With so many sunscreen options on the market, it can be tricky to find one that checks all the boxes. Two popular mineral sunscreen brands, Supergoop PLAY and Unseen Sunscreen, offer broad-spectrum SPF protection with clean, non-greasy formulas.
But which one is right for you?
Here’s a detailed comparison of Supergoop PLAY vs. Unseen Sunscreen to help you decide.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Supergoop PLAY | Supergoop Unseen |
| SPF | 50 | 40 |
| Texture | Silky lotion | Weightless gel-cream |
| Finish | Natural sheen | Matte, invisible |
| Active ingredients | 20% zinc oxide (mineral) | 9.3% zinc oxide, 7.5% octocrylene (hybrid) |
| Fragrance | Fragrance-free | Citrus scented |
| Water resistance | 80 minutes | 40 minutes |
| Price per oz | $1.33 | $1.75 |
| Best for | Normal to oily skin, mineral preference, outdoor activity | Oily/acne-prone skin, invisible finish, chemical tolerance |
Overview of Key Features
Supergoop PLAY
- SPF 50
- 100% mineral formula with zinc oxide
- Lightweight, fast-absorbing lotion texture
- Fragrance-free
- Water and sweat-resistant for 80 minutes
- Reef-safe
Unseen Sunscreen
- SPF 40
- Hybrid chemical + mineral formula with zinc oxide and octocrylene
- Weightless gel-cream texture
- Citrus scent
- Water and sweat-resistant for 40 minutes
- Reef-safe
Key Differences Between Supergoop PLAY And Unseen Sunscreen
Both sunscreens offer high SPF broad-spectrum protection in lightweight textures. Unseen has a slightly lower SPF but is still highly protective. PLAY uses only mineral active ingredients while Unseen combines mineral and chemical filters.
- Sun Protection
A sunscreen’s SPF indicates how well it protects against UVB rays that cause sunburn. Higher SPF values block more UVB rays. Both PLAY and Unseen offer excellent UVB protection with SPFs of 50 and 40 respectively.
For UVA rays that cause deeper skin damage and premature aging, the critical indicator is broad spectrum coverage. Both sunscreens provide broad-spectrum protection, shielding from both UVA and UVB radiation.
PLAY may have a slight edge for extreme sun exposure since the SPF 50 blocks about 98% of UVB rays versus about 97% for SPF 40. But both sunscreens sufficiently block over 90% of UVB when applied correctly.
Ultimately, either sunscreen provides exceptional UV protection. Reapplication every 2 hours when outdoors will ensure continual coverage.
- Texture and Feel
A major consideration with sunscreen is how it feels on your skin. You want it to absorb quickly without greasiness or white residue.
PLAY has a silky, fast-absorbing lotion texture. It leaves a touch of sheen but isn’t overly dewy.
The lightweight formula works well for most skin types without clogging pores.
Unseen has an innovative gel-cream formula with a weightless, invisible feel.
It leaves no white cast and has a matte, shine-free finish.
The featherlight texture makes it ideal for those with oily or acne-prone skin.
For outdoor activity, PLAY may have a slight edge. The lotion formula holds up better to sweat and water compared to Unseen’s gel texture. Both provide 80 minutes and 40 minutes of water/sweat resistance respectively though.
- Ingredients
Mineral sunscreens like PLAY and Unseen use mineral active ingredients zinc oxide and sometimes titanium dioxide. These natural ingredients sit on top of the skin to deflect UV rays.
PLAY contains 20% zinc oxide as the sole active ingredient along with antioxidants like vitamin E for added skin benefits.
Unseen combines 9.3% zinc oxide with 7.5% octocrylene, a chemical absorber. The hybrid formula provides broad protection while minimizing white residue from the zinc.
For those sensitive to chemical absorbers like avobenzone or oxybenzone, PLAY′s mineral-only formula may be preferable. Both sunscreens are considered reef-safe without oxybenzone or octinoxate.
- Cost and Value
In terms of cost per ounce, PLAY retails for $1.33/oz while Unseen costs $1.75/oz.
So you pay a little more for Unseen’s advanced gel formula.
But both offer significant value compared to drugstore brands for their high performance.
Using skincare-infused sunscreen also reduces the need for separate products.
Supergoop frequently offers deals on sets, so opting for a bundled PLAY set can increase savings. Unseen sometimes has limited edition kits as well.
For the exceptional broad-spectrum protection and skincare benefits, the investment in these premium sunscreens delivers excellent value.
- Ideal User
PLAY is ideal for those who:
- Prefer mineral-only sunscreen
- Have normal to oily skin
- Engage in outdoor activities like sports, swimming, hiking
- Want a nourishing lotion texture
- Have sensitive skin or allergies
Unseen is perfect for those who:
- Want an undetectable sunscreen look
- Have oily or acne-prone skin
- Prefer a weightless gel-cream texture
- Dislike thick, greasy lotions
- Appreciate a citrus scent
Both formulas work for most skin types thanks to the lightweight textures. Picking between the two comes down to your specific preferences and needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The main differences are that Unseen has a gel-cream formula with a citrus scent while PLAY uses a fragrance-free lotion texture. Unseen is also a hybrid mineral-chemical sunscreen while PLAY is mineral-only.
Glow Screen has a more luminous, dewy finish with a pearlescent look compared to Unseen’s matte, invisible finish. Glow Screen also contains nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 for extra moisture.
Yes, Supergoop PLAY works great as a facial sunscreen. Its lightweight, non-greasy lotion texture absorbs quickly without clogging pores. It provides smooth, even coverage without white residue.
No, Supergoop PLAY has a silky, fast-absorbing texture that is non-greasy. It’s moisturizing thanks to oils like meadowfoam seed oil but not heavy or oily. It leaves a natural sheen but isn’t overly shiny or sticky.
The Bottom Line
Overall, you can’t go wrong with either Supergoop PLAY or Unseen Sunscreen. Both provide exceptional broad-spectrum sun protection with clean, thoughtful formulas.
Pick PLAY for a nourishing mineral lotion or Unseen for an undetectable gel-cream. Take lifestyle factors like outdoor activity and skin type into account as well.
Reapply as directed for daily sun protection, and stay safe in the sun with these dermatologist-approved picks.
