ROUND LAB

The Korean Brand Built Around Water from 5,000 Feet Below the East Sea

Round Lab is the Korean brand whose flagship product, the 1025 Dokdo Cleanser, has sold over 5 million bottles worldwide. The "1025" in the name refers to the depth and coordinates near Dokdo Island in the East Sea (South Korea), where Round Lab sources its signature deep sea water. The seawater is drawn from 5,000 feet below the surface, where it carries a consistent mineral profile (magnesium, calcium, potassium, sodium) that surface waters don't have. This deep sea water is the base ingredient in the entire 1025 Dokdo skincare family.

The brand's positioning is simple, clinical, and minimalist. Round Lab doesn't do "sensory" K-beauty (fragrance, fun packaging, dramatic textures). The products are unscented or barely scented, designed to match skin's natural pH, and targeted at sensitive or reactive skin types. Three core product families: 1025 Dokdo (deep sea water hydration), Birch Juice (birch sap for anti-aging and barrier), and Pine Tree / Soybean / Pine Calming (scalp, feminine, and body care).

What Makes Round Lab Different

Round Lab's ingredients traceability is unusual for K-beauty at this price point. The 1025 Dokdo Cleanser, Toner, Cream, and Lotion all use the same verified Dokdo deep sea water source, and the formulations are pH-matched (5.0 to 6.0) to skin's natural barrier. Sensitivity-focused testing is baked into the product development cycle, not done retroactively. The brand is one of the most recommended K-beauty lines for rosacea, eczema, and hormonal-acne-irritated skin.

The Birch Juice line is a newer family built around birch tree sap (fermented, not raw), which contains xylitol, betulin, and other barrier-supporting compounds. Birch sap has a long history in Korean and Finnish folk medicine; Round Lab's formulation is one of the few commercially available skincare applications. Both lines share Round Lab's signature texture: watery, absorbs quickly, leaves minimal residue.

Who Should Use Round Lab

• Sensitive, rosacea-prone, or reactive skin: 1025 Dokdo Cream is one of the safest bets in K-beauty for barrier-respecting hydration.
• Low-pH cleansing: The Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Cleanser (our bestseller) is pH-matched and non-stripping.
• Mature skin wanting minimal-ingredient moisturizer: Birch Juice Moisturizing Cream pairs hydration with gentle anti-aging.
• Scalp irritation or itching: Pine Calming Cica Shampoo calms scalp without stripping hair.
• Feminine intimate care: Pine Tree Soothing Cica Feminine Cleanser is pH-matched and gentle.

Our 5 Round Lab Picks

Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Cream 80ml
The cream in the Dokdo line. Lightweight, fast-absorbing, pH-balanced, unscented. Hydrates without grease or stickiness. Ideal for sensitive or combination skin, or anyone who hates the fragrance and heavy texture of most K-beauty creams.

Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Cream 80ml
The anti-aging sibling to the Dokdo Cream. Uses fermented birch sap for barrier support and gentle anti-aging. Slightly richer texture than the Dokdo, better for 30+ skin or drier skin types. Still pH-balanced and low-scent.

Round Lab Soybean Panthenol Cleansing Oil 200ml
First-cleanse oil with soybean extract and panthenol. Dissolves makeup and SPF without stripping. Less oily residue than many K-beauty cleansing oils. Works for all skin types.

Round Lab Pine Calming Cica Shampoo 400ml
Scalp-first shampoo with pine extract and centella. Calms itchy, irritated scalps, reduces mild dandruff, balances oil production. Gentle enough for daily use. One of the few Korean shampoos that doesn't strip color-treated hair.

Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Cleanser 150ml
Water-gel cleanser with birch sap. Ideal as a morning cleanser for dry or sensitive skin. Cleans without foaming aggressively, leaves skin hydrated rather than tight. Pairs with the Birch Juice cream for a two-product routine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the 1025 Dokdo Cleanser so popular?

Three reasons. First, it's genuinely pH-matched to skin (5.0 to 6.0), which most cleansers aren't. Second, it uses Dokdo deep sea water as a mineral base, giving it a distinctive texture that feels "clean" without the stripping sensation of most low-pH cleansers. Third, it's unscented or very lightly scented, which makes it safe for the widest range of skin types. The combination of these three factors explains the 5-million-bottle scale.

Does Round Lab actually use Dokdo deep sea water, or is it marketing?

It's genuine. Round Lab sources deep sea water from 5,000 feet below the surface near Dokdo Island. The mineral profile of this water is independently verifiable, and the brand's transparency about sourcing is one of its selling points. Korean regulatory bodies have verified the supply chain.

Is Round Lab cruelty-free and vegan?

Round Lab is cruelty-free. Many products are vegan-compatible, including the 1025 Dokdo and Birch Juice lines. Some specific products may contain honey or beeswax; check individual product labels for strict vegan needs.

Round Lab 1025 Dokdo vs Birch Juice: which should I choose?

1025 Dokdo is hydration-focused with deep sea water minerals. Best for sensitive skin, combination types, or anyone in a warm climate. Birch Juice is hydration plus light anti-aging with fermented birch sap. Best for 30+ skin, drier types, or colder climates. If you're unsure, start with Dokdo as the more universally tolerated line.

Is Round Lab good for rosacea or inflammatory acne?

Yes. Round Lab's pH-matched, minimal-ingredient, unscented formulations are among the most-recommended K-beauty lines for sensitive skin conditions. The 1025 Dokdo line in particular is regularly recommended by Korean dermatologists for rosacea-prone patients. Always patch test for 3 to 5 days when introducing any new product to compromised skin.

Where is Round Lab made?

Round Lab is formulated and manufactured in South Korea. Deep sea water is sourced from Korean waters near Dokdo Island. Mirai Skin sources all Round Lab through authorized Korean distribution.

Can I use Round Lab alongside retinol or actives?

Yes. Round Lab's pH-neutral formulations are designed to be cooperative with actives. Apply your retinol or acid first, let it absorb, then layer Round Lab cream as a buffering step. Works especially well for people new to retinol who need extra barrier support.

Which Round Lab product should I start with?

The 1025 Dokdo Cream if you want a moisturizer. The Birch Juice Moisturizing Cream if you're 30+ or in a colder climate. The Soybean Panthenol Cleansing Oil if you want a first-cleanse routine starter. Any of these gives an honest read on whether the brand's minimalist texture works for your skin.

Shop Round Lab at Mirai Skin

Every Round Lab product at Mirai Skin is sourced directly from authorized Korean distribution. Shop the full Round Lab collection, or browse related categories: best Korean moisturizers for dry skin, Korean hair care, and Korean body care. Free US shipping on orders over $60.