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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 versus Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++ .

Last updated on April 26, 2024. Published on May 05, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free sunscreens. They have a total of 24 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain exfoliants, SPF and Vitamin E

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for dry skin and brightening skin

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, oils or parabens

What's Inside

They both contain silicones and sulfates

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.

Sunscreen American Brand United States
Sunscreen American Brand United States

Sunscreen

Sunscreens help absorb or reflect UV radiation and protect skin against skin damage. Sunscreens may come in the form of lotion, gel, foam, spray, or solid-stick.

Sunscreen

Sunscreens help absorb or reflect UV radiation and protect skin against skin damage. Sunscreens may come in the form of lotion, gel, foam, spray, or solid-stick.

Price

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
spf rating
40
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
spf rating
40

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Chemical UV Filter (4)
Vitamin E
Exfoliators (2)

Benefits

Hydrating
Brightening

Concerns

May Worsen Oily Skin
Irritating
Rosacea (3)
Eczema (2)

Notable Ingredients

Chemical UV Filter (4)
Vitamin E
Exfoliators (2)

Benefits

Hydrating
Brightening

Concerns

May Worsen Oily Skin
Irritating
Rosacea (3)
Eczema (2)
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Ingredients Compared

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

Ingredients Side-by-side

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

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Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

1
What it does: UV Absorber, UV Filter
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Also known as Avobenzone, this ingredient is a chemical sunscreen filter that provides protection in the UV-A range.

Avobenzone is globally approved and is the most commonly used UV-A filter in the world.

Studies have found that avobenzone becomes ineffective when exposed to UV light (it is not photostable; meaning that it breaks down in sunlight). Because of this, formulations that include avobenzone will usually contain stabilizers such as octocrylene.

However, some modern formulations (looking at you, EU!) are able to stabilize avobenzone by coating the molecules.

Avobenzone does not protect against the UV-B range, so it's important to check that the sunscreen you're using contains other UV filters that do!

The highest concentration of avobenzone permitted is 3% in the US, and 5% in the EU.

Learn more about Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 1.

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 1.

2
What it does: Skin Conditioning, UV Absorber, UV Filter
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Homosalate is a chemical sunscreen filter that provides protection in the UV-B range (280nm - 320 nm), with a peak protection at 306 nm. It is internationally approved for use in sunscreens.

Homosalate is not photo-stable, meaning it's strength as a UV filter degrades over time with exposure to the sun. Because of this, it's often used in combination with other chemical sunscreen filters as avobenzone (which protects from the UV-A range). Homosalate also helps act as a solvent for harder-to-dissolve UV filters.

(Part of the reason that sunscreens need to be frequently re-applied is due to the photo instability of many chemical sunscreen filters)

Currently, homosalate is approved in concentrations up to 10% in the EU and 15% in the US. The FDA is currently doing further research on the effects of homosalate, and it is possible that these approved concentrations will change in the future.

Learn more about Homosalate

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 2.

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 2.

3
What it does: UV Absorber, UV Filter
Community Rating: Disliked

Ethylhexyl Salicylate is an organic compound used to block UV rays. It primarily absorbs UVB rays but offers a small amount of UVA protection as well.

Commonly found in sunscreens, Ethylhexyl Salicylate is created from salicylic acid and 2-ethylhexanol. You might know salicylic acid as the effective acne fighter ingredient and BHA.

The ethylhexanol in this ingredient is a fatty alcohol and helps hydrate your skin, similar to oils. It is an emollient, which means it traps moisture into the skin.

According to manufacturers, Ethylhexyl Salicylate absorbs UV wavelength of 295-315 nm, with a peak absorption at 307-310 nm. UVA rays are linked to long term skin damage, such as hyperpigmentation. UVB rays emit more energy and are capable of damaging our DNA. UVB rays cause sunburn.

Learn more about Ethylhexyl Salicylate

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 3.

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 3.

4
What it does: UV Absorber, UV Filter
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Octocrylene protects skin from sun damage. It absorbs UV-B with peak absorption of 304 nm. It is a common sunscreen ingredient and often paired with avobenzone, a UVA filter. This is because octocrylene stabilizes other sunscreen ingredients by protecting them from degradation when exposed to sunlight. Octocrylene is a photostable ingredient and loses about 10% of SPF in 95 minutes.

Octocrylene also acts as an emollient, meaning it helps skin retain moisture and softens skin. It is oil-soluble and hydrophobic, enhancing water-resistant properties in a product.

