How to tell fake Round Lab sunscreen from real

Make sure you are comparing the same sunscreen

Round Lab sells several sunscreens, so 'the Round Lab one' is not much of a filing system. Match the full name, SPF and format before comparing packaging. Birch UVLock sunscreen and Birch Sun Serum are different products, not interchangeable reference photos. Round Lab's shop at roundlab.com/en ca includes these options:2

Compare products intended for the same market, too. Sunscreen rules differ between countries, and a sunscreen bought outside the United States can have label differences from US products. A different SPF or product name should first prompt you to identify the version, rather than immediately label the tube fake.4

How to check the listing and seller

A marketplace can ship a tube without being the business selling it, which is a useful distinction hidden in two very boring words: 'Sold by'. If the listing says an independent seller sells the product and the marketplace fulfils it, the independent seller owns the stock. Marketplace shipping is not the same as buying the marketplace's own inventory.5

1. 1Read the 'Sold by' details. Identify the actual seller, not just the company delivering the parcel. Contact the marketplace if the seller's identity is unclear.
2. 2Compare the listing images with the matching Round Lab product. Check the design, colour and logo, and read the description for spelling or grammar errors.
3. 3Request an actual product photo if you are buying through a seller or website known for used goods. A stock image is not a photo of the item you will receive.
4. 4Read the seller's ratings and reviews. Negative reviews or no reviews are reasons to investigate further.
5. 5Ask for the manufacturer's contact information and the return or refund policy. Ask the seller to clarify missing product information before buying.
6. 6Confirm the item is new, unused and unopened. 'Like new' is not the same as new.

Does a cheap price mean it is fake?

No. Counterfeit cosmetics can be priced cheaply to attract bargain hunters or priced like genuine products to deceive buyers. Paying the expected amount does not settle authenticity either. Use the price alongside the seller and product checks, not instead of them.1

What if you already bought a suspicious tube?

Contact the seller directly with your questions and request the return or refund terms. If you cannot reach a marketplace seller, ask the marketplace for help. Its own return policies might not cover independent sellers, so check the terms for your order. Counterfeit cosmetics can contain unsafe ingredients or bacteria; an unresolved concern deserves more than a reassuring listing.15

Check whether the sunscreen is still usable as well as whether it is genuine. Do not use sunscreen past its expiration date. For US sunscreen without an expiration date, discard it three years after purchase; discard sunscreen of unknown age. Keep sunscreen away from excessive heat and direct sunlight to maintain its effectiveness.4

For a replacement, choose sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB, and water resistance. Follow its label directions. General sunscreen guidance is to apply 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply at least every two hours, more often when swimming or sweating. Use clothing and shade alongside sunscreen.46