Supergoop! SPF 40 Unseen Sunscreen Review

In the confusing, vast world of sunscreens, one brand has truly stood the test of time, and that’s Supergoop! While the brand features an array of sunscreen products that we love, it’s their Supergoop! Unseen sunscreen that clocks in as a true Beauty Empty. (Though we think their “Play” sunscreen is a very close second, even for your face.)

If you buy through our links, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Our policy

Billed as the first 100% invisible, weightless, scentless sunscreen with SPF 40 protection, it does what it says it’s going to do, without the greasy texture or white residue we’re all too familiar with. This multitasking product has revolutionized the way we think about sunscreen, and it’s made its way into the daily routines of sun-loving humans (or just humans that like to go outside).

Why We Like This Product

Sunscreens are one of those products that most of us know we have to wear, but if they feel icky in any way, I tend to dread putting them on. That’s why it’s so important to get a sunscreen that you can feel good in, especially when you’re wearing makeup. Here are the reasons Supergoop! Unseen tops our list:

1. Lightweight texture: The product’s lightweight texture makes it easy to apply and wear under makeup.
2. Non-greasy formula: It has an oil-free, non-greasy formula, which helps prevent the skin from feeling oily or shiny. It’s also filled with anti-oxidants such as Red Algae (Chondrus Crispus Extract), Frankincense (Boswellia Serrata Resin Extract), and Meadowfoam so it’s pulling double-duty as effective skincare as well as a bonus makeup primer.
3. Effective sun protection: In addition to the broad spectrum UVA/UVB & infrared protection, it also helps filter blue light.
4. No white cast: Unlike some other sunscreens, Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 does not leave a white cast on the skin, making it suitable for all skin tones and great to wear under makeup.

What We Don’t Like

If I was stranded on a desert island and had to choose between Supergoop!’s Unseen and Play, I would pick the latter without a doubt. But even in my landlocked reality I actually prefer Play, even under makeup. To me, Unseen feels weird going on, and I prefer the way Play moisturizes my skin. In fact, it doubles as my moisturizer during the day. While Play takes a few more seconds to rub in, I actually like the moist look it leaves behind versus Unseen’s matte finish, which can make my skin feel a little more tight than I want after I put it on.

Why You Need This Product

Sunscreens are “the best anti-aging product you can use,” says celebrity skincare guru Shani Darden. “Supergoop! has a line of sunscreens that are my favorite. They have a sunscreen for every skin type,” she says. On top of their anti-aging benefits, Darden adds: When you expose your skin to the sun unprotected, it will weaken the skin and cause you to age faster. It will deplete collagen in your skin, which leads to a lack of firmness and wrinkles. It will also cause age spots to appear. The worst concern of all is that exposure to the sun can cause skin cancer.

What to Know About the Ingredients

EWG Rating: 3

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 has a rating of 3, which is considered a moderate hazard. The active ingredient Avobenzone has a rating of 2, which is considered a low hazard, while Octisalate and Octocrylene both have a rating of 3, which is a moderate hazard. The other ingredients in the product are generally considered safe, but some, like Isododecane, have a moderate hazard rating due to concerns about skin irritation and potential toxicity.

Supergoop! has a “No List” of over 1600 ingredients they won’t use in their products, and they never test on animals.

Are They Cruelty-Free/Vegan? Yes. The company is Leaping Bunny-certified cruelty-free, which means that they do not conduct, commission, or pay for any tests on animals when formulating or testing their products. Additionally, all of Supergoop!’s products are vegan, with the exception of two products that contain beeswax. (Supergoop! PLAY Lip Balm SPF 30 and the Supergoop! Mint Condition Lip Shield SPF 30.)

Who Owns This Company? Supergoop is a privately held company, and the current majority owner is Blackstone Group. The company was founded in 2007 by Holly Thaggard, who remains involved with the company as a shareholder and advisor. 

More SuperGoop! Unseen Reviews

A cruelty-free mark means the brand is certified by PETA, Leaping Bunny, or both at the time of writing. A missing mark doesn’t mean a brand tests on animals; it just means the brand isn’t certified by these programs.

Related Articles

• My Latest Empties: Salt & Stone Body Wash and Drunk Elephant Beste No. 9
• My Beauty Empties This Week: Paula’s Choice Azelaic Acid and Aestura Atobarrier 365
• Our Top Face Oils for Aging Skin, and What Each One Is Really For
• The Best Neck Firming Creams, From an $8 Bottle to a $95 Splurge