In the quest for the perfect sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection without the common pitfalls of pore-clogging and breakouts, Supergoop’s Unseen Sunscreen SPF 30 has emerged as a compelling contender.
Specially formulated for sensitive, oily, and acne-prone skin, this transparent, weightless sunscreen promises a non-comedogenic solution that leaves zero residue.
Therefore, in this article, I will delve into its ingredients, efficacy, and wearability in order to determine whether Supergoop’s Unseen Sunscreen is truly a holy grail product for those with problematic skin.
This is my Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 30 review that aims to uncover whether the sunscreen lives up to its claims of seamless sun protection without compromising skin health.
What is The Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 30?
The Supergoop website describes Unseen Sunscreen as a weightless, oil-free sunscreen free of controversial ingredients usually associated with chemical sunscreens, such as oxybenzone and octinoxate.
Additionally, the description goes on to say that the Unseen Sunscreen can be used as a makeup-gripping primer under foundation for when you want a little more coverage.
Ingredients
The first thing that stood out when checking the Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen’s ingredient list was the amount of silicones this product contains.
This made me worry about how well the product would absorb into my oily skin, as many silicone-heavy formulas often end up sitting on the skin’s surface and pilling up when makeup is applied on top instead of disappearing into the skin.
In addition, the formula contains standard actives found in chemical sunscreens, including avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, and octocrylene, which work together to provide broad-spectrum UV protection.
Finally, the product also contains hydrating, nourishing, and skin-softening ingredients, including shea butter, hydrating mannitol, and lecithin, a natural emollient that keeps the skin smooth and moisturized.
Now, as someone with oily and acne-prone skin, the ingredient list of the Unseen Sunscreen was a red flag for me. I was already suspecting that I wouldn’t care much for this product when I ordered it, but I decided to give it a chance anyway due to its popularity and many positive reviews.
Consistency
Supergoop’s Unseen Sunscreen has a consistency that can be described as a silicone-based gel.
It reminds me of the Smashbox Photo Finish primer but with a medium density.
It’s smooth and glides across the skin with ease, but as soon as I apply it, my skin feels immediately suffocated.
Scent
Supergoop’s Unseen Sunscreen has no added fragrance and no smell.
The formula smells like nothing, which makes it suitable for those with sensitive and reactive skin, as well as those sensitive to fragrance.
Performance
Even though I wasn’t a fan of the ingredients right away, I still decided to give the Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen a chance because it was marketed as a matte, water-resistant product that’s excellent for oily skin types.
However, I realized upon the first application that the Unseen Sunscreen neither had a matte finish nor was it oil-free and water-resistant.
While I appreciate it is completely clear and doesn’t leave a white cast, I didn’t like the Unseen Sunscreen for several reasons.
For one, the Unseen Sunscreen did not hold up well on my oily skin.
It felt like it was going to slide off my face as little as an hour after application and became very greasy very quickly, leaving my skin looking shiny throughout the day.
Secondly, the Unseen Sunscreen came off easily, and it felt like it was being moved around while I was applying makeup. I was certain it gave me uneven coverage and inadequate sun protection and didn’t live up to its claims of “doubling as a foundation-gripping primer.”
Third, the Unseen Sunscreen made my pores look huge after I applied it, and the exacerbated texture only kept looking worse throughout the day as my natural oil seeped through.
Finally, the Unseen Sunscreen felt like I was rubbing some sort of soft rubber, which melted easily on the skin and became very greasy.
On the other hand, my husband, who has normal to dry skin, loved the Unseen Sunscreen.
In fact, it was, for a brief time, the only sunscreen he tolerated and used every morning, which was convenient as I would’ve probably thrown the product out if he hadn’t finished it.
Therefore, if you have dry skin, you may like the Unseen Sunscreen, especially in winter, as it is definitely hydrating, skin-softening, and suitable for sensitive and reactive skin.
On the other hand, if your skin is excessively oily, the Unseen Sunscreen will likely exacerbate these issues and frustrate you throughout the day.
Who Is The Unseen Sunscreen Best For?
Supergoop’s Unseen Sunscreen is best for normal to dry skin.
Who Isn’t it For?
Supergoop’s Unseen Sunscreen is not a suitable product for oily skin with enlarged pores.
Does Unseen Sunscreen Clog Pores?
Although Unseen Sunscreen is marketed as a non-comedogenic product, it does contain potentially comedogenic ingredients, including jojoba esters, red algae extracts, and several silicones that may clog pores.
That said, the Unseen Sunscreen didn’t exacerbate my existing breakout at the time or cause new acne lesions.
However, bear in mind that I only used it a couple of times and stopped because I didn’t like the finish and efficacy.
With that said, I cannot be confident that the Unseen Sunscreen would be a safe, long-term option for everyone with acne-prone skin.
Therefore, if you are prone to clogged pores and acne, it’s best to incorporate the Unseen Sunscreen slowly into your skincare routine and watch out for any negative reactions.
If you start experiencing texture due to clogged pores, an increased number of comedones such as whiteheads and blackheads, and acne after using the Unseen Sunscreen for a few days or weeks, it might be best to discontinue it and see if the condition resolves itself.
Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 30 Pros:
- It doesn’t leave a white cast.
- Suitable for darker skin tones.
- Suitable for dry skin types.
- Suitable for sensitive skin.
- It can be used as a makeup primer (if you have dry skin.)
Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 30 Cons:
- Not suitable for oily skin types.
- It slides off the skin after some time.
- Small bottle.
- Expensive.
- Different protection strengths for EU and US markets.
Related Questions:
Is Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen Safe?
Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF is reef-safe; however, I wouldn’t call it a universal product or a perfect match for all skin types.
Is Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen Good for Oily Skin?
While Supergoop’s Unseen Sunscreen is marketed as an ideal product for oily skin due to its lightweight consistency and matte finish, the formula contains silicones that create a greasy layer on the skin’s surface, which may not be suitable for oily skin.
Is Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen Good for Sensitive Skin?
The Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen is free from drying alcohol, irritating fragrances, and skin-damaging chemical filters, which makes it suitable for sensitive skin and those prone to allergic reactions.
Are Silicones in Skincare Products Bad?
Silicones are hypoallergenic and are not known to cause irritation and skin sensitivity.
However, silicones may not be the best ingredients for oily and acne-prone skin as they can create a greasy layer on the skin’s surface and exacerbate these concerns.
Therefore, while silicones in skincare products aren’t bad, they won’t work for every skin type.
My name is Simone and I am a certified skin specialist. I created this website to teach my readers how to take great care of their skin and I also like to occasionally share my honest opinions on skincare products I’ve tried. You can learn more about me here.
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This sunscreen doesn’t sound great. Although I love my Smashbox primer, I’d absolutely hate that texture as the final step in my skincare routine. Although I don’t mind dewier skin looks, this SPF sounds too slippery for my liking and whilst my oil levels seem to be far more under control now, I’d hate for my skin to feel super greasy with this product. Definitely a miss for me, so thank you for sharing your honest thoughts!
I’ve seen a lot of people loving this sunscreen and I bought into it. I’m happy it works for some, but this definitely was a huge miss for me. Stick to what you know works for you, instead of giving this expensive product a chance and possibly getting disappointed 🙂
Thanks for reaching out Sarah <3