Out of the top 30 sunscreens selling on Sephora USA, supergoop have 10 sunscreens – different sizes + sunscreens. These sunscreens are innovative + fun. There I did it – I called sunscreen formulations FUN!!
What are the filters in the sunscreen?
This sunscreen is a MATTE sunscreen that uses mineral UV filters, namely Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide. Thankfully, in the USA, filter %s are disclosed. Titanium Dioxide comes in at 1.33% and Zinc Oxide at 17.42%
The SPF on the filter is understandably low at SPF 40 – Zinc Oxide is a better UVA filter than a UVB filter and Titanium Dioxide is the reverse.
I believe the same product is sold in the EU as an SPF 30 (see this link) as per EU regulation, SPF 40 is rounded down to SPF 30. In the EU the same product is Euros 40 for 45ml.
What’s the product?
If you run the product ingredient list through an AI filter or a bunch of websites, you’ll be thoroughly confused. Why is Dimethicone the first listed inactive ingredient? And why is there so much silica??
BUT if you are me, its super-exciting: the base of this sunscreen is a silicone elastomer gel that has 2 functions. Function 1 is to improve emulsion stability and create a matte silky finish. Function 2 is to boost SPF levels of the product!!
The sunscreen does not have an emulsifier, which means this silicone elastomer gel is the base of the product.
It gets better…
I think the Zinc Oxide is a “stearic acid coated powder” which is essentially a low irritation Zinc Oxide product that is transparent on the skin. (I know! Transparent Zinc Oxide feels likes the Holy Grail of sunscreen). The Titanium Dioxide is encapsulate in Silica to give “excellent transparency” and provide a softer and smoother finish.
To get the ZnO and Tio2 as well as colorants, into the silicone elastomer gel, they are first dispersed in solvents (Polyhydroxystearic Acid and Methyl Dihydroabietate).
Like all sunscreens, there is emphasis on improving skin feel which is achieved by incorporating C9-12 Alkane (a cyclopentasiloxane alternative) and Fermented Bamboo.
For good measure, the product has white ginger (which has anti-microbial activity) and may protect against blue light.
As the gel contains water, it has radish root ferment as a preservative system (yes, this is a weak system).
What do I think?
The lack of new, photostable and large molecular sized UV filters places severe limitations on sunscreens that are made in the USA. This is an innovative solution to this problem. If you cant change the filters – definitely do the next best thing and change the consumer experience of the filter.
Full INCI formula
Supergoop! 100% Mineral Mattescreen Sunscreen SPF 40
Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide 1.33%, Zinc Oxide 17.42%.
Inactive Ingredients: Dimethicone, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Methyl Dihydroabietate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, C9-12 Alkane, Glycerin, Iron Oxides (CI 77492), Ethylhexylglycerin, Water (Aqua), Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Silica, Stearic Acid, Iron Oxides (CI 77491), Iron Oxides (CI 77499), Hedychium Coronarium Root Extract, Lactobacillus/Arundinaria Gigantea Leaf Ferment Filtrate, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891).