Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Cream vs Mugwort Moisturizing Cream

As someone with sensitive skin, I’m always on the lookout for gentle, hydrating products that won’t clog my pores. I am a big fan of Korean skincare. When I started to use Korean Moisturizing Cream, I just obsessed with them. This obsession led me to two of Round Lab’s best-selling moisturizers: the Birch Juice Moisturizing Cream and the Mugwort Calming Cream. Each claimed to offer unique benefits and gentle formulations.

But you know not all products are for everyone. So, I decided to try both, and today, I’m sharing my personal experiences and insights to help you decide which might be the best fit for your skincare routine.

Products Overview

Both products are visually appealing, with the Birch Juice Cream packaged in a sleek, minimalist jar that instantly gives off a refreshing vibe. On the other hand, the Mugwort Cream’s packaging is calming, much like the ingredient it champions.

Birch Juice Moisturizing Cream

This cream is loaded with birch sap, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Birch sap is trending globally in skincare because of its ability to hydrate deeply without clogging pores, a common concern for those with combination or acne-prone skin. Global studies reveal that birch sap can boost skin hydration by 20% due to its rich content of amino acids and minerals, making it ideal for those needing a moisture boost.

Mugwort Calming Cream

Mugwort is another ingredient gaining traction, particularly for sensitive and irritated skin. Its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties have made it a staple in traditional Korean medicine, and dermatologists often recommend it for soothing skin conditions like eczema and rosacea. Globally, mugwort products have seen a 15% increase in sales over the past year as more people seek calming skincare solutions.

Ingredients

Birch Juice Moisturizing Cream

Water, Glycerin, Isononyl Isononanoate, Isododecane, 1,2-Hexanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Polydecene, Betula Platyphylla Japonica Juice, Jojoba Esters, Panthenol, Glyceryl Glucoside, Acacia Senegal Gum, Hydrolyzed Hibiscus Esculentus Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Lupinus Albus Seed Extract, Moringa Pterygosperma Seed Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract, Solanum Melongena (Eggplant) Fruit Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Ascorbic Acid, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tromethamine, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Agar, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Butylene Glycol

Mugwort Moisturizing Cream

Artemisia Princeps Extract, Propanediol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycerin, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Cyclohexasiloxane, Stearic Acid, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Butylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Arachidyl Alcohol, Arachidyl Glucoside, Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Flower Extract, Water, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, C14-28 Alkyl Acid, Stearyl Alcohol, Behenyl Alcohol, Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Panthenol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Allantoin, Boswellia Serrata Resin Extract, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Dimethiconol, Saccharomyces/Viscum Album (Misletoe) Ferment Extract, Lactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract, Saccharomyces/Imperata Cylindrica Root Ferment Extract, Disodium EDTA, Polyglutamic Acid, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Artemisia Vulgaris Oil

Source: incidecoder.com

First Impressions: Packaging & Ingredients

Birch Juice Moisturizing Cream

When I first opened the box for the Birch Juice Moisturizing Cream, the sleek, minimalist design instantly drew me in. The white jar, accented with refreshing blue, evoked a sense of coolness and purity that hinted at the hydration it promised. As always, I lookout for hydrating products, this packaging seemed to reflect exactly what my skin craved.

The cream’s star ingredient, birch sap, is known for its high mineral content and antioxidants. These properties are excellent for hydrating and rejuvenating the skin, which was a big selling point for me, especially during the dry winter months.

Mugwort Calming Cream

In contrast, the Mugwort Calming Cream presented a much different vibe with its earthy-toned packaging. The soft, muted colors felt soothing, perfectly matching the calming effects of the mugwort extract within. Known for its anti-inflammatory and healing properties, mugwort is often recommended for sensitive or irritated skin, which made me excited to give it a try.

The cream’s ingredient list seemed carefully chosen to prioritize gentleness and healing, ideal for those days when my skin feels red and reactive. It felt like this cream was designed specifically for times when my skin needed a little extra comfort and care.

