TikTok Found a Supergoop Face Sunscreen Dupe at Trader Joe's — Here's a Dermatologist's Opinion

TikTok Found a Supergoop Face Sunscreen Dupe at Trader Joe's — Here's a Dermatologist's Opinion

Protecting your skin from the sun's harmful rays is crucial every day - even in bad weather, when you wear makeup, and when you don't spend too much time outdoors. There's no secret sunscreen that helps reduce the risk of painful burns and skin cancer, but finding an SPF that's affordable, effective, and feels good on the skin is a surprisingly tall order for some. (See: SPF and Sunscreen Myths to Stop Believing, Statistics)

Recently, TikTokers found one that ticks all the boxes and is even considered a dupe for fan favorite Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen. And it turns out you can find it on the shelves of your local Trader Joe's for just $9, making it a budget-friendly choice at $27 less than its pricier counterpart.

When TJ's first released Trader Joe's Daily Facial Sunscreen in stores last month, it didn't take long for the broad-spectrum SPF 40 to develop a following. Social media users were quick to notice that the lightweight, oil-free gel formula mimics the much more expensive Supergoop facial sunscreen. With nearly seven million collective views on TikTok alone, the hashtag #traderjoessunscreen reveals videos of sunscreens that are winning rave reviews due to their consistency and ingredient list similar to Supergoop's Unseen Sunscreen.

It has a "velvety consistency," which also makes it a solid choice for a makeup primer, according to one TikTok creator. Another user demonstrates how both formulas disappear into the skin without leaving a chalky, white cast in a TikTok posted earlier this month. Finally, the sweat-resistant, easily absorbed gel formula even receives the dermatologist seal of approval. TikTok's @dermdoctor, Dr. Muneeb Shah, compared the two sunscreens in a recent video, urging his 16 million followers to "run and get this before it sells out."

Both products contain four chemical UV blockers (avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate and octocrylene) in slightly different percentages. The chemical formulas found in both Supergoop and Trader Joe's facial sunscreens likely explain their ability to penetrate the skin without feeling thick or looking greasy, as this type of sunscreen is less likely to leave a visible white cast, Shape previously reported. (Do you have sensitive skin? These formulas provide protection without potential irritation.)

So what really separates Supergoop's $36 sunscreen from Trader Joe's $9 sunscreen? "The slight difference between the two formulas is that Supergoop contains some more beneficial ingredients," Geeta Yadav, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of FACET Dermatology, tells Shape. These ingredients are meadowfoam (a vegetable oil), mannitol (a sugar alcohol), lecithin (a group of fatty substances), and diatomaceous earth (a powder obtained from fossilized algae).

"Meadowfoam has a very high concentration of fatty acids - most other plant oils," she says, adding that this helps nourish and soften the skin, fights collagen breakdown and protects against free radicals. Mannitol provides a boost of moisture, while lecithin, an ingredient rich in fatty acids, helps hydrate the skin, explains Dr. Yadav. Finally, "diatomaceous earth is rich in minerals, provides antioxidant defense to prevent signs of aging, and can help absorb excess oil," she says.

The TL:DR here: "For the price point, Trader Joe's formula is excellent," says Dr. Yadav. "The formulas are similar enough that someone might expect comparable benefits," she notes, adding that "the most important" element when it comes to sun protection is daily wear. Given this, according to Dr. Yadav “the key to compliance is liking the product enough to use it daily.”

Unfortunately, it's worth noting that Trader Joe's Daily Facial Sunscreen may be hard to find on store shelves due to its viral fame. So you should stock up when you see him. (Next: 8 Ways to Get Sun Protection—Besides Wearing Sunscreen)