Those who are using ketoprofen, a topical anti-inflammatory drug, may experience an allergic reaction when using octocrylene. It is best to speak with a healthcare professional about using sunscreens with octocrylene.

The EU allows a maximum of these concentrations:

Learn more about Octocrylene

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 4.

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 4.

5
What it does: Emollient, Solvent
Community Rating: Disliked

Isododecane is a fragrance, emollient, and solvent.

As an emollient, it helps your skin stay soft and hydrated. Emollients help trap moisture into your skin.

Isododecane's role as a solvent makes it a great texture enhancer. It spreads smoothly on skin and does not leave a sticky feeling behind. Isododecane also helps prevent color transfer in makeup products.

Isododecane is not absorbed into skin.

Learn more about Isododecane

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 5.

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 5.

6
What it does: Emulsion Stabilising
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Dimethicone Crosspolymer is a silicone created by modifying dimethicone with hydrocarbon side chains. Due to its large size, it does not penetrate skin. It is considered non-occlusive.

Dimethicone Crosspolymer is used to stabilize and thicken products. It also helps give products a silky feel.

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 6.

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 6.

7
What it does:
Community Rating: Disliked

Polymethylsilsesquioxane is a silicone used as a film forming agent.

When applied to the skin, this ingredient creates an invisible film on the surface. This film still allows oxygen to pass through, but prevents moisture from escaping. This can help condition and hydrate the skin. It also leaves a silky feel when applied.

Polymethylsilsesquioxane has not been shown to clog pores. It has been deemed safe to use up to 55%, but most cosmetics use much less.

If you have concerns about using this ingredient, we recommend speaking with a professional.

Learn more about Polymethylsilsesquioxane

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 8.

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 8.

8
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Mixed

Isohexadecane is added to enhance texture, emulsify, and to help cleanse. It is an isoparrafin. It is a component of petrolatum.

Due to its large size, Isohexadecane is not absorbed by the skin. Instead, it sits on top and acts as an emollient. Emollients help keep your skin soft and smooth by trapping moisture within.

Isohexadecane is often used in products designed to help oily skin. It is lightweight and non-greasy while helping to moisturize. When mixed with silicones, it gives a product a silky feel.

Learn more about Isohexadecane

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 9.

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 9.

9
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Dicaprylyl Carbonate comes from carbonic acid and caprylyl alcohol, a fatty alcohol. It is an emollient and gives skin a velvet feel. The sources of Dicaprylyl Carbonate may be synthetic or from animals.

As an emollient, Dicaprylyl Carbonate creates a film on the skin. This film traps moisture in, keeping your skin soft and hydrated.

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 10.

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 10.

10
What it does: Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Meadowfoam Estolide.

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 11.

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 11.

11
What it does: Masking, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Mixed

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.

Within a product, Caprylic Triglyceride can thicken the product and make spreadability easier by dissolving clumping compounds. An added benefit of Caprylic Triglyceride is its antioxidant properties.

Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid. Caprylic Triglyceride has not been found to be toxic for human use in concentrations under 50%.

While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.

Learn more about Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 12.

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 12.

12
What it does: Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Polyester-7.

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 13.

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 13.

13
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

We don't have a description for Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate.

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 14.

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 14.

14
What it does: Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Lithothamnion Calcareum Extract.

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 15.

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 15.

15
What it does: Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.

It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.

Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.

This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.

Learn more about Caprylyl Glycol

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 16.

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 16.

16
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Butyrospermum Parkii Butter is a plant lipid from the fruit of the Shea Tree. It is an effective skin hydrator and emollient.

Emollients help soothe and soften your skin. It does this by creating a protective film on your skin. This barrier helps trap moisture and keeps your skin hydrated. Emollients may be effective at treating dry or itchy skin.

Shea butter is rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals, or molecules that may harm the body. It is also full of fatty acids including stearic acid and linoleic acid. These acids help replenish the skin and keep skin moisturized.

While Shea Butter has an SPF rating of about 3-4, it is not a sunscreen replacement.

Shea butter may not be fungal acne safe. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.

Learn more about Butyrospermum Parkii Butter

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 17.

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 17.

17
What it does: Emollient, Moisturising, Skin Conditioning, Soothing
Community Rating: Disliked

Jojoba Esters is a wax created from Jojoba oil. It is an emollient and film-forming ingredient. In bead form, it is an exfoliator.

This ingredient has high oxidative stability, meaning it doesn't break down when exposed to oxygen.

