You could be using the best anti-aging serums and moisturizers on the market, but if you aren’t wearing sunscreen daily, you may be wasting your time (and money). That’s because excessive sunlight exposure is the single biggest culprit in aging skin. Wearing sunscreen not only helps to slow the skin aging process, it’s also one step you can take toward reducing your risk for skin cancer.
But we understand that finding a good sunscreen can be a challenge. Some sunscreens may clog your pores and cause breakouts, while others leave a greasy mess on your face. And don’t even get us started on the sunscreens that leave you looking like a ghost due to the white cast!
One brand that understands these frustrations is Supergoop. Supergoop specializes in formulating sun care products for your face, body, and lips that not only provide broad spectrum protection, but also look and feel good while you’re wearing them.
The brand’s most buzzed-about product is the Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen, a weightless, scentless, totally invisible sunscreen that provides broad spectrum SPF 40 protection.
But is Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen really worth the hype? To answer that question, we’ll have to evaluate 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 Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 Right For You?
Before we get into the details, here’s the TL;DR if you just want to know whether or not Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 is right for you.
- Key ingredients? Chemical sunscreens (avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, and octocrylene)
- SPF? 40
- Skin type? Recommended for all skin types
- Texture? Lightweight and silky
- Fragrance? No
- Cruelty free? Yes
- Cost? $34 USD for 1.7 oz
- EWG Rating? 2
Related: Best Sunscreens for face
What Are The Key Ingredients in Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40?
In order to determine how well Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen performs, we’ll have to evaluate the key ingredients in this formula. Let’s get started.
Chemical Sunscreens
The active sunscreen ingredients in Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen include avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, and octocrylene.
All four 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.
Emollients and Silicones
The silky feel of Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen is due to a combination of isododecane and silicones.
Isododecane is a synthetic emollient that provides a light skin feel and improves the slip of the formula without leaving a sticky residue behind.
There’s plenty more emollients in the formula, including coconut-derived caprylic/capric triglyceride, shea butter, jojoba esters, and more.
And the silicones in this formula are multi-tasking ingredients that provide many benefits. For instance, you’ll notice that this Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen has a silky texture that glides on skin effortlessly, and you can thank silicones for that.
Silicones also help to blur the look of fine lines and wrinkles, while at the same time creating a matte finish to keep shine at bay. They also help even out skin texture and allow makeup to go on smoother and last longer, making Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen ideal to use as a makeup-gripping primer under foundation when you want a little more coverage
Meadowfoam Estolide
One unique ingredient in the Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen is meadowfoam estolide, a complex derived from meadowfoam seed that increases hydration levels, resulting in a more even skin texture.
How to Use Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen?
Apply Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen generously and evenly as the last step in your skincare routine and before makeup.
Where to Buy Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen?
Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen 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 Unseen Sunscreen?
Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen costs $34 USD for 1.7 oz on the brand’s website.
What is The Supergoop Return Policy?
The Supergoop return policy states, “We offer free returns or exchanges within 30 days of purchase. Simply head over to returns.supergoop.com and follow the steps!”
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 Unseen Sunscreen Vegan?
Yes, Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen is vegan.
Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen Reviews
There are many 5-star reviews for Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen from customers who love the lightweight texture, and that the product doesn’t leave a white cast. Other positive reviews mention that it easily smooths onto the skin, absorbs quickly, and doesn’t leave skin looking greasy.
For example, one review says, “Can’t get enough of this. Just disappears and doesn’t feel like you have anything on and doesn’t break me out. Awesome stuff.”
And another very positive review says, “I’m supposed to use face sunscreen with my acne medication, but all the sunscreen I’ve tried before has felt super heavy and left my face oily. So I basically avoided using sunscreen at all. But that’s not the case with this stuff! It’s extremely light and not like anything you’ve used before. It really is as if you’re not wearing any sunscreen at all. Nothing short of a miracle.”
However, there are a handful of negative reviews for the Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen from customers who experienced sunburns even after applying this product.
For example, one review says, “Tried this today for the first time. Felt like Vaseline on my face, which I could deal with but it didn’t work. I applied before going out in the sun, and reapplied twice more while outside and am left with a horrible sunburn. Very disappointing.”
And another review mentions experienced breakouts after using it. The review says, “Really upset about the quality of the product. It caused me to have breakouts and increased redness in my t-zone. I’ve also had issues with pilling even when I only layered it over a moisturizer, no serums. Not worth the money. I don’t think it prevents sunburns either.”
Our Verdict
Overall, we think that Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen is formulated well, although we typically prefer mineral sunscreens since they aren’t absorbed into the body.
Pros
- Product feels weightless and looks invisible
- Formula provides broad spectrum SPF 40 protection
- Fragrance free
- Supporting key ingredients (emollients and meadowfoam seed complex) help to moisturize skin
- Many positive Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen reviews
- Supergoop is cruelty free
Cons
- Chemical sunscreen ingredients absorb through the skin and into the bloodstream
- Mid-range cost ($34 USD for 1.7 oz)
References:
JAMA. 2019;321(21):2082-2091.
