Product Description
Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 50 PA+++ is their iconic 100% invisible, weightless, scentless sunscreen that’s non-irritating, doubles as a primer for all-day makeup wear and is clinically tested to improve skin clarity.
I usually avoid silicone-heavy formulas, especially when it comes to sunscreen. So when I first tried Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 50, a well-known silicone-based sunscreen that doubles as a primer, I was skeptical.
I discovered it during a Luxasia sale and was persuaded to try it as a primer sunscreen, a category I hadn’t used in years because I never felt a makeup primer was necessary in my routine. My last Dermalogica Skin Perfect Primer SPF30 which I used as a tinted sunscreen was a hit, and I was intrigued by this.
I have previously reviewed Supergoop Skin Soothing Mineral Sunscreen SPF40, Supergoop Everyday Sunscreen Broad Extract ( Oat Extract ) and Supergoop Antioxidant Infused Sunscreen Mist.
Packaging, Scent and Texture
Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen comes in a 50ml squeeze tube with a narrow nozzle that allows for controlled and hygienic dispensing especially helpful for its gel-like, silicone-based sunscreen texture.
True to its name, this invisible sunscreen is completely clear upon application, making it ideal for all skin tones. It is also scent-less, which is a plus for those sensitive to added scents.
The texture feels silky and lightweight, with a smooth, velvety slip typical of a primer sunscreen. The silicone-rich formula glides effortlessly over the skin, creating a soft-focus finish that preps the skin for makeup application.
How To Use :
1) Apply generously and evenly 15 minutes before sun exposure
2) Allow 30 seconds for product to absorb before applying makeup
3) reapply:
◦ after 40 minutes of swimming or sweating
◦ immediately after towel drying
◦ at least every 2 hours
Tips : Spending time in the sun increases your risk of skin cancer and early skin aging. To decrease this risk, regularly use a sunscreen with a Broad Spectrum SPF value of 15 or higher and other sun protection measures including:
◦ Limit time in the sun, especially from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
◦ Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, hats, and sunglasses
Performance and Ingredients
Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen is a weightless gel sunscreen that feels breathable and comfortable on the skin, leaving behind a natural, soft-focus finish. The clear gel texture works well across normal, combination, dry, oily, sensitive and even acne-prone skin types, making it a versatile broad spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen for daily use.
According to the brand, this invisible primer sunscreen is non-acnegenic, non-greasy and non-irritating. It is also clinically tested to improve makeup longevity, helping foundation apply more smoothly and last longer throughout the day. The pore-blurring effect creates a refined canvas, functioning as both a makeup primer and sunscreen in one step with no white cast.
Personally, I incorporated this into my routine as an additional layer of sun protection rather than a standalone sunscreen as you cannot really coat more than 1 layer due to the silicone feel. My application order is:
Regular sunscreen → Unseen Sunscreen → Tinted sunscreen → Loose powder
Currently, I am using
ROUND LAB Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Stick SPF50++++ → Smith Total Sunscreen → Unseen Sunscreen → La Roche-Posay Uvidea Anthelios Melt-In Tinted Cream → RMS Beauty “Un” Powder
I enjoyed the velvety smooth texture, the subtle mattifying effect and the soft matte, blurred finish it gives. It enhances makeup application while offering extra SPF 50 protection against UV rays and premature skin aging.
However, during the initial phase of use, I experienced minor breakouts - a tiny zit along the jawline, followed by another on the opposite side, and one on the forehead on separate occasions. I also experienced pilling when using it after Cancer Council Ultra Sensitive Kids Sunscreen,
Thankfully, the breakouts subsided over time, and I resolved the pilling issue by avoiding that particular sunscreen pairing.
The key ingredients are....
Meadowfoam Seed Oil : An emollient that supports skin’s moisture barrier by locking in hydration
A Complex of Chamomile-Derived Bisabolol & Licorice Root : Known to visibly soothe and help improve skin’s clarity
Advanced Skin-Gripping Polymers : Help create a lighter-weight feel and a smoother glide on skin
The 4 UV filters are....
Avobenzone : Also known as Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, it appears to be relatively non-toxic and non-irritating to the skin. However, because it is often used in conjunction with photo-stabilizers, there is a greater risk for skin irritation and low-level toxicity. Furthermore, some studies have demonstrated it to be absorbed by the body and secreted into urine, and is therefore not recommended to use on children or pregnant women
However tests have revealed Avobenzone’s tendency to significantly degrade in light over time, lessening its sun protection capabilities. For this reason, most sunscreens containing the ingredient also include photo-stabilizing ingredients like octocrylene.
Homosalate : An organic compound that belongs to salicylates. It is an ester formed from salicylic acid and 3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexanol, a derivative of cyclohexanol. Salicylates prevent direct skin exposure to the sun’s harmful rays by absorbing ultraviolet (UV) light. Homosalate specifically absorbs short-wave UVB rays, which are associated with DNA damage and increased risk of skin cancer.
Octyl Salicylate : Ethylhexyl Salicylate ( also known as Ethylhexyl Salicylate or Octisalate ) is an organic compound used as an ingredient in sunscreens and cosmetics to absorb UVB (ultraviolet) rays from the sun. Although the Cosmetics Ingredient Review notes that reproductive and developmental toxicity can occur in relation to Salicylic Acid, one of the two primary components of Ethylhexyl Salicylate, it has determined that the levels used in cosmetic and beauty products would not cause any adverse reaction. Importantly, the FDA has approved Ethylhexyl Salicylate for use in sunscreen with up to 5% concentration. Ethylhexyl Salicylate receives an EWG hazard rating of 4.
Octocrylene : It protects the skin against short UVA and long UVB rays, however from a research study, Octocrylene appears to be a strong allergen leading to contact dermatitis in children and mostly photoallergic contact dermatitis in adults with an often-associated history of photoallergy from ketoprofen.
You may also refer to the SPF efficacy report here.
For the uninitiated,
UVA - Long wave ultraviolet A (UVA) rays penetrate deep into the dermis, the skin's thickest layer and causes premature skin aging, wrinkling and dark spots.
UVB - Short wave ultraviolet B (UVB) rays burn the superficial layers of the skin and is the main cause of sunburn and skin cancer.
PA - More + signs mean longer protection against UVA
SPF - Higher numbers mean longer protection against UVB
Conclusion
To conclude, Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen has a clear, weightless gel texture with a velvety silicone finish and pore-blurring effect making it an excellent makeup-gripping base for those who want their foundation to glide on smoothly and last longer.
As a broad spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen, it offers strong UV protection while delivering a soft-focus, natural finish with no white cast, a huge plus for all skin tones. I personally enjoy using it as an additional sunscreen layer to boost protection and enhance makeup longevity.
That said, I wouldn't repurchase it because it is silicone-heavy.
