Brand Comparison

Round Lab vs The History of Whoo

A head-to-head comparison of two popular K-beauty brands. Which one is right for your skin?

Our Pick

The History of Whoo

Higher editor rating (8.8 vs 8)

Round Lab The History of Whoo

Rating8/108.8/10

Price RangeBudget ($)Premium ($$$)

Founded20182003

OriginSouth KoreaSouth Korea

Products205

Best ForDry, Sensitive, ComboMature, Dry

PhilosophyOne hero ingredient per product line, sourced from Korean natural resources. Dokdo mineral water, birch juice, and mugwort are their starring ingredients.Royal-court hanbang for the woman who wants her anti-aging to feel ceremonial.

Round Lab

Round Lab is the minimalist's K-beauty brand. Each line revolves around a single hero ingredient, and the formulations are clean and unpretentious. The Birch Juice line is the standout — the sunscreen in particular offers genuine moisturizing benefits. A newer brand that's quickly earning a reputation for quiet competence.

Pros

✓ Clean, focused formulations
✓ Birch Juice Sunscreen is excellent for dry skin
✓ No unnecessary fillers or fragrance
✓ Refreshingly honest branding

Cons

✗ Limited range — only a few hero lines
✗ Newer brand with less track record
✗ Some products are hard to find internationally
✗ Not many options for oily skin

The History of Whoo

Price tags that make you wince and packaging that belongs in a palace museum — but the Bichup Self-Generating Anti-Aging Essence is legitimately good, and the Gongjinhyang:Seol brightening line has receipts. You're paying for the ritual as much as the results, which is either the point or the problem, depending on who you are.

Pros