Is Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen noncomedogenic?

What does noncomedogenic mean?

Noncomedogenic means a product is intended not to clog pores. Products labelled this way are less likely to cause acne, but choosing one does not rule out breakouts. Acne involves oil and dead skin cells trapped inside pores, with bacteria and inflammation also involved. Hormones, stress and other skincare products can contribute, so a new spot is not automatically a verdict on your sunscreen.345

Which Unseen Sunscreen do you have?

Supergoop sells Unseen Sunscreen SPF 50 for the face, Unseen Sunscreen Body SPF 40, a stick and a lip protector. The Unseen name covers face, body, stick and lip products, which is rather a lot of paperwork for something called invisible. Match the full name and SPF on your packaging before following product specific advice.2

The US face SPF 40 label lists dimethicone crosspolymer, shea butter and jojoba esters among its inactive ingredients. The Body SPF 40 formula instead includes dimethicone, olive oil and olive extracts. Supergoop describes the body product as a velvety gel suitable for normal, combination, dry, oily or sensitive skin. For acne prone skin, still look for an explicit pore clogging claim on the exact product you buy.67

What should you look for if you get breakouts?

Choose sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays, and water resistance. For oily or acne prone skin, add "noncomedogenic" or "won't clog pores" to that checklist. An invisible finish and a noncomedogenic claim answer different questions, despite both being convenient words for a sunscreen carton. If your Unseen tube lacks those pore related words, a sunscreen that explicitly carries them is the clearer choice.1

How can you check whether it suits your skin?

1. 1Before using a new facial sunscreen everywhere, apply it to a small area of your face for one week. Watch for itching, burning or breakouts.
2. 2If the area stays comfortable and you notice no breakouts, start using the sunscreen across your face.
3. 3If you suspect a sunscreen you already use is causing acne, remove that product from your routine for two weeks and watch whether breakouts decrease. Use another suitable sunscreen for daytime sun protection.

Add or remove one product at a time so you can identify what changed, because skincare does not need an ensemble cast. Fewer breakouts during the two week break suggest the removed product could be contributing; they do not identify a particular ingredient as the cause.5

How should you apply it?

For US Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40, apply generously and evenly 15 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply at least every two hours, after 40 minutes of swimming or sweating, and immediately after towel drying. Body SPF 40 has the same sun exposure and reapplication directions; Supergoop also tells you to allow 30 seconds for it to absorb. Follow your own packaging for other versions.67

What if it causes irritation or acne continues?

Do not apply Unseen SPF 40 to damaged or broken skin. Stop using it and ask a doctor if a rash develops. If sunscreen stings or burns, choose a fragrance free sunscreen whose sunscreen ingredients are only zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.16

See a dermatologist if breakouts persist despite changing products, or seek care early for deep nodules or cysts because they can scar. If you suspect a prescribed medicine is worsening acne, keep taking it and discuss the problem with the prescriber rather than stopping it yourself.34