Face Sunscreen vs. Body Sunscreen: 5 Differences Explained

Sunscreen is sunscreen, right? Well, not exactly. If you’ve ever wondered whether you really need a separate sunscreen for your face and body, you’re not alone. But here’s the thing: The skin on your face isn’t the same as the skin on your arms, legs, or anywhere else, and it needs a little extra care.

That’s where face sunscreen comes in.

Facial SPF is designed to work with your skin’s unique needs, whether that means minimizing breakouts, playing nicely with makeup or just feeling lightweight and comfortable enough to wear every single day. Ahead, we’ll break down the key differences between face and body sunscreen so you can make sure your SPF routine is doing the most for your skin.

TL;DR - Face sunscreen is generally designed to be gentler and lighter, while body sunscreen tends to be thicker and easy to spread over larger areas. But the differences don’t stop there.

1. Face Sunscreen Is Typically Lighter

Your face deals with enough on a daily basis (makeup, sweat, pollution) so the last thing it needs is a layer of heavy sunscreen in the mix. That’s why facial SPF tends to be lighter than body sunscreen.

For example, Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 50 glides on like a velvety-smooth primer and disappears instantly with no greasiness and no white cast.

2. Face Sunscreen Can Offer Benefits Like Improved Skin Clarity

The best face sunscreen doesn’t just protect your skin — it makes it look better, too. Many Supergoop! facial SPFs are packed with skincare benefits that can help with oil control, irritation and uneven complexion.

Unseen Sunscreen is formulated with gentle ingredients that improve skin clarity and visibly blur pores. It also contains a complex of chamomile-derived bisabolol and licorice root: two ingredients known for their soothing properties.

3. Face Sunscreen Can Be Designed for Layering

If you wear makeup, you already know the struggle of finding a sunscreen that doesn’t pill, slide or make your foundation look like a cakey mess. That’s why Supergoop! facial SPFs are formulated to work seamlessly under makeup.

Unseen Sunscreen works as a two-in-one primer and SPF, creating a smooth, grippy base that helps makeup stay put.

4. Face Sunscreen Is Typically Unscented

Ever noticed that body sunscreens often have a subtle scent? That’s intentional. Since they’re meant to be applied all over, a light fragrance makes the experience more enjoyable. But when it comes to your face, fragrance can be a potential irritant, especially for sensitive or acne-prone skin.

Supergoop!’s face sunscreens, including Unseen Sunscreen, are fragrance-free to minimize the risk of irritation. Our PLAY Everyday Lotion SPF 50, on the other hand, has a barely-there scent that makes it feel refreshing but not overwhelming.

5. Face Sunscreen Can Be Tailored to Your Specific Skincare Needs

Everyone’s face has different needs. You wouldn’t use the same moisturizer or cleanser as everyone else, so why use the same sunscreen? Whether your skin is dry, oily or acne-prone, Supergoop! has face sunscreen for you:

For a glowy, dewy finish: Glowscreen SPF 40

For a weightless feel and invisible look: Unseen Sunscreen SPF 50

For sun protection with buildable coverage: Protec(tint) Daily Skin Tint SPF 50

For a mineral-based option: Mineral Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40

For on-the-go touch-ups: Unseen Sunscreen Stick SPF 40

When it comes to protecting your face, using a body sunscreen is always better than skipping SPF entirely. However, if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, it’s best to use sunscreen crafted specifically for your face.

Supergoop! face sunscreens are fragrance-free, often formulated with calming ingredients, and options like Unseen Sunscreen are tested to ensure they won’t contribute to acne or irritation.

Bottom line: Body sunscreen will protect your skin in a pinch, but investing in a dedicated face sunscreen is worth it if you want SPF that truly works with your skin.

Think about your skincare routine. You (hopefully) don’t treat your face the same way you treat the rest of your body – and that should apply to sunscreen too.

Your face needs a little extra TLC, and that’s where a good facial sunscreen comes in. Whether you want a weightless, makeup-friendly formula or a glow-boosting SPF primer, there’s an option that’s perfect for your skin. And with Supergoop!, choosing the right one is easier than ever.