Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
Works for
Sun protectionSPF 40 · 3 UV filtersBroad spectrum
This product offers a good level of protection against both UVB and UVA rays.
This sunscreen uses organic (so-called "chemical") sunscreen filters. Organic, or "chemical" filters usually provide reliable sun protection and rarely leave a white cast. Sunscreens with organic filters can sting eyes.
This product can be considered "reef safe" because it does not contain the UV filters (oxybenzone and octinoxate) that can be harmful to coral reefs when present in the water in high concentrations.
Evens skin toneSide benefit the brand mentions · No ingredient credited for this claimWorks well
“Skin Type Normal, Dry, Combination, and Oily Skincare Concerns Fine Lines and Wrinkles, Pores, and Dullness and Uneven Texture Formulation Gel Highlighted Ingredients , Complex Derived from Meadowfoam Seed Helps increase hydration levels, resulting in a more even skin texture.”
This product offers broad spectrum sun protection. It means that it can prevent hyperpigmentation and help keep the skin tone even (sun damage is the main factor causing age spots, darkening of post-acne marks and other discolorations).
MoisturizingSide benefit the brand mentions · Diisopropyl sebacate, Glycerin + 10 moreWorks
“- Complex Derived from Meadowfoam Seed: Increases hydration levels, resulting in a more even skin texture.”
This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.
The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water.
When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from
within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job:
glycerin, caprylyl glycol.
This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: helianthus annuus extract, isododecane.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy7 strong irritants: Aniba rosaeodora wood oil, Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil + 5 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
Comedogenic1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale1 flagged
User reviews
17 of 20 community members would buy it again.
I love this sunscreen. I have oily skin and it makes my skin more matte. My dermatologist said it can be comedogenic, but I have been using for some time and have not had any issues. Definitely buy the mini or ask for a sample at Sephora before you buy as it is quite pricy.
Because I'm used to this type of formula in makeup primers, it was a bit challenging to make sure that I applied enough of this (since you don't need to apply anywhere near as much primer as you need sunscreen). This also stayed quite slippery on the skin, and because it doesn't sink in as easily as a lotion, reapplying just felt like I was caking on silicone upon silicone all day, and by the end of the day the layer felt quite heavy. I'd say this is most suitable for days when you'll be spending most of the time indoors and don't need to reapply sunscreen often (such as just commuting to and from the office).
As a US sunscreen, this also uses some of the older UV filters which are less stable than the newer ones I have access to in Europe, which is another reason this won't be a regular in my routine.
I can't even tell you how much I hate this sunscreen. It feels horrible on my skin. Very heavy and sticky. Waste of money.
Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Homosalate10%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A weak sunscreen that offers some protection against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB), but does not offer meaningful protection against protect against the most aging sun rays (UVA). It loses its effectiveness quickly when exposed to sunlight. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreen. When used in low concentrations, helps to stabilize the product formulation
More about HomosalateEthylhexyl salicylate5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Octisalate. A UV filter. It offers some protection against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB), but does not protect against the most aging sun rays (UVA). It loses its effectiveness quickly when exposed to sunlight. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreen
More about Ethylhexyl salicylateButyl methoxydibenzoylmethane3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Avobenzone. An organic, or so-called "chemical" UV filter. Protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Needs to be combined with other filters in a formulation to be stable.
More about Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethaneWater~45–55%
Polyester-8~3.9–4.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to stabilize product formulations and individual ingredients (for example, sunscreens). Can be an allergen
More about Polyester-8Acrylates copolymer~5.1–6.2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to stabilize product formulation, help create an even product layer over skin (for example, in sunscreen) and create a thicker product consistency
More about Acrylates copolymerDiisopropyl sebacate~3.9–4.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin without creatng a greasy finish
More about Diisopropyl sebacateGlycerin~2.7–3.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
More about GlycerinIsodecyl neopentanoate~2.2–2.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps soften the skin. It also forms a protective on its surface to reduce water loss.
