Beyond SPF: 12 Supergoop Hidden Gems That’ll Give You Glowing, Protected Skin (2024)

Editor’s Note: We reviewed this article on September 23, 2023. As per our editorial policy, we are constantly updating our content, to make sure it reflects the best of the best when it comes to beauty, wellness, and fashion. We want to assure our readers that we still stand by our recommendations, which we do.

We’ve stressed the importance of sunscreen time and time again, and we don’t plan on stopping. Sure, most of us know that slathering on a good SPF is essential when at the beach during the summer, but even when you take your dog for a quick walk around the block in the winter or sit at a desk in front of a window on a rainy day, you’re in direct contact with the sun’s harmful UV rays. Because of that, it’s paramount to find a sunscreen that not only protects your skin but feels comfortable (and looks good) the entire time you wear it. That’s where Supergoop! comes in.

What started as an everyday sunscreen that consumers (and dermatologists) quickly grew akin to expanded into an entire collection of skincare products made with sun protection at their very core. With so many clean, skin-loving formulations to choose from, it’s no wonder that several products from the brand have gone viral and become must-haves for anyone—including those with acne-prone skin—who wants sun protection they can look forward to applying. We put each product the brand offers to a Byrdie beauty test, taking into account ingredients, type of sunscreen, and how well each settles into the skin. The result: A curated list of the best Supergoop products you won’t want to miss.

Best for Glow: Supergoop! Glowscreen Sunscreen SPF 40

Beyond SPF: 12 Supergoop Hidden Gems That’ll Give You Glowing, Protected Skin (1)

What We Like

  • Comes in a range of shades
  • Dewy finish

What We Don't Like

  • Can be too shiny for oilier skin

Lauded by beauty lovers everywhere, Glowscreen is truly one of a kind. Thanks to a blend of ultra-hydrating hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and B5, this facial sunscreen-slash-primer imparts a pearlescent finish to leave skin luminous, glowing, and protected from the sun. What makes this formula different from similar ones on the market is that it offers a dewy, glowy base without any visible flecks of glitter. It goes on smooth and leaves a diffused finish that naturally brightens the look of your skin, whether worn alone or under makeup. Now in four flexible shades, including Dawn (a cool-toned pearlescent pink), Sunrise (a warm-toned champagne), Golden Hours (a shimmery bronze hue), and Sunset (a cool-toned deep copper), there’s an option in the lineup for all skin tones.

Type: Chemical | Finish: Radiant | Additional Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, Niacinamide, Sea lavender, Cocoa peptides | Shades: 4 | Sizes: 1.7 oz. and 2.5 oz.

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Best For Everyday: Supergoop! Play Everyday Lotion SPF 50

Beyond SPF: 12 Supergoop Hidden Gems That’ll Give You Glowing, Protected Skin (2)

What We Like

  • Water- and sweat-resistant for 80 mins
  • Fast-absorbing
  • For face and body

What We Don't Like

  • Can clog facial pores in those with acne-prone skin

The formula that started it all, Supergoop’s Play Everyday Lotion is your basic body sunscreen, just made better. The super-light, ultra-moisturizing formula provides protection from UVA, and UVB rays, preventing skin from experiencing sunburn and dehydration. It’s pretty versatile—seeing as it can be worn both on the face and body, and comes in four different sizes The formula goes on silky and dries down quickly for a natural-looking finish that’s water- and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes. It’s a favorite of Senior Commerce Editor Shannon Bauer, who says it’s hydrating enough to wear without moisturizer but never looks slick or greasy.

Type: Chemical | Finish: Natural | Additional Ingredients: Sunflower extract, Rosemary leaf extract | Shades: 1 | Sizes: 1 oz., 2.4 oz., 18 oz., and 5.5 oz.

Supergoop's Play Everyday Lotion Is the Ultimate Daily SPF

Best For Tinted Skin Coverage: Supergoop! Mineral Mattescreen SPF 40

Beyond SPF: 12 Supergoop Hidden Gems That’ll Give You Glowing, Protected Skin (3)

What We Like

  • Smooths and blurs
  • Mattifying

What We Don't Like

  • One shade
  • Contains silicones

If you have oily skin, then you know that finding a sunscreen that doesn’t add shine is quite the struggle. We’re big fans of the Supergoop Mattescreen and especially love that the formula is completely mineral (yet white cast-free) and works to mattify shine, blur the look of pores, and create a smooth finish that enhances the look of bare skin or makeup. I’ve personally gone through about seven bottles of this stuff because of how well it protects my skin and diffuses the appearance of uneven skin texture and makes my makeup go on more smoothly. Senior Commerce Editor Jill Di Donato adores its unique, super-silky consistency, too. While living under the hot California sun, she relied heavily on the formula to protect her skin and found that it performed so beautifully that she would often look forward to reapplying it. The peachy hue is designed to offset the white cast synonymous with mineral formulations. And while it is flexible and blendable across a wide range of skin tones, we wish the brand offered this stellar formula in other hues so that everyone can find a perfect match.

