a faint scent, and essential oils are a common trigger for irritation. It comes as two tubes, which suits daily use or sharing.
- Broad Spectrum SPF 45 for more UVB protection
- Niacinamide and birch sap for hydration
- Two tubes in one order
- Contains chamomile and pine oils
- Two-pack is a bigger commitment if the formula doesn’t suit you
| Gentler formula ISNTREE Hyaluronic Acid Daily Sun Gel SPF 30 | VS | Higher SPF ROUND LAB Birch Juice Moisturizing SPF 45 Duo |
|---|---|---|
30 (PA+++) | SPF |
45 (Broad Spectrum) |
Homosalate, octisalate, butyloctyl salicylate, avobenzone | UV filters |
Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, butyloctyl salicylate |
None | Fragrance |
Chamomile and pine oils |
Niacinamide, 10 forms of HA, ectoin, centella | Skin-care extras |
Niacinamide, birch sap, HA, allantoin |
One 50 mL tube | Pack |
Two tubes |
| View | View |
Both sunscreens rely on the same family of chemical filters: avobenzone for UVA and homosalate plus salicylates for UVB. That is why both feel light and leave no white cast, and why neither suits anyone who prefers mineral sunscreen.
SPF 45 blocks a little more UVB than SPF 30, about 98% against 97%, but the bigger factor is how much you apply. Studies find most people apply half or less of the amount an SPF rating assumes, so a sunscreen you like enough to apply generously protects better than a higher number used thinly.
How to choose between them
- Sensitive or fragrance-averse skin
Choose Isntree. It has no fragrance or essential oils, while Round Lab contains chamomile and pine oils.
Look forA fragrance-free label and no essential oils.AvoidScented sunscreens near the eyes on reactive skin. - Long days outside
Choose Round Lab. SPF 45 gives you more margin when you’re out for hours, especially if you tend to under-apply.
Look forBroad Spectrum SPF 45 or higher.AvoidRelying on SPF 30 applied thinly. - Swimming or heavy sweating
Neither is a sport sunscreen. Both are daily face formulas, so for the pool or a long run use one labeled water resistant (40 or 80 minutes) instead.
Look forA water-resistant label with a time.AvoidSwimming in a daily face sunscreen.
Whichever you pick, apply a generous layer to your face, neck and ears, and reapply every two hours outdoors and after sweating, as the American Academy of Dermatology advises.
Which sunscreen should you buy?
Choose Isntree’s Hyaluronic Acid Daily Sun Gel if your skin is sensitive. It’s fragrance-free, light, and full of hydrating extras. SPF 30 is enough for everyday wear when you apply enough.
Choose Round Lab’s Birch Juice if you want SPF 45 and don’t mind a light scent. Its chamomile and pine oils rule it out for fragrance-sensitive skin, but it gives more UVB protection for long days outside, and the two-pack covers months of daily use.
