Social media has already pointed out Trader Joe's Daily Facial Sunscreen. Not for what it is, but rather for the fact it is a good dupe for Supergoops Unseen Sunscreen. For $8.99 this is priced better too. Best of all this adds to a line of seasonal sunscreen varieties that are competitively priced.
Review
It's the 4th of July weekend. A time for being outside at a BBQ, the beach, or poolside. But all those activities require being outdoors. Here in NY, it is bright and sunny out. That means it is time for sunscreen for sun protection.
Sunscreen that gets applied all over is usually different than the one many of us want to be applied to our faces. We all want good lasting coverage and for it to feel comfortable on delicate facial skin.
If you enjoy the feeling of a gel-based primer on your face, then you might like this product. It is a heavier feeling than a lotion but doesn't have any fragrance and coats the skin in a way that you know it's there. But for me, it worked well after 2 days in the park with my 2-year-old son. It wasn't beach sun and didn't involve any pool activities, but it held up well despite New York's July humidity.
For those of you who hate the white cast of sunscreen, this blends right into your skin tone. The only complaint is that it may feel a bit heavy on warmer days.
And for those of you who wear makeup, this makes for a solid primer underneath. It was hard to test which was performing better: my foundation or this sunscreen. But in all honestly, as long as I wasn't sunburnt I didn't care. It went on well under makeup. The only downside is that if you are wearing makeup, then reapplying sunscreen probably isn't going to happen well.
But this is a very good broad-spectrum sunscreen that does what it is asked to do.
And for those of you wondering, the consistency is very close to Tarte's Poreless Mattifying Primer. A little does go a long way. So the first time around you might find yourself using a bit too much which will make this feel extra heavy.
Trader Joe's Daily Facial Sunscreen vs Supergoop
Right now across social media people are discussing how similar Trader Joe's Daily Facial Sunscreen is to Supergoop's Unseen Sunscreen. While Trader Joe's Daily Facial Sunscreen is close, it isn't Supergoop's formula, although the comparison isn't unwarranted.
The products are similar in that:
- Doing a quick swatch they are visually almost indistinguishable
- Both are sold as SPF 40
- Both are sold in 1.7-ounce size
- The active ingredients are the same
- Good broad-spectrum spf ingredients
The products are different in that:
- Trader Joe's Daily Facial Sunscreen costs $8.99 while Supergoop's product will set you back $36
- While the active ingredients are the same, the % each company uses is different
- Other inactive ingredient list is similar but different.
Now keep in mind, that these products are very similar, but aren't quite dupes; however, the case can be made that they are meant to be pretty darn similar. But in my world, for the price, I'll reach for the Trader Joe's brand and pocket the difference and spend it on something else.
Packaging
The packaging was kept pretty minimal with this product. There was no excess plastic packaging. There was a tiny bit of foil covering the tip of the sunscreen which had to be removed before use.
Overall
Would I buy this again? While one of these will last the rest of the summer, Trader Joe's Daily Facial Sunscreen would be a definite repurchase for next summer should it be available.
As always, Trader Joe's sunscreen products are seasonal items. If you think you'll need some, don't wait until the end of the season. Stock up and try to plan how much you will need for the season.
Also, I know there might be some discussion on mineral sunscreens versus other varieties, however, the best sunscreen is always the one you will actually wear regularly.
If you do end up hating the feeling of a gel sunscreen, then keep a look out for Trader Joe's Sunscreen that is sold in a yellow bottle. That applies more like lotion and is labeled for face as well.
Did you try it? Let me know what you think in the comments section!
A visual rundown of this product
The box:
The description on the box:
The ingredients:
Out of the package you get:
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The Bottom Line
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Trader Joe's Daily Facial Sunscreen
Product Name: Trader Joe's Daily Facial Sunscreen
Product Description: Trader Joe's Daily Facial Sunscreen is rumored to be a dupe of a bigger brand, while different, it's a solid buy.
Price: $8.99
Summary
Trader Joe's Daily Facial Sunscreen is rumored to be a dupe of Supergoop's Unseen Sunscreen, but there are key differences
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Value
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Worthy of Repurchasing
Pros
- Works well on its own and under makeup.
- Priced well
Cons
- Some will prefer a lighter feeling facial sunscreen
I tried the TJs facial sunscreen and I like it but wish it had some fragrance. My store in Connecticut is almost out of it, and I don’t think they will be restocking it. Othe4 stores ar3 already featuring Halloween and even Christmas products.
Wow! Already! Thanks for the heads up.
Does it make your eyes sting when you sweat?
My sweat beaded on top of the sunscreen. But I wear sunglasses and don't apply this too close to the eye area.
Can anyone tell me where online I can purchase this item of Trader Joe's daily sunscreen? I tried looking on their website but it says it's not available.
hello - used it today And texture ok put far from my eyes under and on forehead ! had to leave beach to rinse out eyes - still hurt - took a benadryl and then a claritin, THEN a shower washed , hair ,face - and body- Dear GOD it hurt !!!!! also not reef safe - im no puss and I was shall we say - upset - it literally hurt - im ok now after shower -
Thanks for sharing Christopher! I only used it when I was outside or in the pool, but I didn't go underwater with it. Thanks for sharing.