It has been years since Supergoop! was scrutinized for a class action complaint alleging false advertising of the Unseen Sunscreen's SPF rating, so why are people talking about it now?
The Facts
In December 2023, MarceAnn Dunning filed a class action complaint against Supergoop! alleging that they falsely advertised the SPF rating of the Unseen Sunscreen. In this complaint, Dunning alleges that the Supergoop! Unseen Face Sunscreen and Unseen Body Sunscreen didn't match the SPF rating advertised on the product based on SPF testing Dunning conducted in compliance with FDA requirements.
The Plaintiff's testing found that the Supergoop! Unseen Face Sunscreen is not SPF 40 as advertised, but SPF 23 and the Supergoop! Unseen Body Sunscreen, also SPF 40, is SPF 20.
While Supergoop! never publicly responded to the class action complaint, they did release a newly formulated Unseen Sunscreen earlier this year.
Supergoop! Response
A week ago, Supergoop! shared the following Instagram Reel, sharing the benefits of their newly formulated Unseen Sunscreen, released in January 2025. In the video, a Supergoop! spokesperson shares that the new formula has the following benefits:
- Higher SPF: The product now has broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection without the dreaded white cast.
- Lighter weight: The weightless gel formula helps the skin breathe while still providing key skin benefits.
- Clearer formula: No white cast, virtually invisible out of the bottle, and formulated to stay matte for longer.
- Non-acnegenic: According to Supergoop!, the new formula is clinically tested to improve skin clarity and quality of makeup for longer-lasting, all-day wear.
While this isn't a direct response to the class action complaint, it does address the Plaintiffs top concern, the SPF rating of the previous formula.
According to Supergoop!, the reformulation was part of an ongoing effort to improve the product and meet consumer expectations. "We're always going to innovate the very best SPF. So, we looked back on our no. 1 bestseller Unseen Sunscreen and were like, how can we make this even better?" the spokesperson said.
How is Sunscreen Tested?
All sunscreen products in the United States are regulated by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) as non-prescription drugs. This means that sunscreen labels are strictly regulated by the FDA, and all products that wish to be sold in the United States must undergo rigorous testing. The FDA-approval testing process includes a minimum of ten study participants to verify the SPF rating, broad-spectrum status, and water resistance capabilities.
However, SPF results can vary based on different environmental conditions. This means that individual user plays a huge role in sunscreen efficacy. According to the EWG's Guide to Sunscreen, "Sunscreen protection is never as good in the real world as lab measurements suggest. SPF values are determined using an unrealistically thick coating of sunscreen – most people don’t apply the recommended amount and fail to reapply as directed."
Supergoop! is no stranger to these environmental conditions and the heavy regulations of the SPF industry. Since sunscreen is all they do, they hold themselves to a higher standard. Learn more about Supergoop! SPF efficacy.
Final Thoughts
There is no denying that sunscreen efficacy relies heavily on the user. Thankfully, there are several questions to ask yourself when it comes to sunscreen application and best practices to stay sun-safe.
- Are you waiting for the sunscreen to fully absorb before applying makeup?
- Is the product applied liberally and as the directions require?
- Is the product being reapplied at least every two hours?
- Has the sunscreen been exposed to excessive heat (in a car) or direct sun exposure for prolonged periods?
Finally, at-home science experiments do not take the place of rigorous R&D and lab testing necessary for large consumer brands like Supergoop! to succeed. There are several of these at-home experiments currently floating around on social media and influencing consumer opinion. While active consumerism is greatly encouraged, keep an eye out for clickbait or claims that are made without sufficient research to back them up.
Up Next: The New SPF Ingredient Seeking FDA Approval
Disclaimer: We are not lawyers or doctors. This is an opinion piece to educate based on facts made accessible to the general public.