If you wear makeup, one decision you’ve probably faced is whether to create a matte or dewy finish.
Primers and foundations that mattify the skin and create a clean, fresh appearance are typically preferred by those with oily skin.
In contrast, you may have dry or dull skin, and you’re on the hunt for a product to give you a hydrated, dewy glow.
If that’s the case, Supergoop Glow Screen could be the perfect product for you.
This multitasking sunscreen provides broad spectrum SPF 40 protection while also functioning as a primer that leaves a dewy, glowy finish. The sheer liquid texture gives your skin a healthy dose of pearlescence with no visible glitz or glitter.
But is Supergoop Glow Screen right for you? To help you out, we’ll give you all the details on
the key ingredients in this formula, as well as the research that supports (or doesn’t support) their use in skin care. We’ll also share some Supergoop reviews so that you can get an idea of what customers really think of this sunscreen.
Is Supergoop Glow Screen Right For You?
Before we get into the details, here’s the TL;DR if you just want to know whether or not Supergoop Glow Screen is right for you.
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- Key ingredients? Chemical sunscreens (avobenzone, octisalate, and octocrylene)
- SPF? 40
- Skin type? Recommended for all skin types; ideal if you want to create a dewy, glowy finish
- Texture? Lightweight and silky
- Fragrance? No
- Cruelty free? Yes
- Cost? $36 USD for 1.7 oz
- EWG Rating? 2
What Are The Key Ingredients in Supergoop Glow Screen?
In order to determine how well Supergoop Glow Screen performs, we’ll have to evaluate the key ingredients in this formula. Let’s get started.
Chemical Sunscreens
The active sunscreen ingredients in Supergoop Glow Screen include avobenzone, octisalate, and octocrylene.
All three of these ingredients are classified as chemical sunscreens, which protect the skin by first absorbing UV light, then transforming that light energy into some other form of energy, such as heat.
This is in contrast to physical sunscreens, also called mineral sunscreens, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Physical sunscreens sit on top of the skin and provide protection using physical UV filters to block or deflect UV light.
A benefit of chemical sunscreens is their ability to defend the deeper layers of skin, including collagen fibers and other tissue, against the aging effects of UVA rays, as well as preventing penetration by the UVB rays responsible for tanning and sunburn.
A drawback of chemical sunscreens is that they are thinner than physical sunscreens and therefore, rub off easier and must be reapplied more frequently.
Another more serious drawback of chemical sunscreens is that research
has shown they do absorb through the skin and into the bloodstream. It’s still unclear if these chemicals are linked to health conditions, but it’s known that they do enter the body.
Mica and Titanium Dioxide
You can thank mica and titanium dioxide for the instant dose of radiance created by Supergoop Glow Screen. Mica and titanium dioxide are minerals that add a subtle shimmering effect and reflect light from the face, creating the illusion of a smoother, softer, and more radiant skin tone
Niacinamide
We love that the brand included niacinamide in the Supergoop Glow Screen formula. Why? Well, in our opinion, niacinamide is one of the best skin care ingredients since it can provide so many benefits.
For instance, a publication in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, states that niacinamide can repair the skin barrier and improve skin moisture, as well as reduce inflammation, blotchiness, hyperpigmentation, excess sebum, and wrinkling.
To reap all of these benefits, it would be better to use a concentrated niacinamide serum, such as The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% or Naturium Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2%.
But still, the inclusion of niacinamide in Supergoop Glow Screen is definitely a plus.
Humectants and Sodium Hyaluronate
Last, but certainly not least, are the hydrating ingredients in Supergoop Glow Screen, which include humectants and sodium hyaluronate.
A few of the humectants in this formula include glycerin, propanediol, butylene glycol, and arginine. Humectants have a chemical structure that allows them to draw moisture into the upper layers of skin to keep your complexion plump and hydrated.
Sodium hyaluronate, the salt form of hyaluronic acid, functions similarly by absorbing a large amount of water and holding it within the upper layers of skin.
How to Use Supergoop Glow Screen?
Apply Supergoop Glow Screen generously and evenly as the last step in your skincare routine and before makeup.
Where to Buy Supergoop Glow Screen?
Supergoop Glow Screen and other Supergoop skin care products are sold on the brand’s website (supergoop.com). They are also available online and in-store at select retailers including Sephora, Dermstore, Nordstrom, Blue Mercury, Anthropologie, Amazon, and more.
How Much is Supergoop Glow Screen?
Supergoop Glow Screen costs $36 USD for 1.7 oz on the brand’s website.
Is Supergoop Cruelty Free?
Yes, Supergoop is cruelty free and the products are officially Leaping Bunny Certified. Leaping Bunny Certification means Supergoop products are free of animal testing at every stage of product development.
Is Supergoop Glow Screen Vegan?
Yes, Supergoop Glow Screen is vegan.
Our Verdict
Overall, we think that Supergoop Glow Screen is formulated well, although we typically prefer mineral sunscreens since they aren’t absorbed into the body.
Pros
- Formula provides broad spectrum SPF 40 protection
- Fragrance free
- Beneficial supporting key ingredients (niacinamide, humectants, sodium hyaluronate)
- Many positive Supergoop Glow Screen reviews
- Supergoop is cruelty free
Cons
- Chemical sunscreen ingredients absorb through the skin and into the bloodstream
- Mid-range cost ($36 USD for 1.7 oz)
- Some Supergoop Glow Screen reviews mention that it pills underneath makeup
References:
JAMA. 2019;321(21):2082-2091.
J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2010 Feb; 3(2): 22–41