Type: Mineral | Finish: Matte | Additional Ingredients: Dimethicone, Wild butterfly ginger, Bamboo extract | Shades: 1 | Sizes: 0.68 oz. and 1.5 oz.

Best For All Skin Tones: Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40

Beyond SPF: 12 Supergoop Hidden Gems That’ll Give You Glowing, Protected Skin (4)

What We Like

  • Feels like a skincare product
  • Silky and primer-like

What We Don't Like

  • Separates under makeup

Whether you hate the look of traditional sunscreen or don’t jive with the feel of it on your skin, you’ll love this invisible option (which we crowned the Best Face Sunscreen of 2023). According to Senior Commerce Editor Kristen Geil, a self-proclaimed sunscreen hater until this formula, Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 feels more like a skincare product than actual sunscreen. The texture is silky and weightless, plus it goes on totally clear, so you never have to worry about residue or a white cast. It blurs pores a bit and evens out skin texture perfectly. A small pea-sized dab is plenty for the entire face and rubs in smoothly without that annoying sunscreen smell. Geil often applies this formula before running and never feels it sweating off, no matter how much she’s pushing her pace. The only thing we aren’t crazy about is that some say it can pill underneath makeup, so be sure to let it dry completely before applying makeup.

Type: Chemical | Finish: Natural | Additional Ingredients: Red algae, Meadowfoam seed complex, Frankincense | Shades: Clear | Sizes: 0.68 oz., 1.0 oz., and 1.7 oz.

Best For No Cast Finish: Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen Body SPF 40

Beyond SPF: 12 Supergoop Hidden Gems That’ll Give You Glowing, Protected Skin (5)

What We Like

  • Invisible, scentless, weightless
  • Designed specifically for the body

What We Don't Like

  • Available in only one size

Though both are designed to deliver undetectable sun protection, the Unseen Sunscreen Body formula and the Unseen Sunscreen (for the face) are a bit different. The original Unseen Sunscreen has a silicone-based formula that offers a primer-like finish; and while we love this option for the face, it’s not exactly ideal for the rest of the body. Think about it: The idea of lathering a makeup primer all over your body sounds tedious, right? That’s where the body version comes in. With a silky, gel-like consistency, this one-of-a-kind SPF glides easily onto the skin, delivering unparalleled SPF 40 sun protection and a fast-absorbing dose of moisture to the arms, legs, and everything in between. The chemical sunscreen relies on the likes of avobenzone, hom*osalate, octisalate, and octocrylene, as well as olive leaf extract to soothe the skin and reinforce the skin barrier. The only gripe we have with this one is the fact that it’s only available in one size.

Type: Chemical | Finish: Natural | Additional Ingredients: Olive leaf and fruit extracts, Plant-derived emollients | Shades: Clear | Sizes:3.4 oz.

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Best For Protecting Hands: Supergoop! Handscreen SPF 40

Beyond SPF: 12 Supergoop Hidden Gems That’ll Give You Glowing, Protected Skin (6)

What We Like

  • Sunscreen specifically for the hands
  • Soothing and hydrating

What We Don't Like

  • Can feel chalky on palms

The skin on your hands is just as susceptible to the sun’s UV rays—if not more. After all, many of us often forget to apply sunscreen all the way down to our fingertips (and that’s probably because we’re so used to compulsively washing our hands). With Supergoop’s Handscreen, you’re pretty much guaranteed to remember to apply it—thanks to a cute bottle and comforting consistency. It absorbs quickly into the skin, alleviating any concerns about washing the formula down the drain every time you lather up with soap. Best of all, the formula serves as a hand cream that nourishes dry, cracked hands, leaving them soft and protected from potential dryness and sun damage. Bauer personally loves how lightweight and non-greasy the texture is, making it the perfect hand cream for the summer months.

Type: Chemical | Finish: Natural | Additional Ingredients: Sea buckthorn fruit extract, Meadowfoam seed oil, Argan oil| Shades: One | Sizes: 1 oz. and 6.7 oz.