Its similarity to our skin's natural oils makes it a great emollient. Emollients help soften and soothe our skin by creating a barrier on top. This barrier helps trap moisture in, keeping skin hydrated.

It is created using either the hydrogenation or transesterification processes on jojoba oil.

Learn more about Jojoba Esters

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 18.

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 18.

18
What it does: Humectant, Masking, Moisturising, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Mannitol is a sugar alcohol. It is a humectant and moisturizes the skin. In vitro (not tested on a living organism), mannitol displays antioxidant properties.

When found in aqueous solutions, mannitol tends to become acidic. This is because it loses a hydrogen ion. This is why mannitol can often be found with pH adjusting ingredients, such as sodium bicarbonate.

Fun fact: Mannitol can be found in foods as a sweetener. It can be naturally found in mushrooms, algae, fruits, and veggies.

Learn more about Mannitol

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 19.

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 19.

19
What it does: Emollient, Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Disliked

Lecithin is a term for a group of substances found in plants, animals, and humans. They are made up of mixture of fatty acids. These fatty acids usually are a mixture of phosphoric acid's choline ester connected to stearic, oleic, and palmitic acids. Most lecithins are created from plant ingredients scuh as sunflower.

Lecithin is an emollient. Emollients help soften the skin and creates a barrier to keep moisture in.

As an emulsifier, it also helps prevent water and oil ingredients from separating. Lecithin can help ingredients be better absorbed by the skin. The phospholipids in Lecithin can produce liposomes. Liposomes help other ingredients get through the skin barrier.

Learn more about Lecithin

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 21.

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 21.

20
What it does: Absorbent, Emulsion Stabilising, Stabilising
Community Rating: Loved

Microcrystalline Cellulose is another name for refined wood pulp. It is used as an emulsifier and mattifying ingredient. As an emulsifier, it helps keep ingredients together.

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 22.

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 22.

21
What it does: Abrasive

Diatomaceous Earth is an exfoliant.

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 23.

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 23.

22
What it does: Antimicrobial, Astringent
Community Rating: Disliked

Zinc Sulfate is a type of sulfate.

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 24.

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 24.

23
What it does: Abrasive, Absorbent
Community Rating: Disliked

Silica is a mineral naturally found in our skin. It helps to thicken and smooth the texture of a product. It also acts as an agent for other ingredients by increasing the absorption of other ingredients into the skin.

Silica is often used for absorption and can help reduce shine when products are applied. Silica occurs in naturally in materials like clay and sandstone, and it can also be produced synthetically.

Silica is present naturally within the skin during collagen production and when reducing inflammation.

Learn more about Silica

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 25.

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 25.

24
What it does: Antioxidant, Masking, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Tocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.

Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.

Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.

You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.

There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.

Learn more about Tocopherol

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 26.

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 26.

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

23% are loved or liked
8% have mixed ratings
46% are disliked or very disliked
23% have no rating yet
23% are loved or liked
8% have mixed ratings
50% are disliked or very disliked
19% have no rating yet

Usage

Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.

When to use

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Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 26 ingredients

4.1 /5
from 13 ratings
Works Well (2) Expensive (2) No Scent (2) Absorbs Well (2) Light (1) Strong Scent (1)
Jacob's avatar

Jacob

6 months ago · Dry Skin
Review

Really liked this product, except for one problem - it stings my eyes like crazy.

It applies really nicely and absorbs well into my skin, but...

Really liked this product, except for one problem - it stings my eyes like crazy.

It applies really nicely and absorbs well into my skin, but after a few hours of wearing this sunscreen I start getting extreme eye stinging.

I've since moved to using Supergoop's Mineral Sheerscreen, so I think it is one of the chemical filters in this one that causes my eyes to sting.

If you don't get eye stinging from this product, it is a pretty great sunscreen! (but expensive)

Mac_R's avatar

Mac_R

1 year ago · Sensitive Skin
Review

LOVE
This is the perfect sunscreen for people who want a low maintenance morning. Feels greasy putting it on, but once on you cant tell you have...

LOVE
This is the perfect sunscreen for people who want a low maintenance morning. Feels greasy putting it on, but once on you cant tell you have sunscreen on. after one minute after application theres no scent, no feel, no sheen. Absolute love

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++ 26 ingredients

1.0 /5
from 1 rating
Broke Me Out (1) Doesn't Work (1) Strong Scent (1)
ClaireHeath's avatar

ClaireHeath

6 days ago · Normal Skin
Review

Currently trying to fix the bad breakout I had from this. It caused cystic acne which I don’t normally get. Also lots of small white heads.

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