I’ll admit, when it comes to Supergoop!, I’m more of a Glowscreen girl (that highlighter-slash-sunscreen is truly unbeatable). However, I do try to stick to mineral formulas whenever I can, so I decided to give the Supergoop! Mineral Sheerscreen SPF 30 a go. After testing the formula for three weeks, here are my honest thoughts. Zinc oxide, in case you need a refresher, physically shields you from the sun’s rays by blocking UV; this is different from chemical sunscreens, which absorb the UV light and turn it into heat. Not to mention, zinc oxide protects your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. “Zinc oxide is a mineral that reflects light, including longer wavelength UVA, from the skin’s surface,” board-certified dermatologist Loretta Ciraldo, M.D., FAAD, tells mbg about the ingredient. It’s also the best option if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin: The mineral has been shown to have a soothing effect on the skin, and research has shown that zinc oxide is an effective treatment for zits1 (it’s even an ingredient in many natural spot treatments). I could dedicate a whole article to raving about the benefits of zinc oxide (in fact, mbg already has), but let’s shed some light on some other star players: Just like the Unseen Sunscreen, the formula features a SheerMatrix technology that stretches out those dense, mineral zinc oxide actives to achieve a sheer payoff without compromising its efficacy. Holly Thaggard, founder of Supergoop!, compares it to your favorite sheer white T-shirt: “Still white, but whispery thin and perfect.” And just as versatile—you can easily wear Sheerscreen alone or layer it under makeup. Then for a splash of moisture, you’ll find squalane and aloe leaf juice; these ingredients also help thin out the consistency and make the formula deliciously creamy, without imparting a greasy film. Antioxidant-rich bush clover extract also makes an appearance, which helps stave off free radicals from UV rays and other environmental aggressors.
Supergoop! Mineral Sheerscreen SPF 30 I have textbook combination skin: a dry forehead and cheeks, while being oil-prone around my chin and nose. That said, my skin care products need to be airy and lightweight—the mere thought of a heavy, greasy product makes me break out—yet hydrating enough to nurture any parched areas. This sunscreen straddles both camps quite beautifully: My skin drinks up the moisturizing formula, and I haven’t experienced any breakouts during my three-week trial run. Some reviewers also don’t appreciate the scent. I thought the smell was actually a bonus (to each their own!), but some people say it smells not toasty but stale. You may have to sniff it out for yourself.
