Round Lab Mugwort Calming Serum: What to Know Before You Buy

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Mugwort (ssuk in Korean) is one of those ingredients that shows up again and again in K-beauty, and Round Lab has its own take on it. The Mugwort Calming Serum is a soothing serum that the brand pairs with centella compounds. Here is a plain summary of what Round Lab says, plus how it could fit into your routine.

What Round Lab says about it

According to Round Lab, this is a mugwort-enriched soothing serum rich in antioxidants, aimed at soothing and hydrating the skin. The key points from the product page:

Mugwort: Artemisia vulgaris extract is listed at 10,094ppm, with Artemisia princeps leaf extract at 240ppm. Round Lab says apigenin and luteolin in the mugwort extract provide soothing care, and that the extract is obtained with a gravity-based extraction method.
4-CICA: the formula contains madecassoside, madecassic acid, asiatic acid and asiaticoside, which the brand describes as the core centella ingredients for caring for sensitive skin.
Supporting ingredients: glycerin, panthenol, allantoin, sodium hyaluronate, betaine and green tea leaf extract.

Round Lab describes the texture as transparent, slightly oily and watery, absorbing quickly with a refreshing, non-sticky finish. The bottle is 1.7 fl. oz (50ml).

Where it fits in a routine

In the usual K-beauty order of cleanse → toner → serum → cream → sunscreen, this belongs in the serum/essence slot. Round Lab's directions are to prep the skin with toner first, then take an appropriate amount and spread it across the face at the essence stage. Follow with your moisturizer, and with sunscreen in the morning.

Since the texture is light, it should sit comfortably under a cream. If you already use another serum, a common rule of thumb is to apply the thinnest texture first and the thickest last.

Who it might suit

Round Lab lists the skin types as normal, combination, oily and acne-prone. That makes it an interesting option for people who want a calming step but find richer serums too heavy. Note that "acne" here is the brand's skin-type label; this is a cosmetic serum and Round Lab does not present it as a treatment.

What to check before you buy

Price: listed at $31 on Round Lab's US store at the time of writing. Check the current price on the brand page.
Scent: Round Lab says the scent comes from mugwort leaf extract, black tea extract and salvia (sage) oil. If you prefer fragrance-free products or react to essential oils, keep that in mind.
Patch test: plant extracts can irritate some people. Test a small amount on your jawline or inner arm for a few days first.
Shipping: check whether Round Lab's store ships to your country and what delivery costs.

vivid, a POPORO CITY character, arranging small unbranded bottles on a vanity at night — Mood image: an AI-generated scene with vivid of POPORO CITY. It does not show this product.

Vivid's pick: Mugwort Calming Serum — Pick card: an AI-generated POPORO CITY persona (fictional, has not used this product) with the official Round Lab product photo.

Our take

Based on Round Lab's description, the Mugwort Calming Serum is a lightweight soothing serum that combines a high listed concentration of mugwort extract with the four centella compounds, in a 50ml bottle. We have not tested it, so this is a summary of the brand's information rather than a review. If you have oily or combination skin and want a calming serum that will not feel heavy, it is one to consider, as long as the natural scent from sage oil and tea extract does not bother you.

See Mugwort Calming Serum at Round Lab →

Information is based on Round Lab's product page as collected by KPOPORO. Details can change; please confirm on the brand page before buying.