Number 4 on the USA #Sephora #bestsellingsunscreen list is #Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40.
I reviewed this sunscreen on my blog in 2020, when BASF would allow you to model the UVA and UVB filter performance – that’s attached in the photos. Here is a link to that blog https://happyskindays.com/supergoop-unseen-sunscreen-spf-40/
What is the formula?
- For the American market, this sunscreen was a first: a transparent sunscreen gel that did not create a whitecast! (Its a silicone elastomer gel, which is transparent)
- Unlike other sunscreens, it is also anhydrous (not a water-containing emulsion). Anhydrous products are absolutely fabulous (being better for the environment, as no water is involved), and the product has bandwidth for more desirable ingredients (e.g., shea butter, extracts) and less of ingredients that you’d need to use (e.g., preservatives)
- The main issue with anhydrous products is getting a skin feel that consumers find lightweight and not sticky or shiny. This product achieves that by
- using microcrystalline cellulose as a thickener instead of (e.g.) a wax
- low-weight emollients that do not create shine (e.g., caprylic/capric triglyceride, meadowfoam estolide, jojoba esters
- silicones to improve skin feel
Breakdown of the filters
In my blog – the UV filters changed from Avobenzone (at 3%), Octocrylene (10%), Octisalate (5%) TO
Avobenzone (3%), Octocrylene (4%), Octisalate (5%), Homosalate (8%).
The yellow solid line shows better protection in the UVA region. BUT its the yellow dotted line which you should be paying attention to: it shows the absorption profile of the sunscreen when its irradiated with 1MED of UV radiation. With the old formulation the yellow dotted line is closer to the yellow solid line and therefore, the sunscreen in the sunlight offers good absorption of UVA radiation.
With the new formula, there is a bigger gap between the yellow line and its dotted counterpart. This means that the product offers less protection in the UVA region, EVEN THOUGH THE YELLOW SOLID LINE IS HIGHER….
The graph was calculated using BASF’s sunscreen simulator.
SPF rating in Europe?
This SPF 40 product is an SPF 30 in Europe. I like the European system that has clearer guidelines for consumers.
Breakdown of the ingredients
- Silicone Elastomer Gel base (Isododecane (and) Dimethicone/Bis-Isobutyl PPG-20 Crosspolymer)
- Silicones: Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Silica
- Solubiliser for Sunscreen: Polyester-7 (and) Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate
- Emollients: Meadowfoam Estolide, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Jojoba Esters, Isohexadecane
- Thickener: Microcrystalline Cellulose
- Actives: Lithothamnion Calcareum Extract (and) Mannitol (and) Diatomaceous Earth (and) Zinc Sulfate called Phycocorail™). Phycocorail™ is BiotechMarine’s “bioceramic thermic shield” protecting the skin against the harmful effects of Infra Red, UV and visible light. The 2nd active is Boswellia Serrata Resin Extract, which is essentially good old Frankincense which is great for the skin
- Anti-oxidant to prevent rancidity of oil: Tocopherol