EltaMD vs Supergoop: Which Premium Sunscreen Wins?
EltaMD UV Clear vs Supergoop! Unseen, the two derm-favorite face SPFs. Here's how to pick the right one for your skin type.
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Pick EltaMD UV Clear ($41) for sensitive, acne-prone, or rosacea-prone skin, its niacinamide soothes redness. Pick Supergoop! Unseen ($38) if you wear makeup daily, its silicone base doubles as a primer.
Two of the most-recommended face SPFs. Both Premium Beauty. Both excellent. Different jobs.
At a glance
| Product | Detail | EltaMD UV Clear | Rating | Where |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Spec | $41 / 1.7oz | $38 / 1.7oz | - |
| SPF | - | SPF 46 | SPF 40 | - |
| Type | - | Hybrid (zinc + chemical) | Chemical only | - |
| Finish | - | Matte | Silicone-smooth (primer-like) | - |
| Best for | - | Sensitive, acne, rosacea | Makeup wearers | - |
| Niacinamide | - | Yes (5%) | No | - |
| Water resistance | - | 40 min | No | - |
EltaMD UV Clear: the derm favorite
EltaMD UV Clear is a hybrid sunscreen with 9% zinc oxide, 7.5% octinoxate, and 5% niacinamide. The niacinamide actively reduces redness, making it the go-to for sensitive, rosacea, or acne-prone skin.
Why it wins:
- Niacinamide reduces inflammation while you wear it
- Hybrid formula: chemical for invisibility, zinc for broad-spectrum
- Non-comedogenic: won’t break you out
- Recommended by virtually every US dermatologist
The downside: matte finish doesn’t double as primer. You apply it after moisturizer and before makeup as a separate step.
Hybrid SPF with 5% niacinamide. The derm bench standard.
Best for: Sensitive, acne-prone, rosacea, tretinoin users
Supergoop! Unseen: the makeup primer
Supergoop! Unseen is a chemical-only SPF in a silicone gel base. The dimethicone makes it function as a smoothing primer, blurring pores and fine lines under foundation. Completely invisible on every skin tone.
Why it wins:
- Silicone primer base doubles makeup-wear function
- Truly invisible: best on deeper skin tones
- Pore-blurring texture
- Lighter feel than EltaMD on humid days
The downside: chemical-only filters mean less broad-spectrum coverage than the hybrid EltaMD. No niacinamide for redness control.
Supergoop!
Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
Silicone gel base that primes under makeup. Zero white cast.
Best for: Makeup wearers, deeper skin tones, oily/normal skin
When to pick each
Pick EltaMD if you have:
- Sensitive or rosacea-prone skin
- Acne or breakouts
- Are using tretinoin
- Need water-resistance
- Want niacinamide for redness control
Pick Supergoop! Unseen if you:
- Wear foundation daily
- Have deeper skin tone (avoiding white cast)
- Have oily or combination skin
- Want a primer-SPF combo
- Hate the feel of mineral SPF
Can you use both?
Yes, many users keep EltaMD for bare-face days and Supergoop! Unseen for makeup days. They’re $79 combined, and one bottle of each lasts ~3 months at correct application amounts.
The combo strategy:
- Workout/bare-face days: EltaMD (water-resistant + niacinamide)
- Office/makeup days: Supergoop! (primer + invisible finish)
- Beach days: Anessa or La Roche-Posay (more sweat-resistant)
Frequently asked
Are both safe to use during pregnancy? +
EltaMD UV Clear is generally considered safe, its hybrid formula uses zinc oxide. Supergoop! Unseen contains chemical filters; check with your OB if you have specific concerns.
Which is better for oily skin? +
Supergoop! Unseen has a slightly more matte finish on oily skin due to silicone. EltaMD's matte finish also works.
Can I layer both at the same time? +
Not recommended, too much product, will pill. Pick one per day.
The full review
If you are considering skipping sunscreen in favour of a tint with SPF in it, read our ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint review first, because makeup SPF almost never delivers its labelled number.
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