Everyone’s obsessed with this invisible sunscreen. But the ‘clean’ label feels like a stretch.
The real issue? It’s packed with silicones. That’s the secret to its velvety finish — not some magical plant extract.
Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40. $38 for 1.7 oz. Supergoop! claims it’s a “100% invisible, scentless, clean-feeling” primer and sunscreen. I had to test that last part.
Invisible Finish
Truly leaves zero white cast — on any skin tone.
Prime & Protect
Acts like a grippy makeup primer. Foundation slides on.
Oil-Free
Has a dry-touch, almost powdery feel after 90 seconds.
Photo: Robert Nordahl / Unsplash
The ‘clean’ marketing leans on a few botanical extracts. But the formula is built on a silicone base. That’s not inherently bad — just not what “clean” implies.
- Dimethicone: Silicone for that blurring, primer effect
- Avobenzone: Chemical filter for UVA protection
- Red Algae: The ‘clean’ hero, meant to protect against blue light
- Meadowfoam Seed Oil: A drop of hydration in a sea of synthetics
Photo: Nora Topicals / Unsplash
Weird texture — like a silicone putty. Spreads with a distinct slip, then vanishes. Skin feels sealed. Not dewy.
After two weeks, I noticed more blackheads on my nose. That’s the silicone trap. It’s a brilliant primer because it sits *on* the skin, not in it.
Photo: Sarah Sheedy / Unsplash
My makeup lasted longer. Zero new sunspots. But my pores needed a deeper cleanse at night. A trade-off.
Photo: Gaston Roulstone / Unsplash
A fantastic makeup primer that happens to have SPF. But call it ‘clean’? That’s the real unseen act here.