At first glance, you may think that Supergoop is related to Gwyneth Paltrow’s lifestyle brand, Goop, but that’s actually not the case. In fact, Supergoop was created in 2007, a year before Paltrow founded Goop. So if it’s not Paltrow’s brand, you may be wondering: who owns Supergoop? That would be Holly Thaggard, a former teacher who started the company after a friend’s skin cancer diagnosis.
Thaggard created sunscreen formulations — what she referred to as “goop” — and got them into schools in Texas to better protect the youth during their time playing outside. The brand has since expanded to offer an entire range of SPF products, including everything from moisturizers to makeup to serums and more.
In this review, we’ll focus on the 10 best Supergoop sunscreens, including the key ingredients in the formulas and the research that supports (or doesn’t support) their use in skincare. We’ll also share some Supergoop reviews so that you can get an idea of what customers really think of these products.
What Are The Top 10 Best Supergoop Sunscreens?
Supergoop specializes in formulating sun care products for your face, body, and lips, and they even offer makeup products with SPF.
However, this brand does not offer products for every step of your skincare routine. For example, they don’t offer cleansers or toners, and they only have two serums.
But if you’re on the hunt for a good sunscreen, you’re in luck. Below we’ll give you all the details on the 10 best Supergoop sunscreens.
Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
The brand’s most popular product is the Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen. The formula glides onto the skin, creating a weightless velvety finish that’s invisible; no white cast or greasy mess with this Supergoop sunscreen!
That’s because the brand uses four chemical sunscreen ingredients in this product, including avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, and octocrylene. Together, these ingredients provide broad spectrum SPF 40 protection.
The silky feel of Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen is due to a high concentration of isododecane, a synthetic emollient that provides a light skin feel and improves the slip of the formula without leaving a sticky residue behind.
The rest of the formula consists of emollients and a complex derived from meadowfoam seed to increase skin’s hydration levels and promote softer, smoother skin.
Bottom Line: Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen is perfect for everyday use, either on its own or under your makeup primer when you want a little more coverage.
Supergoop Glow Screen SPF 40
This Supergoop sunscreen has a sheer liquid texture that feels lightweight and absorbs into the skin quickly, creating a natural looking radiance.
There are three chemical sunscreen ingredients in this formula — avobenzone, octisalate, and octocrylene — that provide broad spectrum SPF 40 protection.
We love that the formula contains a decent amount of niacinamide, which is one of the best skincare ingredients, in our opinion. And there’s research to back it up.
For example, 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, acne, and wrinkling. Pretty impressive, right?
And you can thank mica and titanium dioxide for the instant dose of radiance created by this sunscreen. Mica and titanium dioxide are minerals that add a shimmering effect and reflect light from the face, creating the illusion of a smoother, softer, and more radiant skin tone
Bottom Line: Supergoop Glow Screen is a makeup-gripping primer that leaves a dewy, glowy finish while also providing sun protection and improving the skin’s hydration.
Supergoop CC Cream SPF 50
Supergoop CC Cream is lightweight yet buildable enough to cover imperfections while also creating instant luminosity.
It’s available in 15 different shades for a variety of skin tones. If you aren’t sure which shade is right for you, you can take a quick assessment on the brand’s website. You’ll be asked a few questions about your skin tone, and the brand will recommend the shade that’s best for you.
The 100% mineral formula includes non-nano zinc oxide to provide broad spectrum SPF 50 protection. The mineral particles are larger in size and safely sit on top of skin.
The formula also includes hydrating ingredients like glycerin and apple fruit extract, as well as mica and titanium dioxide to smooth skin texture and create instant radiance.
Bottom Line: Supergoop CC Cream instantly color corrects, evens the appearance of skin, and provides broad spectrum SPF 50 protection.
Supergoop Glow Stick SPF 50
This is a portable dry oil sunscreen stick that can be used on your face, chest, and shoulders. It goes on smooth and creates a dewy finish without any oily residue.
There are three chemical sunscreen ingredients in this formula — avobenzone, octisalate, and octocrylene — that provide broad spectrum SPF 50 protection.
And we love that the formula includes soothing extracts like calendula, as well as nourishing emollients like tamanu oil, caprylic/capric triglyceride (from coconut), and meadowfoam seed oil.