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Best For Lip Care: Supergoop! Lipscreen Sheer SPF 30 Sunscreen Lip Balm

Beyond SPF: 12 Supergoop Hidden Gems That’ll Give You Glowing, Protected Skin (7)

What We Like

  • Comforting
  • Offers SPF 30 protection

What We Don't Like

  • Could be more hydrating

Lips are one of the most sun-sensitive parts of the body for a number of reasons, including the fact that it’s thinner doesn’t contain as much melanin. Many of us also completely neglect lips, at least when it comes to sun prep. Supergoop has a ton of lip-protecting products on offer, but this one is our favorite because of its natural, moisturized finish—it’s kind of like Unseen Sunscreen but for your lips. It’s not the most hydrating lip product on the market, but with SPF 30 sun protection and a comfortable feel, it’s hard not to want to add this mini stick to your sun care routine.

Type: Chemical | Finish: Natural | Additional Ingredients: Colza flower extract, Acai fruit oil | Shades: Clear | Size: 0.2 oz.

Best For Everyday Moisturizer: Supergoop! Superscreen Daily Moisturizer SPF 40

Beyond SPF: 12 Supergoop Hidden Gems That’ll Give You Glowing, Protected Skin (8)

What We Like

  • Hydrating yet lightweight
  • Two-in-one
  • Replaces other moisturizers

What We Don't Like

  • Can cause breakouts in acne-prone skin

Typically when a skincare product is said to be infused with sunscreen, it’s never actually enough to offer your skin the full SPF protection printed on the label. Thankfully, that’s not the case here. This weightless moisturizer offers loads of hydration (and SPF protection) just without that weighed-down feeling. I personally use this as the last step in my skincare routine in lieu of a normal moisturizer and love that it delivers on all fronts—hydrating, locking in my serums, and and applying a sufficient layer of sun protection. If you have acne-prone skin, try patch testing this formula before applying it to your entire face. Some say it’s made them break out, although I haven’t had that problem.

Type: Chemical | Finish: Hydrating | Additional Ingredients: Blue-green algae, Cerium, Plant fermentation film | Shades: Clear | Sizes: 1.7 oz.

Best For Re-Application Protection: Supergoop! (Re)setting Refreshing Mist SPF 40

Beyond SPF: 12 Supergoop Hidden Gems That’ll Give You Glowing, Protected Skin (9)

What We Like

  • Sets makeup
  • Refreshes skin
  • Provides sun protection

What We Don't Like

  • Smells a little funky

Meet the solution to a bunch of skincare-related problems: The (Re)setting Refreshing Mist. Not only does this handy little product set makeup and offer a lovely midday refresh, it makes applying (and reapplying) sunscreen a little too easy. The spray itself is made of a bunch of really interesting, yet very helpful ingredients, like silica silylate (which diffuses the look of skin and absorbs oil), English field mustard (which creates a breathable film on the skin to help filter pollution), polyvinylpyrrolidone (a water-soluble polymer that helps lock makeup in place and extend its wear), and rosemary and mind (each of which delivers an invigorating feeling when spritzed). Though we never noticed, some say the spray can smell a little funky; but given the super-cool ingredients and how much we love the product, we’re willing to overlook it.

Type: Chemical | Finish: Hydrating | Additional Ingredients: Silica silylate, English fieldmustard, Chinawood oil, Rosemary, Mint | Shades: Clear | Sizes: 1.0 oz. and 3.4 oz.

Best For Outdoor Activities and Sports: Supergoop! PLAY Antioxidant Mist SPF 50 with Vitamin C

Beyond SPF: 12 Supergoop Hidden Gems That’ll Give You Glowing, Protected Skin (10)

What We Like

  • Non-aerosol spray
  • Sweat- and water-resistant
  • Promises SPF and antioxidant protection

What We Don't Like

  • Contains some potentially irritating essential oils

Protecting yourself from the sun’s harmful rays is really important, so it’s especially helpful when a formula is easy to apply and you genuinely don’t mind doing it. For Senior Commerce Editor Kaitlin Clark, this sunscreen is a major part of her sun care routine, spritzing it on with absolute abandon any chance she gets. Between the SPF 50 protection, the lack of color (it goes on totally clear), and fact that the spray distributes evenly and gently, there’s no wonder she loves it so much. As an added bonus, it’s lightweight and absorbs easily, leaving nothing but a subtle fruity scent in it’s wake.

Type: Chemical | Finish: Natural | Additional Ingredients: Vitamin C, Green tea extract, and Acai extract | Shades: Clear | Sizes: 3 oz. and 6 oz.

