Brand Breakdown: Is Supergoop a Clean Beauty Brand?

From our findings, Supergoop uses chemical UV blockers such as Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, and Octocrylene as their active ingredients. What we know about the following ingredients of oxybenzone, octinoxate, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate and avobenzone are that they are all systemically absorbed into the body after one use, according to the studies published by the FDA. The agency also found they could be detected on the skin and in the blood weeks after they had last been used. 

You can see below for individualized ingredient breakdowns to get a better understanding of what these actives do and how they can effect the body. 

Avobenzene

Avobenzone is under assessment as to whether it is persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic (PBT) (source) It induces mitochondrial dysfunction-mediated apoptosis leading to abnormal placentation during early pregnancy (source). Is being assessed for causing endocrine-disrupting activity (source) And functions as an obesogen interfering with normal lipid metabolism. Beginning January 1, 2023, Hawaii has banned the sale, offer for sale, or distribution in the state of any sunscreen that contains octocrylene and/or avobenzone.

Octisalate/ Ethylhexyl Salicylate

Octisalate has insufficient research data to determine its safety and effectiveness in sunscreen (source) but is thought to be very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects (source). There is also evidence that there are Biochemical or cellular level changes when using this ingredient. 

Octocrylene

Octocrylene has insufficient research data to determine its safety, but has shown allergenic potential, concerns with endocrine distruption and is considered toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. Beginning January 1, 2023, Hawaii has banned the sale, offer for sale, or distribution in the state of any sunscreen that contains octocrylene and/or avobenzone.

Homosalate

 EWG rates Homosalate as 4, and it also penetrates the skin. Scientists have found that Homosalate may interfere with the normal function of hormones by disrupting estrogen, androgen, and progesterone.It was found toxic to living cells and damaging to DNA (source).And can adversely affect human trophoblast cells that help protect an embryo in the uterus; therefore, pregnant women are advised to practice caution with personal care products containing homosalate (source).

Therefore, the EU Chemicals Agency database indicates that it has been assessed for endocrine disruption.

Caprylhydroxamic Acid

This ingredient in some of their products may not be suitable for those with eczema prone skin as it could cause irritation or an allergic reaction.  

Polyester-7 + 8

While these ingredients might not have any issues with the disruption of the endocrine system, there is not enough data or evidence to say otherwise. 

Methyl Dihydroabietate

While this ingredient might not have any issues with the disruption of the endocrine system, there is not enough data or evidence to say otherwise. 

Polyethylene glycols (PEGs)

While it’s only in one of their products (City Sunscreen Serum SPF 30) they claim that PEGs are on their “NO” list but still use this ingredient. There are no warnings on that products page, just a link to their “NO” list.  PEGs are manufactured with carcinogenic ethylene oxide whose traces may remain in the final product.

Cyclomethicone

Again, this is on their “NO” list but they still use it in their (City Sunscreen Serum SPF 30) product. According to the 2011 Cosmetic Ingredient Review Panel report, cyclomethicone is a mixture of cyclic siloxane materials.  This also includes cyclopentasiloxane (D5) and cyclohexasiloxane (D6) and occasionally cyclotetrasiloxane (D4), which is prohibited from use in cosmetic products in Europe.  In addition, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) reports that cyclomethicone is suspected of damaging fertility and unborn child.

Flavor (Aroma)

Found mostly in their lipstick products. Flavor falls along the same terms as “fragrance” there are undisclosed ingredients that may interfere with the endocrine system, cause allergies, increase the risk of cancer.

Artificial / Synthetic Dyes 

Dyes such as Yellow 5 Lake, Yellow 6 Lake, RED 22 LAKE (CI 45380) and RED 7 LAKE (CI 15850) are in their lipstick products. Red and yellow synthetic dyes like these are very common in beauty products, even those labeled clean because the percentage is usually less than 1% but still may pose a threat to those with allergens.