Pine Tree Soothing Cica Ampoule
Pine Tree Soothing Cica Ampoule
Product Description
A lightweight, fast-absorbing water-gel ampoule from Round Lab, built around the brand's signature 80.4% Pine Cica Activerβ’ β a patented blend of pine leaf extract, vegetable glycoprotein, and a 5-CICA complex. Boosted with three molecular weights of hyaluronic acid and gentle LHA exfoliation, it calms redness, reinforces the moisture barrier, and refines texture on sensitive, acne-prone skin.
β¨ Texture & Feel
80.4% Pine Cica Activerβ’
Round Lab's patented complex of pine leaf extract, vegetable glycoprotein and 5 centella-derived actives to calm and restore.
Triple Hyaluronic Acid
Three molecular weights of HA hydrate at multiple depths for plump, smooth, long-lasting moisture without grease.
Gentle LHA Exfoliation
Capryloyl salicylic acid (LHA) clears excess sebum and refines texture, but is gentler and less penetrating than classic salicylic acid.
Dermatologically Tested
Rated "Excellent" by Germany's Dermatest and passed skin-irritation testing; clinically tested for acne-prone suitability.
π‘οΈ Safety & Compatibility
No problematic fatty acids, esters, polysorbates or ferments. Verified fungal-acne safe and a good fit for malassezia-prone skin.
Contains capryloyl salicylic acid (a salicylic-acid derivative / LHA). Low-level leave-on BHA is often considered low-risk, but please consult your OB/GYN before use.
No added fragrance, EU allergens, essential oils, or drying denatured alcohol β a calmer choice for reactive skin.
LHA plus a small amount of citric acid (pH adjuster). Generally well tolerated, but rosacea-prone skin should introduce slowly and patch test.
Plays nicely with most routines and pairs beautifully with vitamin C or HA. Space out from strong AHA/BHA or retinoids to avoid over-exfoliation.
Botanical extracts are calming for most, but very reactive skin should patch test on the inner arm for 24 hours before facial use.
π¬ Ingredient Breakdown
π² Pine Leaf Extract (Pinus Pinaster) ~79% Promising
The star of the formula and the first ingredient on the list, pine leaf extract is rich in antioxidant polyphenols traditionally used to soothe and protect stressed skin. It anchors Round Lab's 80.4% Pine Cica Activerβ’ complex.
- Source: Pine-derived extracts are valued for antioxidant and skin-conditioning activity that helps defend against environmental stress.
- Brand claim: Extracted via low-temperature ultrasonic processing to preserve the calming compounds intact.
π 5-CICA Complex (Centella & Derivatives) multi-active Proven
Centella Asiatica extract plus its four key isolated actives β asiaticoside, asiatic acid, madecassoside and madecassic acid. This is the gold-standard "cica" combination for calming irritation and supporting barrier repair.
- Source: Peer-reviewed research links centella triterpenoids to reduced redness, anti-inflammatory effects, and improved wound healing.
- Source: Madecassoside and asiaticoside are repeatedly cited for soothing and barrier-strengthening benefits.
π§ Triple Hyaluronic Acid ~0.1β2% Proven
Hyaluronic acid, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, and sodium hyaluronate work together across different molecular sizes. Larger molecules hydrate the surface while smaller, hydrolyzed forms reach deeper layers for plumper, smoother skin.
- Source: HA is a humectant that binds water and helps skin look more plump, smooth and hydrated.
- Source: Lower-molecular-weight HA has been linked to improved wrinkle depth, elasticity and barrier repair.
π§ͺ Capryloyl Salicylic Acid (LHA) <1% Promising
A lipophilic derivative of salicylic acid, LHA gently dissolves oil in pores and refines texture. Its larger molecule penetrates less than classic BHA, making it a lower-irritation option for sensitive skin.
- Source: A 2009 study found LHA comparable to benzoyl peroxide, making it a good alternative for sensitive skin.
- Source: In-vitro data show only about 6% of LHA penetrates past the stratum corneum versus 58% of salicylic acid β i.e. it is gentler.
𫧠Glycerin & Glycoproteins supporting Proven
Glycerin is a powerhouse humectant naturally found in skin, while glycoproteins (the "vegetable protein" in the complex) bind water and support the extracellular matrix involved in repair. Together they round out the hydration and conditioning base.
- Source: Glycerin is non-irritating, works across all skin types, and pulls water into the outer skin layer.
- Source: Glycoproteins are well-tolerated humectants the CIR Expert Panel found show no signs of irritation.
29 ingredients
Pinus Pinaster Leaf Extract, Butylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycereth-26, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Propanediol, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Water, Glycoproteins, Rubus Idaeus Leaf Extract, Nymphaea Lotus Root Extract, Rosa Indica Flower Extract, Hydroxyacetophenone, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Madecassoside, Madecassic Acid, Sodium Citrate, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, Tromethamine, Citric Acid
π Where It Fits in Your Routine
Use after toner and before heavier serums or moisturizer. Suitable for both AM and PM routines, and layers well under SPF and makeup.
π How to Use
Cleanse & tone
Start on clean skin and apply your toner first so the ampoule absorbs evenly.
Dispense 2β3 drops
Use the dropper to release a few drops into your palm or directly onto the face.
Pat to absorb
Gently pat and press over the face, following the skin's natural texture, until fully absorbed.
Seal with moisturizer
Lock everything in with your moisturizer; very dry skin may want a richer cream on top.
Finish with SPF (AM)
In the morning, always follow with a broad-spectrum sunscreen as the final step.
π€ Who Is It For?
