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.

What are the Best Skin Care Products of 2023?

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.

• • 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.

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 Glow Screen Vegan?

Yes, Supergoop Glow Screen is vegan. 

Supergoop Glow Screen Reviews

There are many 5-star reviews for Supergoop Glow Screen from customers who love that it absorbs into the skin quickly, leaving a natural-looking glow. 

For example, one review says, “I absolutely love this product. Creates a great base for your makeup, or you can just wear it by itself if you want a more natural look. Love the light, fresh glowy skin it gives you – and the extra sun protection is a great perk.

And another 5-star review says, “This stuff is pricey so I really didn’t want to like it as much as I did. It absorbs quickly and disappears into my skin but leaves a very nice subtle glowy sheen. My new fave.”

However, there are a handful of negative reviews for the Supergoop Glow Screen from customers who found that the formula created too much shine. 

For example, one review says, “I got this product because it was highly recommended to me; however, it’s not for me. It goes past glowy and is glittery and shiny, way too shiny for me. I do think it offers good UV protection, just can’t get past how much shimmer it adds to the face.”

Other reviews mention that it pills and doesn’t wear well underneath makeup, as one reviewer shares, “​​No idea how this is so popular, it pills endlessly, exposes all the pores and creases in my skin, it’s such a waste of money honestly.”

And a similar Supergoop Glow Screen review says, “I didn’t like this product at all. It peeled up when applied and my foundation didn’t set on top of it well at all. My makeup started breaking down, within a couple of hours after applying. Not worth the high price tag at all”

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

What Are Some Alternatives to  Supergoop Glow Screen?

While Supergoop Glow Screen can protect against UV damage that leads to photoaging, it doesn’t reverse signs of aging. If you’re looking for skin care products to address the signs of aging, one brand we recommend is Formulyst.

Formulyst maximizes the use of powerful ingredients and minimizes the use of superficial ones, resulting in clinically advanced skin care solutions that help promote healthy, more youthful-looking skin.

For example, Formulyst’s Anti-Aging Concentrate can help to address multiple signs of aging at once. This serum contains natural ingredients like squalane, green tea, vitamin C, and vitamin E, which provide powerful antioxidant activity to protect the skin against environmental free radicals that are known to degrade collagen. In addition, this serum contains Matrixyl 3000, a peptide complex that works to restore and maintain the skin’s youthful appearance by signaling to cells to produce more collagen.

Another brand that balances the power of plants with cutting edge science is Carrot & Stick. Not only is Carrot & Stick good for your skin, it is also good for the environment as the formulas skip harmful chemicals commonly found in skin care products.

References:
JAMA. 2019;321(21):2082-2091.
J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2010 Feb; 3(2): 22–41