Bottom Line: Supergoop Glow Stick is perfect for throwing in your purse or beach bag so that you can have mess-free, travel-friendly SPF anywhere you go.
Supergoop Matte Screen SPF 40
This Supergoop sunscreen is ideal for those with oily skin, or anyone who wants to create a matte finish.
The 100% mineral formula includes two physical sunscreens, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, to provide broad spectrum SPF 40 protection.
The formula also contains high concentrations of several different silicones, such as cyclopentasiloxane and dimethicone crosspolymer. Silicones improve the product’s spreadability, create a silky smooth skin feel, and increase skin’s hydration. They also help keep skin matte, blur the look of pores, and temporarily fill lines and wrinkles.
Bottom Line: Supergoop Matte Screen is a 100% mineral sunscreen that helps leave skin looking mattified and poreless.
Supergoop PLAY Everyday Lotion SPF 50
As the name suggests, this Supergoop sunscreen was formulated to be used for a day of play, such as going to the beach or playground, or exercising outside.
It absorbs into the skin quickly, providing broad spectrum SPF 50 protection thanks to four chemical sunscreen ingredients: avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, and octocrylene. Plus, the formula is water- and sweat-resistant for 80 minutes.
The one thing we don’t love about this Supergoop sunscreen is the inclusion of fragrant essential oils, such as orange peel oil and lemon peel oil, especially since this product is meant to be applied before going into the sun.
That’s because citrus oils are known to cause photosensitivity — a heightened skin sensitivity to UV rays — due to compounds known as furanocoumarins. It’s best to avoid skin care products with citrus oils, especially sunscreen products!
Bottom Line: Supergoop Play Everyday Lotion would be a great sunscreen for the whole family if it didn’t include citrus oils like orange peel and lemon peel oil.
Supergoop Superscreen Daily Moisturizer SPF 40
This face moisturizer is formulated to provide all-day hydration and sun protection. There are three chemical sunscreen ingredients in this formula — avobenzone, octisalate, and homosalate — that provide broad spectrum SPF 40 protection.
Superscreen Daily Moisturizer is lightweight and absorbs into the skin quickly without leaving a white cast or greasy residue. It has a “nice fluffy texture like whipped cream” as described by one review for this moisturizer.
Bottom Line: Superscreen Daily Moisturizer is a facial moisturizer that hydrates the skin while providing broad spectrum sun protection.
Supergoop Mineral Sheer Screen SPF 30
This non-nano zinc oxide face sunscreen delivers broad spectrum SPF 30 while also protecting skin from blue light (the light emitted from things like your phone and laptop).
There are some pretty good emollients in this formula, such as squalane and caprylic/capric triglyceride, which both help to increase the skin’s hydration while keeping it soft and smooth. The brand claims that aloe vera and blush clover extract are key ingredients, but both ingredients are present in very low concentrations (less than 1%).
What sets this product apart from other Supergoop sunscreens is the super sheer formula that suspends the sunscreen actives in a matrix without compromising efficacy, so it instantly blends to a natural, smooth finish that wears well alone or as a primer under makeup.
Bottom Line: Supergoop Mineral Sheer Screen is a 100% mineral, sheer skin protector that provides SPF 30 protection while helping to shield from blue light and prep skin for makeup.
Supergoop Daily Dose Vitamin C + SPF 40 Serum
This first-ever hybrid serum combines the power of stable vitamin C (10% 3-O Ethyl Ascorbic Acid) with four chemical sunscreen ingredients to provide broad spectrum SPF 40 protection.
Vitamin C helps boost antioxidant protection to neutralize the effects of UVA and UVB rays.
Furthermore, research suggests that when vitamin C is applied to the skin, it significantly reverses aging-related structural changes by influencing collagen and elastin synthesis.
And just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, it can. Vitamin C also helps to promote a brighter complexion with fewer dark spots and a more even skin tone by inhibiting melanin synthesis.
Bottom Line: This Supergoop vitamin C serum combines high potency vitamin C with zinc oxide to help visibly brighten skin and prevent the two main causes of dark spots: UV and blue light.
Supergoop PLAY Body Mousse SPF 50
This Supergoop sunscreen has a lovely mousse texture that is easily applied and easily absorbed. The chemical sunscreen ingredients avobenzone, homosalate, and octisalate provide broad spectrum SPF 50 protection.