β Perfect for you if:
- You have sensitive, reactive, or easily irritated skin
- You're acne-prone or fungal-acne-prone and want a safe soothing layer
- You have oily or combination skin and want hydration without grease
- You want a lightweight cica + barrier ampoule for daily calming
- You prefer fragrance-free, vegan K-beauty
β Consider alternatives if:
- You have very dry skin wanting rich, emollient hydration on its own
- You're pregnant/breastfeeding and avoiding all salicylic derivatives
- You react to even trace acids or have an active rosacea flare
- You want a strong, high-percentage exfoliating treatment
- You prefer a larger bottle for the price
π― Skin Type Compatibility
Lightweight water-gel absorbs instantly without adding shine, and LHA helps manage excess sebum.
Hydrates dry zones while staying light on oilier areas β a balanced all-rounder.
Fungal-acne safe and clinically tested for acne-prone skin; gentle LHA helps keep pores clear.
Fragrance- and alcohol-free with calming cica; patch test recommended due to trace acids and botanicals.
Provides comfortable hydration, but very dry skin will want a richer moisturizer layered on top.
π Results Timeline
Cooling, calm hydration
Skin feels instantly soothed, refreshed and dewy as the water-gel absorbs without stickiness.
72% noticedLess redness & irritation
Visible redness and reactive flare-ups begin to settle, with skin feeling more comfortable day to day.
61% noticedSmoother, more balanced
Texture feels refined and the barrier feels stronger; many users report calmer, more even-looking skin.
54% noticedMore resilient skin
With consistent use, skin tends to react less to external stress and stays calmer overall.
46% noticedβ Ratings by Platform
βοΈ Pros & Cons
β Praised
- Genuinely calms redness and irritation
- Lightweight, absorbs instantly, no sticky residue
- Fragrance-free and gentle for sensitive skin
- Fungal-acne safe and acne-prone friendly
- Hydrating thanks to triple HA
- Dermatest "Excellent" and passed irritation testing
β Criticized
- Small 30ml size feels pricey per ml
- Too light alone for very dry skin
- Faint natural scent surprises some users
- Contains trace acids β rosacea-prone should be cautious
- Dropper can be fiddly to dose
- Texture results appear gradually
π° Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
A single-extract centella ampoule in a much larger 100ml bottle β far better value per ml. Excellent soothing, but lacks the pine extract, triple-HA blend and LHA exfoliation of Round Lab.
Centella-rich calming serum (50ml) with hyaluronic acid. Very similar soothing-and-hydrating goal, but no pine complex and no LHA, so less of an exfoliating angle.
Centella plus peptides and niacinamide (60ml) for calming and anti-aging. Different active focus and contains niacinamide, but a wallet-friendly cica option with more product.
π Comparison with Competitors
Round Lab Pine Cica Ampoule (Featured)
~$25Torriden Balanceful Cica Serum
~$22SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule
~$20Torriden Dive-In Low-Molecular HA Serum
~$20π¦ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight; keep the dropper clean and capped.
Plastic bottle with a dropper / pipette for controlled dosing.
Yes β at 30ml it's well under the 100ml carry-on limit.
β Frequently Asked Questions
It contains capryloyl salicylic acid, a salicylic-acid derivative (LHA). Low-concentration leave-on BHA is often considered low-risk, but because guidance varies, we recommend checking with your OB/GYN or doctor before using it during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Yes. The formula is verified fungal-acne safe β it doesn't contain the fatty acids, esters, polysorbates or ferments that typically feed malassezia, making it a good option for fungal-acne-prone skin.
Generally yes. Its cica and HA actives are soothing and pair well with vitamin C. Since it already contains gentle LHA, space it out from strong AHA/BHA exfoliants or retinoids (e.g. use them on alternate evenings) to avoid over-exfoliating sensitive skin.
It's an excellent fit for sensitive, oily, combination and acne-prone skin thanks to its lightweight, calming, fungal-acne-safe formula. Dry skin can use it too but will likely want a richer moisturizer layered on top.
Soothing and hydration are usually felt immediately. Reduced redness and irritation tend to appear within 1β2 weeks, while smoother texture and a calmer, more resilient barrier typically develop over 4β8 weeks of consistent use.
Apply it after cleansing and toner, and before heavier serums and moisturizer. It works in both morning and evening routines, and layers well under sunscreen and makeup.
No. It's oil-free, fungal-acne safe and rates very low on the comedogenic scale (about 1/5). The gentle LHA actually helps keep pores clear, making it a pore-friendly choice for acne-prone skin.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is around 12 months. Store it in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight and keep the dropper clean to preserve the formula. The 30ml size typically lasts about one to two months with daily use.
Verdict: The Round Lab Pine Tree Soothing Cica Ampoule is a standout calming-and-hydrating ampoule for sensitive, oily and acne-prone skin. Its 80.4% Pine Cica Activerβ’ complex, triple hyaluronic acid and gentle LHA deliver real soothing, hydration and light texture refinement β all in a fragrance-free, fungal-acne-safe, Dermatest "Excellent" formula. The main trade-offs are the small 30ml size relative to price and a texture that's a touch light for very dry skin. For most people seeking a reliable, gentle barrier-calming serum, it's an easy recommendation.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skinβs own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging Β«promisesΒ» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Anti-Aging from 6 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 4 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 8 ingredient(s):
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 |
Pinus Pinaster Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Butylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscositydecreasing Agent
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Dipropylene Glycol
Fragrance, Solvent, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Masking, Viscosity Controlling
|
|
|
| 1 |
Glycereth-26
Solvent, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Decreasing Agent
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|