Head-to-head: which one holds up best?
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Ever had one of those days where the sun finds you everywhere? For pilots, frequent flyers, drivers, or anyone whose life is constant motion, the sunscreen you choose has to do more than just protect your skin—it has to feel comfortable, reapply easily, and not turn into a greasy or pilling mess by noon.
That's why we're doing a straight-up head-to-head: AELIA's Broad Spectrum Mineral SPF 50 (sensitive-skin focused, hydrating with pink microalgae and squalane) versus Supergoop Unseen (the cult-favorite clear chemical gel that's basically a primer in sunscreen form). No fluff, no "one is best for everyone"—just real differences in texture, finish, comfort, reapplication, and how they hold up in high-UV scenarios like altitude, cabins, and long drives.
We dug into dermatologist guidance, FDA regs on filters, aviation UV studies, and actual user experiences (including AELIA testers and Supergoop fans) to focus on what travelers actually care about: Does it blend without drama? Does it irritate sensitive skin? Can you reapply mid-flight without a mirror? Here's the breakdown so you can pick what fits your routine.
How Supergoop Unseen and AELIA Compare
Both are excellent broad-spectrum options (SPF 40-50), but they cater to different vibes—Supergoop Unseen is a chemical powerhouse for seamless makeup days, while AELIA is mineral-focused for sensitive, travel-heavy routines. Here's a side-by-side based on their formulas and user feedback.
Type and Active Ingredients
- AELIA Broad Spectrum Mineral (SPF 50): 100% mineral filters. Non-nano zinc oxide (19.65%) Fully GRASE per FDA.
- Supergoop Unseen (SPF 40): 100% chemical filters. Avobenzone 3% (UVA), Homosalate 8% (UVB), Octisalate 5% (UVB), Octocrylene 4% (UVA/UVB). Under FDA review for more GRASE data, but widely used and considered safe by experts.
What is GRASE?
GRASE stands for Generally Recognized as Safe and Effective. It's an FDA designation used for over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, including sunscreen active ingredients. When the FDA classifies an ingredient as GRASE, it means:
- There is sufficient scientific evidence showing it's safe for its intended use.
- It's effective at protecting against UV rays when used as directed.
- It can be marketed without needing a full new drug application.
In the context of sunscreens:
- Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide (the main mineral actives) are the only two UV filters currently classified as GRASE by the FDA.
- Many chemical filters (like avobenzone, homosalate, octocrylene, etc.) are not yet GRASE because the FDA has requested more safety and absorption data—they're still allowed on the market while studies continue, but they're in a different regulatory category.
So when people say "mineral sunscreens are GRASE," they're referring to the fact that zinc and titanium have that full FDA green light based on current evidence.
In December 2025, the FDA proposed adding bemotrizinol (a newer chemical filter already used abroad) as GRASE, which could be the first chemical addition in decades if finalized—but that doesn't change the status of existing chemical filters. Dermatologists still recommend using any broad-spectrum SPF 30+ you like consistently, as the benefits outweigh known risks for most people. If you're concerned about sensitivities, sticking with mineral options like AELIA's can provide that extra peace of mind.
Texture & Finish
- AELIA: Lightweight cream that blends smoothly—no chalky white cast, no heavy feel, and hydrating (thanks to squalane and pink microalgae). Users rave it melts in like a moisturizer, stays comfortable for hours, and layers well under makeup without pilling. Great for combination or sensitive skin that hates greasiness.
- Supergoop Unseen: Clear, silicone-based gel that vanishes instantly and acts like a grippy primer—ideal for makeup lovers who want zero trace and a smooth base. It feels weightless and "invisible," but some with sensitive skin note it can feel a bit tacky or occlusive and cause breakouts over long wear.
Bottom line: If you prioritize "disappears completely" and makeup grip, Supergoop Unseen shines. If you want something nourishing, non-irritating, and forgiving on reactive skin, modern mineral SPF like AELIA lead the way.
Skin Compatibility
- AELIA: Ideal for sensitive/reactive skin—fragrance-free, dermatologist-tested, antioxidant-rich for barrier support. Vegan, non-irritating, and no pilling under masks/makeup.
- Supergoop Unseen: Great for normal/oily skin or makeup wearers, but some report irritation (e.g., eyes stinging) due to chemicals. Fragrance-free, vegan, reef-safe (no oxybenzone/octinoxate).
Best For Travel/Altitude
Both are TSA-friendly, but AELIA takes the win for pilots/flyers: Travel-friendly, leak-proof tube, and hydration that holds up in dry cabin air. Supergoop shines for quick, invisible applications.
SPF application tips
- Apply to clean, dry skin, then give it a short set time before makeup.
- Cover easy-to-miss spots like ears, hairline, and backs of hands.
- Reapply on schedule, especially by windows and during long flights.
- Pack a travel-friendly SPF, so reapplication is easier.
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Where AELIA fits AELIA's Broad Spectrum SPF 50 is a premium all-mineral SPF offering refined textures, ingredient transparency, and real pilot-tested performance. It's not trying to be everything to everyone—just reliable wear for travelers, pilots, and consumers with sensitive-skin who want protection that feels good all day. |
FAQs
Is mineral sunscreen safer than chemical?
Zinc oxide/titanium dioxide are proposed GRASE (Generally Recognized as Safe and Effective) by the FDA; many chemical filters need more data. Dermatologists say the best one is whatever you apply generously and reapply—consistency wins.
Do mineral filters work right away?
Even though mineral filters (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) provide immediate physical protection by sitting on the skin and reflecting/scattering UV rays (no absorption/activation delay like chemical filters), the FDA applies a uniform labeling rule to simplify consumer guidance and testing consistency.
Is Supergoop Unseen mineral or chemical?
Chemical—uses organic filters like avobenzone, homosalate, octocrylene in a clear gel.
Why does altitude matter?
UV intensity increases with elevation; cockpit/windows let UVA through, so proactive broad-spectrum + reapplication is essential for flyers/drivers.
Who is AELIA best for?
Travelers, pilots, consumers with sensitive-skin who desire a mineral, fragrance-free, hydrating SPF.
Sources
FDA, “Questions and Answers: Deemed Final Order and Proposed Order for OTC Sunscreens.” https://www.fda.gov/drugs/understanding-over-counter-medicines/questions-and-answers-fda-posts-deemed-final-order-and-proposed-order-over-counter-sunscreen
FDA, “Sunscreen Drug Products for Over-the-Counter Human Use, Proposed Rule.” https://www.fda.gov/media/124655/download
WHO, “Ultraviolet radiation.” https://www.who.int/health-topics/ultraviolet-radiation
JAMA Dermatology, “The Risk of Melanoma in Pilots and Cabin Crew.” https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamadermatology/fullarticle/1899248
Supergoop, “Unseen Sunscreen,” Drug Facts and product page. https://supergoop.com/products/unseen-sunscreen-spf-50
DailyMed, “Unseen Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40.” https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=0670214e-520b-4126-8f28-71c765117276
