Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen vs Glowscreen: Which should you choose?

What are the actual differences?

Unseen leaves no white cast, while Glowscreen comes in Sunrise, Dawn, Golden Hour and Sunset. Glowscreen's luminous finish is part of the product, not an optional setting buried somewhere on the tube. The displayed prices do not settle which costs less for an equal size, so compare matching sizes before buying.12

Which one fits your skin and makeup?

Pick Unseen if you prefer a natural finish or want a gel for oily skin. Pick Glowscreen if you prefer a hydrating lotion and want tint and radiance, with or without makeup. Both can be worn alone or underneath makeup, so foundation is not an admission requirement.123

For sensitive skin, neither is a mineral sunscreen: both use chemical active filters. General dermatology guidance favours mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide for sensitive skin. Supergoop includes sensitive skin among Unseen's suggested users, but that is not a reason to continue through a reaction.13

Tint deserves extra consideration if visible sunlight worsens dark spots. General guidance favours tinted SPF 30 or higher containing iron oxides for visible light protection, especially in darker skin tones. Glowscreen contains iron oxides, making it the relevant option here, but its level of visible light protection is not specified. Visible light can also aggravate melasma.234

Does SPF 50 make Unseen better?

Unseen has the higher sunburn protection rating. Both exceed the dermatology recommendation of SPF 30 and provide broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. SPF mainly describes UVB protection, not how long you can stay outside. SPF 50 does not buy extra time between applications; higher SPF still needs the same reapplication schedule.567

How do you apply either sunscreen?

1. 1Complete your skincare routine, then apply sunscreen generously and evenly to your face and neck on dry skin, 15 minutes before going outdoors.
2. 2Use at least 1 teaspoon for your face as general dermatology guidance. Cover your neck and ears too, rather than stretching the face amount across every exposed area.
3. 3Wait 30 seconds before applying makeup, as Supergoop directs for both products.
4. 4Reapply at least every two hours outdoors. With Unseen, also reapply after 40 minutes of swimming or sweating and immediately after towel drying. For those activities, replace Glowscreen with a water resistant sunscreen.

Apply sunscreen every day you will be outside on skin not covered by clothing, including cloudy days. Water resistance lasts only for the labelled interval; no sunscreen is waterproof. Pair either product with shade, a hat, sunglasses and protective clothing. Keep the tube out of excessive heat and direct sunlight to help maintain its effectiveness.3567

Do not apply either sunscreen to damaged or broken skin. Keep sunscreen out of your eyes and rinse with water if contact occurs. Stop use and ask a doctor if a rash develops.12