Clear, weightless, and makeup-gripping, Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 is a rare chemical sunscreen that truly disappears on every skin tone. Here is how it performs in real life and whether it is right for you.
Overview
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 is a clear, silicone-rich gel that aims to solve two common sunscreen complaints in one go. It avoids a white cast on deeper skin tones and acts as a smoothing primer under makeup. It provides broad-spectrum SPF 40 protection with a quartet of modern chemical filters and a velvety finish that feels almost like a soft-focus blurring step. If you dislike the stickiness or shine of traditional lotions, this texture is a breath of fresh air.
The active filters are chemical, not mineral. The formula typically includes avobenzone for UVA coverage along with homosalate, octisalate, and octocrylene for UVB support. There is no oxybenzone or octinoxate. The gel is oil free and fragrance free, which is helpful for acne-prone and sensitive skin types that react to heavy oils or perfumes. It is not water resistant, so it is best for daily city life, office days, and low-sweat commutes rather than beach trips or intense workouts.
Packaging is a sleek tube with a secure cap that travels well and dispenses a controlled ribbon of product. The brand often sells multiple sizes, including a travel mini and a standard size, with pricing in the mid to high end relative to drugstore sunscreens. While the cost per ounce is higher than basic lotions, the texture may mean you actually enjoy applying the full amount every day, which matters more for real protection.
Bottom line at a glance: Unseen Sunscreen is an everyday workhorse for people who want an invisible, primer-like SPF that plays nicely with makeup and facial hair. It excels at comfort and finish. Its main limitations are lack of water resistance, a silicone slip that some users dislike, and a possibility of eye sting for very sensitive eyes.
Who it’s for
This is a strong match for several groups. If you wear makeup, the primer-like slip is a big win. Foundation glides on without patchiness, and the soft-blur finish helps grip base products without pilling when you apply it correctly. If you have deeper skin tones or struggle with gray or purple casts from mineral sunscreens, the clear gel finish solves that instantly. It also suits anyone with facial hair, because it threads through stubble without residue.
Oily and combination skin types tend to like the soft-matte to natural finish. The silicone network dampens the look of pores and controls shine for the first few hours. Normal skin types can use it as a one-and-done morning SPF and primer. Dry skin can still use Unseen, but it should sit on top of a solid, well-absorbed moisturizer to avoid emphasizing flaky patches. For very dry or eczema-prone skin, a more emollient sunscreen or a hydrating base under Unseen may feel more comfortable.
Acne-prone users often do well here because the formula is oil free and fragrance free, with a lightweight feel that invites consistent daily use. That said, no single product is non-comedogenic for every person. Patch test if you are actively breaking out or starting a retinoid. Those with very sensitive eyes should also test carefully. While many people can apply this around the orbital bone without issue, some report mild stinging if the product migrates with sweat.
If you need heavy-duty sweat or water performance for sports, pools, or beach days, consider a water-resistant sunscreen instead. Unseen Sunscreen is best thought of as a daily commuter SPF that looks great, vanishes on skin, and encourages the right habit every morning.
How it feels and performs
The first impression is the slip. Unseen spreads like a clear gel-serum with a velvety feel, thanks to a high level of silicones. It sets to a soft-matte or natural finish in about 30 to 60 seconds without stickiness. There is no fragrance and no detectable scent, which helps it disappear into the background of your routine. The formula does not leave a white cast on any skin tone, and it will not catch around facial hair. It layers under makeup like a smoothing primer, blurring the look of pores and fine lines and keeping base products from catching on dry spots.
Makeup performance is a standout. Liquid and cream foundations glide on top without patching when you let the sunscreen set first. Many users find their base stays fresher longer, especially in the T-zone, because Unseen creates a thin, even film that reduces patchy absorption into the skin. If you wear powder, it grabs well and looks diffused rather than cakey.
Shine control is moderate. On normal and combination skin, the finish stays fresh for about half the workday before a gentle blot or powder touch-up is helpful. On very oily skin, expect to blot sooner, but the product does not separate or turn filmy. If you are dry, the velvety finish can highlight flakes if your moisturizer underneath has not fully absorbed. Press your moisturizer in and give it a minute before applying Unseen.
Pilling is rare when layered correctly, but it can happen with very thick, silicone-heavy primers or if you rub vigorously once the sunscreen has begun to set. Use smooth, light strokes and avoid overworking the product. Water-based gels underneath can be fine as long as they fully dry first. If you see little eraser-like crumbs, slow down your application and reduce friction.
Real-world wear is solid for desk days, errands, and commuting. It does not feel greasy, and it will not clump around eyebrows or hairline if you massage it in. Glasses wearers will appreciate that it does not slide down the bridge of the nose if you let it set. There can be mild eye sting for some users during sweaty activities, which circles back to the lack of water resistance. For outdoor workouts, pick a water-resistant option and use Unseen on office days instead.
How to use for best results
Apply as the last step of your morning skincare and before makeup. If you use a moisturizer, let it absorb fully. Then smooth on Unseen with gentle, sweeping motions. Aim for two finger lengths of product for face and neck, or about a quarter teaspoon for face alone. Do not skimp. Even the best sunscreen underperforms if you underapply it.