More about Isodecyl neopentanoateIsododecane~1.6–2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps soften the skin and can decrease moisture loss. Helps create a nice product texture
More about IsododecaneLauryl lactate~1.3–1.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Cetyl alcohol~1.1–1.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together
More about Cetyl alcoholPotassium cetyl phosphate~0.65–1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Potassium cetyl phosphateBrassica campestris/aleurites fordi oil copolymer~0.65–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Oryza sativa bran extract~0.45–0.7%
Cetearyl olivate~0.45–0.65%
Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Increases thickness of a product. Texture enhancer for oil-in-water emulsions
More about Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymerHydroxyacetophenone~0.3–0.55%
Sorbitan olivate~0.3–0.6%
Diethylhexyl syringylidenemalonate~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to stabilize the product formulation
More about Diethylhexyl syringylidenemalonateAniba rosaeodora wood oil~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- High
Chlorphenesin~0.16–0.32%
Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil~0.25–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- High
An essentil oil from orange peel. Potential allergen and can be irritating
More about Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oilCitrus limon peel oil~0.2–0.35%
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.2–0.4%
Eucalyptus globulus leaf oil~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- High
An essential oil that can be very irritating. Has some anti-bacterial properties
More about Eucalyptus globulus leaf oilOcimum basilicum flower/leaf extract~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- High
Used as a fragrance. Canbe irritating
More about Ocimum basilicum flower/leaf extractPelargonium graveolens flower oil~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- High
An essential oil. Can be irritating. Can become an allergen with oxidation
More about Pelargonium graveolens flower oilPogostemon cablin oil~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Pentylene glycol~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
More about Pentylene glycol1,2-hexanediol~0.2–0.35%
Caprylyl glycol~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolXanthan gum~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumHelianthus annuus extract~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Helianthus annuus extractBehenic acid~0.5–0.7%
Cetyl behenate~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Isostearyl isostearate~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and improve the product texture. It can be comedogenic
More about Isostearyl isostearateTrisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to improve stability of the formulation
More about Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinateTocopherol~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself
More about TocopherolAllantoin~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated
More about AllantoinRosmarinus officinalis leaf extract~0.1–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- High
Can be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritating
More about Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extractCaprylic/capric triglyceride~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin
More about Caprylic/capric triglyceridePanthenol~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function
More about PanthenolPentasodium triphosphate~0.05–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Citric acid~0.05–0.1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidIngredient list view
Homosalate, Ethylhexyl salicylate, Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, Water, Polyester-8, Acrylates copolymer, Diisopropyl sebacate, Glycerin, Isodecyl neopentanoate, Isododecane, Lauryl lactate, Cetyl alcohol, Potassium cetyl phosphate, Brassica campestris/aleurites fordi oil copolymer, Oryza sativa bran extract, Cetearyl olivate, Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer, Hydroxyacetophenone, Sorbitan olivate, Diethylhexyl syringylidenemalonate, Aniba rosaeodora wood oil, Chlorphenesin, Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil, Citrus limon peel oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Eucalyptus globulus leaf oil, Ocimum basilicum flower/leaf extract, Pelargonium graveolens flower oil, Pogostemon cablin oil, Pentylene glycol, 1,2-hexanediol, Caprylyl glycol, Xanthan gum, Helianthus annuus extract, Behenic acid, Cetyl behenate, Isostearyl isostearate, Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate, Tocopherol, Allantoin, Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Panthenol, Pentasodium triphosphate, Citric acid
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Worth comparing, line by line.
Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.
| Supergoop!Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40YOUR PRODUCT | Face Reality SkincareBrilliant Defense SPF 50 | La Roche-PosayAnthelios Melt-In Milk Sunscreen for Face & Body SPF 100 | NiveaSUN Kids Suncream Lotion SPF 50 Sensitive Skin | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 66% | 64% | 62% |
| Price | — | $42.00 | $20.99 | $7.37 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 5 of 7 | 6 of 7 | 4 of 7 |
| Key difference | — | Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate | Dimethicone | Uvinul T |
| Irritancy | High | Low | Low | Medium |
| SPF | SPF 40 | SPF 50 | SPF 100 | SPF 50 |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | Contains drying alcohol |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: NIA24 Sun Damage Prevention UVA UVB Sunscreen SPF 30Cell Fusion C Laser UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 50
Product summary
The ingredient list suggests that "Supergoop! - Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40" can provide reliable sun protection. It can protect from both UVA and UVB rays. This is great news because not all sunscreens with SPF ratings give UVA protection. (UVA rays do not cause sunburn, but still damage our skin and lead to early aging).
Its formula is also hydrating, so you might not need an additional moistruizer during the day.
Sunscreen filters
This sunscreen uses so-called "chemical", or organic UV filters (organic simply means that their molecules contain atoms of carbon). These filters typically give good sun protection and rarely leave a white cast, but they can be irritating for sensitive skin. Here are the exact UV filters in this sunscreen: avobenzone 3.00% (declared), octisalate 5.00% (declared) and homosalate 10.00% (declared).
Irritation risk
This product contains a bunch of common irritants, including ingredients that do not provide any known benefit for the skin. It might not be the best choice if your skin is sensitive. We assess the overall irritancy of it to be high. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here
You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.
What our users say
Based on 20 reviews 85% recommend this product- As for the white cast, all of the reviewers (20) say that it does not leave a white cast.
- As for using this sunscreen in the eye area, the vast majority of the reviewers (100%) find that it stings eyes.
- When it comes to using this sunscreen under makeup, 1 % of the reviewers found that it pills under makeup.
- When it comes to comedogenicity, 1 % of the reviewers found that it clogs pores.
About the brand
According to Cruelty-Free Kitty "Supergoop! " is cruelty free and so is its parent company.
Price
The product retails from 20.00$ up to 44.00$ in the United States, for 26.00CA$ in Canada and for 300.00HK$ in Hong Kong.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 15 studies and safety reviews.
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