The formula also includes ingredients like antioxidant-rich pineapple, nourishing shea butter, and hydrating cucumber extract.
However, this is another Supergoop sunscreen with citrus extracts, including orange, grapefruit, and lemon. Remember, citrus extracts are photosensitizers, which means they increase your skin’s sensitivity to UV rays.
Bottom Line: Supergoop PLAY Body Mousse has a lightweight mousse texture that provides broad spectrum SPF 50 protection, but the inclusion of citrus oils could lead to photosensitivity.
Is The Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen Right For You?
We introduced the 10 best Supergoop sunscreens above, but keep in mind that Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen is by far the brand’s most popular product. But is it right for you? Here’s a breakdown of the most important factors to consider before purchasing this product:
- 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
What Are The Key Ingredients in Supergoop Sunscreens?
Supergoop offers both chemical sunscreens and mineral sunscreens, which may leave you wondering; what’s the difference? And does it matter which type I use? Below we’ll give you a brief overview on the differences between these types of sunscreen ingredients.
Mineral (Physical) Sunscreen Ingredients
Mineral — also known as physical — sunscreens include zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These ingredients protect your skin by using physical UV filters to block or deflect UV light. There are a few Supergoop mineral sunscreens, such as the Supergoop CC Cream, Matte Screen, and Mineral Sheer Screen.
Physical sunscreens tend to be better tolerated by most skin types because they are not absorbed into the skin. Thus, they are especially useful for those with heat sensitive skin (i.e. rosacea patients) as well as those with acne-prone skin as they are typically less pore-clogging.
However, physical sunscreens are thicker than chemical sunscreens and can often leave a white cast after application.
Chemical Sunscreen Ingredients
Chemical sunscreens protect the skin by first absorbing UV light, then transforming that light energy into some other form of energy, such as heat.
Common chemical sunscreen ingredients include oxybenzone, octinoxate, avobenzone, and homosalate. You can find these ingredients in many Supergoop sunscreens, such as Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen, Glow Screen, Glow Stick, and more.
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.
Why Broad Spectrum Sunscreen is Important
Whether you choose a physical or a chemical sunscreen, it’s important that it is a broad spectrum sunscreen
According to the FDA, broad spectrum means that the sunscreen can protect skin from both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. UVA rays can prematurely age your skin, whereas UVB rays can burn your skin. Both types of rays can cause skin cancer.
Fortunately, all Supergoop sunscreens are broad spectrum.
How Much SPF Do I Need?
SPF (sun protection factor) is defined by the FDA as “how well a sunscreen protects you from sunburn”. Thus, the number following SPF on a sunscreen label tells you how much UVB light that sunscreen can filter out.
For example, SPF 15 can filter 93% of the sun’s UVB rays, whereas SPF 30 can filter 97%.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30. Anything above SPF 30 is not usually necessary as it has little incremental benefit and below 30 does not offer enough protection.
You probably noticed that all Supergoop sunscreens are at least SPF 30 or above.
How Much Do Supergoop Sunscreens Cost?
Supergoop sunscreens are mid-range in terms of cost; they aren’t cheap but they are ridiculously expensive. For example, Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen costs $34 USD for 1.7 oz on the brand’s website.
Where to Buy Supergoop Sunscreens?
Supergoop sunscreens are sold on the brand’s website. They are also available online and in-store at select retailers including Sephora, Dermstore, Nordstrom, Blue Mercury, Anthropologie, Amazon, and more.
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?
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 Vegan?
All of the Supergoop products are vegan with the exception of the 100% Mineral Sunscreen Stick and Sunnyscreen 100% Mineral Stick, which both contain beeswax.
Our Verdict
Overall, we think that Supergoop sunscreens are formulated well, and we like that the brand offers both chemical and physical sunscreen products.
Pros
- Extensive collection of different types of sun care products to choose from
- Many positive Supergoop reviews
- Supergoop is cruelty free
- Free returns or exchanges within 30 days of purchase
- Most products are fragrance free
Cons
- The brand does not offer anything besides sun care products
- Some products contain citrus oils, which may lead to photosensitivity
References:
J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2010 Feb; 3(2): 22–41
JAMA. 2019;321(21):2082-2091.
American Academy of Dermatology “How to Decode Sunscreen Labels”