Give the sunscreen 30 to 60 seconds to set before applying primer or foundation. Most people can skip a separate primer because Unseen already provides that smoothing base. If you prefer a dedicated primer, choose a light, non-pilling formula and use a light hand to avoid friction on the set sunscreen layer.
Reapply every two hours if you are in direct sun. If you wear makeup, use a patting method. Apply a pea-sized amount at a time and press it in with clean hands or a damp sponge to minimize makeup disruption. You can also layer a high-SPF setting spray or cushion sunscreen as a top-up between full reapplications. Remember that sprays and powders should not be your only layer. Start your day with a proper film of sunscreen and think of top-ups as maintenance.
Since this formula is not water resistant, switch to a water-resistant sunscreen when swimming, sweating, or doing sports. After the activity, cleanse and go back to Unseen for the rest of the day if you prefer its finish. If your eyes are sensitive, keep application to the orbital bone and use a pea-sized amount. Let it set before applying mascara to reduce transfer. For lips, use a dedicated SPF lip balm rather than face sunscreen.
Extra tips for a smooth experience: apply in sections for even coverage, including the nose, hairline, ears, and the back of the neck. If you have dry patches, treat them first with a light hydrating serum and a moisturizer that fully sinks in before Unseen. Store your tube away from heat and keep the cap clean to avoid crusting at the tip, which can lead to over-squeezing and waste.
Pros and cons
- Pros: truly invisible on all skin tones with no white cast
- Pros: primer-like smoothing that helps makeup apply evenly and last longer
- Pros: oil free and fragrance free, comfortable for many acne-prone or sensitive users
- Pros: soft-matte to natural finish with good shine control for several hours
- Pros: glides through facial hair and does not cling to texture
- Cons: not water resistant, so not ideal for beach days or workouts
- Cons: silicone-forward slip can feel too velvety for those who dislike silicone textures
- Cons: can sting eyes for some users, especially with sweat or heavy tearing
- Cons: may pill if layered over very heavy skincare or rubbed after it sets
- Cons: higher price per ounce than many drugstore sunscreens
Final verdict
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 is a daily crowd-pleaser that delivers on its two biggest promises. It disappears on every skin tone and doubles as a makeup-friendly primer. If you want a clear, weightless SPF that you will actually use every day, it is one of the easiest sunscreens to recommend. Its limitations are specific rather than universal. It is not water resistant and it can sting sensitive eyes, so it will not replace a sport sunscreen. The silicone slip also means some users will prefer a more dewy or cushiony lotion texture.
For office days, errands, and low-sweat routines, Unseen shines. It gives you broad-spectrum coverage without any cast or stickiness, smooths your base, and makes sunscreen feel less like a chore and more like a step you look forward to. If your skin is very dry, layer it over a well-absorbed moisturizer. If you are very oily, pair it with strategic blotting or a light setting powder midday. If you spend a lot of time outdoors or in the water, rotate in a water-resistant SPF for those conditions. Used in the right context, Unseen is a reliable, no-drama sunscreen that encourages the most important habit of all: daily, adequate application.
See also
If you are acne prone and want options that stay light and breathable, our guide to the Best Face Sunscreen for Acne-Prone Skin highlights formulas that minimize grease and clogged pores. For sheer coverage days, the Best Tinted Moisturizers With SPF roundup can replace foundation while keeping protection on. Do not forget your lips either, because the Best Lip Balms with SPF That Don’t Taste Horrible list covers options you will actually want to reapply.
If you like an all-in-one body hydrator with built-in protection, see our picks for the Best Body Lotions with SPF for Everyday Protection. And for sensitive eyes that water or sting easily, the Sunscreen for Eyes and Lids That Don’t Sting guide narrows down gentle, eye-safe choices.
FAQ
Does Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen leave a white cast on deep skin tones?
No. It is a clear gel that goes on transparent, so it works on all skin tones without any gray or purple cast. That is a key advantage over mineral formulas that can look chalky on deeper complexions.
Is Unseen Sunscreen good for acne-prone skin?
Often, yes. The formula is oil free and fragrance free with a lightweight, breathable feel that encourages daily use. Many acne-prone users report it does not clog pores. As with any product, patch test first if you are in an active breakout or using strong actives like retinoids.
Can I use Unseen Sunscreen around my eyes?
Many people can apply it to the orbital area without trouble, but some experience mild eye sting, especially if the product migrates with sweat or tears. Apply a thin layer, keep it to the orbital bone, let it set before mascara, and consider a dedicated mineral or eye-formulated SPF if your eyes are very sensitive.
Is it water resistant or sweat resistant?
No. Unseen Sunscreen is not water resistant, which means it is best for everyday wear, commuting, and office days. For workouts, swimming, or high-heat conditions, switch to a water-resistant sunscreen and reapply as directed on that product.
How much should I use and how long will a standard tube last?
Use two finger lengths for face and neck or roughly a quarter teaspoon for face alone. A 1.7 fl oz (about 50 ml) tube provides about 40 to 50 face applications at that amount. If you include neck and ears, expect fewer uses. The key is using enough every time and reapplying every two hours in direct sun.
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