Texture and Absorption

Birch Juice Moisturizing Cream

The Birch Juice Moisturizing Cream has a refreshing gel-cream texture that feels incredibly lightweight on my skin. I always prefer a quick-absorbing moisturizer in the mornings and found this cream to be ideal for daytime use. It blends in seamlessly without leaving any sticky residue, which means it sits well under makeup—something that’s not easy to find in a moisturizer! The gel consistency also makes it a fantastic choice for anyone with oily or combination skin, as it provides just the right amount of hydration without feeling heavy.

Mugwort Calming Cream

In contrast, the Mugwort Calming Cream is richer and more nourishing, with a thicker, creamier consistency that feels luxurious. This cream takes a bit longer to fully absorb, which made it my go-to in the evenings when my skin was in need of an extra moisture boost. Its thickness creates a comforting barrier, locking in moisture effectively overnight. For dry skin or those struggling with seasonal dryness, this cream would likely be a great match. The richer formula, though, may not be the best fit for those with very oily skin during the day, as it could feel a bit heavy in hotter, more humid climates.

My Experience: Results After Four Weeks

After using both creams over a month, I could see noticeable changes in my skin’s appearance and feel. Just to clarify, I didn’t use them together. I tested them with a two-month gap in between.

Birch Juice Cream

My skin became plumper and more resilient, with a hydration level that stayed consistent throughout the day. I noticed an improvement in my skin’s texture—it felt smoother, with a subtle radiance that I loved. Even during a flare-up of sensitivity, this cream didn’t irritate my skin, which made it a reliable daily moisturizer for me.

Mugwort Cream

The calming properties of the Mugwort Cream really shone through. I experienced reduced redness and irritation, particularly during a few dry and windy days when my skin usually gets quite reactive. It took a bit longer to absorb, so I found it perfect for evening use. Over the weeks, my skin felt more balanced, with a visible reduction in dry patches and an overall feeling of comfort.

Favorite Aspects of Each Cream

What I Loved Most About Birch Juice Cream: The lightweight gel texture and quick absorption were highlights for me. It’s hard to find a cream that delivers such deep hydration without feeling greasy, making it ideal for daytime wear under makeup. The fresh, subtle scent and minimal ingredient list also meant I could use it even during sensitive skin days.
My Favorite Things About Mugwort Cream: The rich, comforting feel of the Mugwort Cream made it an instant favorite for nighttime. I loved how it felt almost like a cocoon for my skin, providing a calming effect that seemed to reduce redness by the morning. Its thicker texture made it especially soothing after a day out in harsh weather or when my skin needed a little extra TLC.

Drawbacks I Noticed

Downsides of Birch Juice Cream in My Experience: While the Birch Juice Cream was generally very hydrating, I did find that during particularly dry, cold weather, it wasn’t quite enough on its own. I needed to layer it with another product to lock in moisture, which may be a consideration for those with extremely dry skin.
What Didn’t Work for Me with Mugwort Cream: The rich texture of the Mugwort Cream was a bit heavy for daytime use, especially in warmer weather. I also found that it didn’t layer well under makeup, as it could feel a bit too greasy. For oily skin types, this might be a consideration if used during the day.

Expert Opinions and Value for Money

Dermatologists generally recommend birch sap products for their hydration benefits without heaviness, suitable for all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin. Meanwhile, mugwort is favored for its healing properties, making it ideal for sensitive or compromised skin. Priced similarly, both creams offer good value considering their high-quality ingredients and gentle formulas.

Recommendations Based on Skin Type

Who I’d Recommend Birch Juice Cream To: I’d recommend the Birch Juice Cream to anyone with normal to combination skin looking for a lightweight, hydrating moisturizer. It’s especially good for those who need hydration without heaviness, making it ideal for daytime wear and for anyone prone to occasional sensitivity.
Which Skin Types I Think Would Benefit Most from Mugwort Cream: The Mugwort Cream is perfect for individuals with sensitive, dry, or irritated skin. Those who experience redness or have compromised skin barriers will likely benefit the most from its calming and healing properties. It’s also a solid choice for anyone seeking an overnight cream with a rich texture.

Summary

If you’re caught between these two, consider your skin’s immediate needs. Both creams have their unique benefits, but if I had to choose, the Birch Juice Moisturizing Cream is my overall favorite for its lightweight hydration that suits a wide range of skin conditions. However, the Mugwort Cream is a close second, especially as a targeted solution for sensitivity and redness.