Which Unseen sunscreen are you buying?

The Unseen collection lists a face sunscreen with SPF 50, a Body SPF 40 and a Stick SPF 40. The face SPF 50 is described as an invisible, weightless, scentless primer; the stick is a portable sunscreen. The Unseen name covers several products, which gives one name rather a lot of jobs.2

What does Body SPF 40 offer?

Supergoop describes Body SPF 40 as a scentless, weightless gel with a velvety feel, a natural finish and no white cast. It provides broad spectrum protection and is water and sweat resistant for 40 minutes. The body formula comes in a 3.4 fl. oz. tube for $44, so invisibility applies to the finish, not the purchase. Consider it if you want a clear body gel rather than a visibly white finish.12

How should you apply it?

  1. 1Apply Body SPF 40 generously and evenly to exposed body skin 15 minutes before sun exposure. Supergoop says to allow 30 seconds for the gel to absorb; that does not replace the 15 minute advance application.
  2. 2Use enough sunscreen. General guidance is about 1 ounce for most adults to cover skin not covered by clothing, with more needed depending on body size.
  3. 3Cover easily missed areas, including your neck, ears, tops of your feet and legs. Ask someone to help with your back if needed.
  4. 4Reapply at least every two hours outdoors. Body SPF 40's label also requires reapplication after 40 minutes of swimming or sweating and immediately after towel drying.
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SPF 40 meets the general recommendation to choose SPF 30 or higher, broad spectrum coverage and water resistance. Sunscreen still needs correct application to protect against sunburn and premature aging. Use sunscreen outdoors even on cloudy days and in winter, not only when the weather looks like a sunscreen advertisement.3

Who should be careful?

Supergoop lists Body SPF 40 for normal, combination, dry, oily and sensitive skin. Do not apply it 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. For children under six months, ask a doctor before use.1

Where this answer comes from

  1. 1Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen Body SPF 40supergoop.com
  2. 2The Unseen Collectionsupergoop.com
  3. 3How to apply sunscreenaad.org