By Dr. Taylor, Aesthetic Medicine Specialist 
When it comes to sun protection, one brand consistently in the spotlight is Supergoop! — praised for its innovative formulas, clean beauty ethos, and variety of SPF options. But with ongoing debates around sunscreen ingredients and environmental impact, many people are asking: Is Supergoop sunscreen really safe?
Here’s a full breakdown of what’s inside Supergoop sunscreens, how they perform, and why they may be a safe choice for your daily skincare routine.
So, Is Supergoop Sunscreen Safe?
Supergoop sunscreens have gained popularity for their innovative textures and broad product range, but they’ve also faced several controversies around safety and transparency. Some of their chemical formulas include ingredients like avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, and octocrylene, which the FDA has not yet fully evaluated for long-term safety, and the Environmental Working Group (EWG) has raised concerns about them as well. The brand was also involved in a lawsuit over misleading “reef-friendly” marketing, underscoring how chemical filters may negatively affect marine ecosystems. Additionally, the FDA has flagged certain mousse sunscreens, including some from Supergoop, for questionable effectiveness.
Chemical Sunscreen Ingredients
Some of Supergoop’s best-selling sunscreens use chemical filters like avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, and octocrylene. The FDA has not fully evaluated these ingredients for long-term safety, and organizations such as the Environmental Working Group (EWG) have raised concerns about their potential risks. While chemical sunscreens often feel lightweight and invisible on the skin, the uncertainty around their safety makes some consumers cautious.
Reef-Safe Claims
Supergoop has marketed many of its products as “reef-friendly,” but a lawsuit challenged these claims, pointing out that certain chemical filters can harm marine ecosystems. This highlights how important it is for consumers to look beyond marketing language when choosing sunscreens that claim to be eco-conscious.
FDA Warnings
The FDA has flagged some mousse-style sunscreens, including products from Supergoop, for concerns about how effective they are at providing consistent UV protection. This raises questions about the reliability of some formulas, especially in unique textures.
Mineral Sunscreen Options
Not all Supergoop products fall into the “uncertain” category. The brand also offers mineral sunscreens that use zinc oxide and titanium dioxide—two ingredients the FDA recognizes as safe and effective. These formulas are usually a better option for people with sensitive skin, pregnant individuals, or those who want reef-safe alternatives.
“No List” Policy
Supergoop maintains a “No List” of ingredients that will never be used in their products. This includes common controversial additives like oxybenzone, octinoxate, parabens, and phthalates. For health-conscious or eco-conscious shoppers, this policy is a reassuring step toward safer formulations.
Efficacy & Stability
Some reviews suggest that certain chemical-based formulas may not be as stable as advertised, meaning they can lose effectiveness over time or when exposed to sunlight. This could reduce the level of protection, especially if the product is not reapplied often.
Acne-Prone Skin Concerns
Lastly, while many people love Supergoop’s lightweight finishes, some formulas like the Unseen Sunscreen have been reported as comedogenic, meaning they can clog pores and potentially worsen acne. For those with breakout-prone skin, the mineral options or carefully patch-testing products may be the safer route.
Why Sunscreen Safety Matters
Dermatologists universally agree: wearing sunscreen daily is one of the best things you can do for your skin. It helps prevent premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and, most importantly, skin cancer.
The real question isn’t whether to wear sunscreen, but which type to choose.
Supergoop’s Philosophy: Safe, Fun, Everyday SPF
Founded by Holly Thaggard in 2007, Supergoop was born from the idea that sunscreen should be wearable, enjoyable, and effective. The brand positions itself as a clean beauty pioneer in sun protection.
Their Key Safety Promises
- No oxybenzone or octinoxate — both linked to coral reef bleaching and banned in Hawaii, Palau, and other eco-conscious destinations.
- No parabens, phthalates, or synthetic fragrances — reducing the risk of skin irritation and potential hormone disruption.
- Over 100 “No List” ingredients — publicly disclosed to show transparency.
- Cruelty-free and vegan — no animal testing, no animal-derived ingredients.
- Reef-safe claim — though technically, “reef-safe” isn’t an FDA-regulated term, they align with commonly accepted standards.
Understanding the Ingredients of Supergoop Sunscreen
When choosing sunscreen, the active ingredients determine how it protects your skin. Supergoop offers two types — mineral and chemical — each with unique benefits and textures.
Mineral Sunscreens
Mineral sunscreens in Supergoop products use zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as their active filters. These are the only UV filters that the FDA currently classifies as Generally Recognized As Safe and Effective (GRASE). They work by sitting on top of the skin and reflecting UV rays, offering broad-spectrum protection. Because they are gentle and less likely to cause irritation, mineral sunscreens are a great choice for sensitive skin, pregnant individuals, or anyone who prefers to avoid chemical filters.
GRASE means "Generally Recognized As Safe and Effective" — an FDA label for ingredients proven to be both safe and effective. In sunscreens, only zinc oxide and titanium dioxide currently have this status.
Chemical Sunscreens
Supergoop’s chemical sunscreens rely on ingredients like avobenzone, homosalate, octocrylene, and octisalate. These filters are popular because they create lightweight, easy-to-wear formulas with an invisible finish, making sunscreen application more pleasant and makeup-friendly. While the FDA is still reviewing these filters to gather more safety data, there is no conclusive evidence that they are harmful when used as directed.
Environmental Impact & Reef Safety
Many beach destinations now restrict sunscreens containing certain chemical filters to protect coral reefs.
Supergoop addresses this concern by:
- Avoiding oxybenzone and octinoxate — the two ingredients most strongly linked to coral bleaching.
- Offering mineral-based options for eco-conscious users.
- Ensuring packaging is recyclable through their TerraCycle partnership.
Supergoop Product Line: Safety at a Glance
Here’s a closer look at their most popular formulas:
| Product | Type | Active Ingredients | Best For | Safety Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unseen Sunscreen SPF 50 | Chemical | Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene | Everyday invisible wear under makeup | Free from oxybenzone & octinoxate, vegan, weightless finish |
| Mineral Unseen SPF 40 | Mineral | Zinc oxide, Titanium dioxide | Sensitive skin, eco-conscious | GRASE ingredients, non-nano zinc |
| Glowscreen SPF 40 | Chemical | Same as Unseen | Dewy makeup base | Adds hydration + glow; reef-safe claim |
| Play Everyday Lotion SPF 50 | Chemical | Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene | Outdoor sports, swimming | Water-resistant 80 min, oxybenzone-free |
| Mattescreen SPF 40 | Mineral | Titanium dioxide, Zinc oxide | Oily/combination skin | Oil-controlling finish, fragrance-free |
Final Verdict: Is Supergoop Sunscreen Safe?
Their mineral sunscreens use FDA-approved safe ingredients, and their chemical options avoid some of the most controversial filters while delivering lightweight, wearable protection.
If you prioritize:
- Max safety → Choose Mineral Unseen SPF 40 or Mattescreen SPF 40.
- Invisible finish → Go with Unseen SPF 50 or Glowscreen SPF 40.
- Outdoor durability → Pick Play Everyday Lotion SPF 50.
The best sunscreen is the one you’ll wear every single day — and Supergoop makes that easier with textures, finishes, and formulas for everyone.