Supergoop clear sunscreen: A guide to Unseen

Which Unseen sunscreen are you looking at?

Choose the face gel if you want sunscreen that also works as a makeup primer. Choose Body for a body gel, Stick for the portable format, or Lip Protector for lips. Check the name and SPF on the package rather than treating every Unseen product as the same formula. For sunscreen bought outside the US, read that product's label for differences in ingredients and directions.123

Is Unseen chemical or mineral sunscreen?

The US Unseen SPF 50 face formula is a chemical sunscreen. Its active ingredients are avobenzone 3%, homosalate 7%, octisalate 5% and octocrylene 9%. These are the ingredients that provide UV protection. The formula also contains dimethicone, shea butter, bisabolol and dipotassium glycyrrhizate. Check your package's ingredient list because formulas can change.14

Broad spectrum protection covers ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B rays, usually shortened to UVA and UVB. SPF describes protection against sunburn, primarily from UVB. Chemical and mineral sunscreens both form a protective layer that absorbs the sun's rays; mineral sunscreens also reflect them. Either type can protect effectively when it offers SPF 30 or higher, broad spectrum coverage and water resistance.34

Does it leave a white cast or work under makeup?

Supergoop describes Unseen SPF 50 as scentless, weightless and invisible on all skin tones, with a natural finish that visibly blurs pores. You can wear it alone. The face gel also serves as a makeup primer, so the bathroom shelf can host one fewer job title. Supergoop tells you to wait 30 seconds before applying makeup.1

How do you apply clear sunscreen properly?

1. 1Finish your skincare, then apply Unseen generously and evenly across your face and neck.
2. 2Use enough sunscreen. General dermatology guidance calls for at least 1 teaspoon for the face, about the amount covering the length of your index and middle fingers.
3. 3Cover exposed areas thoroughly, including your ears and hairline. Protect an exposed scalp with sunscreen or a wide brimmed hat, and use SPF 30 or higher lip balm.
4. 4Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before going outdoors. The brief wait before makeup does not replace this wait before sun exposure.
5. 5Reapply at least every two hours outdoors, after 40 minutes of swimming or sweating, and immediately after towel drying.

The teaspoon amount is general face application guidance, not a measurement printed in Unseen's directions. For exposed body skin, most adults need about 1 ounce, roughly a shot glass, and larger bodies can need more. Each reapplication needs thorough coverage too. A small touch up on the nose does not replace another full application to exposed skin.56

Does SPF 50 last longer?

A higher SPF gives more protection while sunscreen is on your skin, not a longer interval between applications. SPF is not a multiplier for how long you can stay in the sun. Swimming can wash sunscreen away, sweating can weaken the layer, and a towel can remove it. Reapply once you are dry after toweling off, even if two hours have not passed. Water resistant does not mean waterproof.36

Who should consider a different sunscreen?

Supergoop recommends Unseen SPF 50 for normal, combination, dry, oily, sensitive and acne prone skin. If chemical sunscreens irritate your skin, choose a mineral sunscreen containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. For dark spots or melasma, a condition causing patches of darker skin, tinted sunscreen with iron oxide offers protection from visible light as well as UV. A clear finish and visible light protection are different priorities.147

Do not apply Unseen to damaged or broken skin. Keep it out of your eyes and rinse with water if contact occurs. Stop using it and ask a doctor if a rash develops. Ask a doctor before using sunscreen on a baby younger than six months; shade and protective clothing are the first choices for infants.13

Do you need it on cloudy days?

Wear sunscreen whenever you go outdoors, including short trips, cloudy days and winter days. Clouds and haze do not protect you from the sun. Water, sand and snow can reflect light, so a cool day or a waterside setting still calls for protection. Sunscreen is not a reason to spend longer in the sun.7

Use shade, clothing, a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses alongside sunscreen. A baseball cap leaves your ears and the sides of your face exposed. Limit sun exposure especially from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. No sunscreen filters out every UVB ray, even when applied properly.347

How should you store it, and when should you replace it?

Keep the tube away from excessive heat and direct sunlight. Outdoors, keep sunscreen in the shade or wrap the container in a towel. Replace sunscreen after its printed expiration date. If there is no expiration date, discard it three years after purchase; if you cannot tell how old it is, discard it rather than relying on uncertain protection.3