Long hours of driving under a relentless sun have turned my sensitive skin into a battleground of redness and irritation. In my search for calm, I landed on two Korean skincare gems : Dong-A FATION and Round Lab Pine Calming Cica Ampoule. After using both daily for the past few months, alternating them morning and night, I can confidently say these two have earned permanent spots in my skincare lineup.

✦ Dong-A FATION Serum

Lightweight, refreshing, and just fragrant enough to feel elevated without triggering sensitivity, this serum was an immediate hit in my morning routine. It layers effortlessly under my SK2 moisturizer and sunscreen, offering an extra layer of comfort before facing the sun again. The texture is smooth and non-sticky, which makes it ideal for daytime use even under makeup, there’s no pilling or heaviness.

What sets FATION apart is its cooling, soothing finish. It's not just calming in the clinical sense as there's a sensory relief here too, which I find especially beneficial after a morning wash that might leave my skin feeling tight. Redness, particularly across my cheeks and nose, noticeably subsides shortly after application. Bonus points for the bottle: it’s filled to the brim, well-designed, and feels premium in hand.

✦ Round Lab Pine Calming Cica Ampoule

Evenings are when I lean into hydration and repair, and Round Lab’s Pine Cica Ampoule fits that rhythm perfectly. The gel-like texture is cushiony and comforting, with a faint pine scent that feels grounding and clean. It sinks in immediately, no tackiness, no wait time and leaves my skin feeling plumped and soothed.

The real standout here is how effectively it calms irritation, especially after prolonged UV exposure or when my skin feels flushed. If the FATION serum is a gentle hand on the shoulder, Round Lab is the deep breath and glass of water after a long day. It pairs well with my nighttime moisturizer and SK2 eye cream, rounding out a routine that feels indulgent yet uncomplicated.

✦ Side-by-Side : Which One Wins?

Truthfully, there’s no clear winner, just complementary strengths.

- FATION excels in the morning : lighter, smoother, more refreshing, and ideal under SPF.

- Round Lab shines at night : slightly more hydrating, richer in texture, and deeply calming.

Both deliver visible improvements in redness, faster post-sun recovery, and a more even, less reactive complexion overall. After 2–3 months of consistent use, I’ve repurchased both, which says everything about how central they’ve become to my routine.

✦ Final Thoughts

Yes, the price point might make you pause but with full bottles, fast results, and thoughtful formulation, these are investments that pay off. If sun sensitivity, redness, or general irritation are concerns for you, either product  or both could be a game changer.

Would I repurchase? Without hesitation. These are no longer just serums as they’re my skin’s daily therapy.