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Best For Antioxidant Protection: Supergoop! Daily Dose Vitamin C + SPF 40 Serum

Beyond SPF: 12 Supergoop Hidden Gems That’ll Give You Glowing, Protected Skin (11)

What We Like

  • Two-in-one skincare serum and SPF
  • Reparative and preventative

What We Don't Like

  • Can be sticky

It’s not just the iconic combination of vitamin C and SPF that makes Daily Dose Vitamin C + SPF 40 Serum special, it’s the particular blend of vitamin C. According to the brand, this form of vitamin C is extra-potent and highly concentrated, made to apply right after cleansing or toner. Plus, actives like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid only add to the appeal as they join SPF 40 for a well-rounded skincare routine in just one simple step. In case you didn’t know, vitamin C can pretty much become ineffective when it comes in direct contact with the sun, so it relies heavily on a sunscreen to ensure it can do its thing. SPF, which prevents damage from the get-go, works in tandem with vitamin C to help brighten and correct UV-induced damage that may have already wreaked havoc on skin, but also prevent future damage from taking place. The only complaint we have is that it can leave the skin feeling a little sticky, but it’s to be expected with vitamin C serums.

Type: Chemical | Finish: Hydrating | Additional Ingredients: Vitamin C, Hyaluronic acid | Shades: One | Sizes: 1 oz.

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Best For On The Go: Supergoop! Glow Stick Sunscreen SPF 50

Beyond SPF: 12 Supergoop Hidden Gems That’ll Give You Glowing, Protected Skin (12)

What We Like

  • Swipe and go
  • Glowy finish

What We Don't Like

  • Not the best for oily or acne-prone skin

If you have dry skin, you’ll love this easy, swipe-and-go sunscreen stick. The formula is enriched with three nourishing dry oils—buriti, tamanu, and pracaxi—each of which drench the skin with moisture and impart a healthy-looking glow. Geil, who lives in windy Chicago, loves using this formula to add an extra barrier between her face and the air. She says it feels protective and loves the highlighter-esque finish it provides, especially on her cheekbones. It’s portable (it’s small enough to toss in a bag as small as a fanny pack) and ensures you’ll get all the security that SPF 50 has to offer, wherever you go.

Type: Chemical | Finish: Radiant | Additional Ingredients: Buriti oil, Tamanu oil, Pracaxi oil | Shades: Clear | Sizes: 0.7 oz.

What to Look for in a Supergoop Product

Shades

When trying to pick the best Supergoop product for you, consider the shades available. Many of the products, like the Unseen Sunscreen and Unseen Sunscreen for body, go on completely clear, while others come in a few flexible shades. Mattescreen, for example, is only available in a peachy pink that blends into all skin tones, whereas Glowscreen has four cool- and warm-toned hues that are complementary for a wider range of skin tones.

Sizes

Supergoop sunscreens come in a number of different styles and sizes. The Play Everyday Sunscreen, for example, is offered in four sizes (1 oz., 2.4 oz., 18 oz., and 5.5 oz.), making it suitable for everyday wear across your entire body. Glowscreen, on the other hand, is available in only two smaller sizes (0.68 oz. and 1.7 oz.), which makes sense given that it’s ideally only used on your face (and neck!)

Kits

Supergoop has plenty of stand-alone products, so it doesn’t come as a surprise that the brand also offers a number of kits. Whether you’re looking for a gift that special someone will love, or want to try a bunch of minis all at once, you can’t go wrong with the SPF Bestsellers Starter Kit, which features minis of Unseen Sunscreen, Play Everyday Lotion, and Glowscreen in Sunrise.

FAQ

  • Who owns Supergoop?

    Supergoop was founded by Holly Thaggard when a friend was diagnosed with skin cancer. “I was inspired to create Supergoop to change the way the world thinks about sunscreen,” she tells Byrdie. “I learned that skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States and that it’s also primarily preventable with the daily use of SPF. Through my research, I discovered the number one reason why people don’t wear SPF is because it doesn’t feel good on the skin.”

  • Is Supergoop safe for sensitive skin?

    Sunscreen is a tricky topic, especially if you have sensitive (or highly reactive) skin. All of Supergoop’s sunscreens are considered safe for sensitive skin (as they don’t include ingredients like PEGs, oxybenzone, and other harmful ingredients). As a general rule of thumb, those with sensitive skin are better off with mineral sunscreens, as they have the benefit of being much less irritating.

  • Is Supergoop a mineral or chemical sunscreen?

    Supergoop offers both mineral and chemical sunscreens formulations for face and body.

How We Researched

To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key features—like ingredients, shade range, or design—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. We then used this research to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best; one being the worst) to certain products on the list.

Why Trust Byrdie

Caitlyn Martyn is a staff commerce writer at Byrdie, where she covers all things beauty. An avid product tester, Caitlyn likes to try the latest and greatest in makeup, skincare, and hair care to let readers know what’s worth it and what’s not. She believes that sunscreen is the most integral part of any skincare routine and adores many of Supergoop’s formulas—especially Mattescreen, which she uses every single day rain or shine.

Beyond SPF: 12 Supergoop Hidden Gems That’ll Give You Glowing, Protected Skin (2024)
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