Finding a sunscreen that’s easy to reapply over makeup can be surprisingly difficult. Traditional lotions often disturb foundation, while sprays don’t always appeal to people who prefer a matte finish or want more oil control during the day.
Supergoop! (Re) Setting 100% Mineral Powder SPF 35 is designed to solve that problem. It combines a mineral sunscreen with a setting powder in a refillable brush, promising shine control, makeup setting, and broad-spectrum sun protection in a single product.
Those claims sound appealing, but the formula deserves a closer look. In this review, I’ll examine the ingredient list, discuss what the key ingredients can realistically do, explain where the scientific evidence is strongest, and point out the limitations that matter before you decide to buy it.
Supergoop! (Re) Setting Face Powder Ingredients at a Glance
The current ingredient list comes from the manufacturer’s official website. Supergoop! also notes that formulas may change over time or vary between countries, so it’s always worth checking the packaging you receive.
- Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide 24.7%
- Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate
- Silica
- Trimethylsiloxysilicate
- Calcium Sodium Borosilicate
- Polymethyl Methacrylate
- Lauroyl Lysine
- Polyglyceryl-10 Pentaisostearate
- Boron Nitride
- Triethoxycaprylylsilane
- Ethylhexylglycerin
- Nylon-6/12
- Sodium Dehydroacetate
- Olive Glycerides
- Ascorbyl Palmitate
- Ceramide 3
- May Contain: Iron Oxides (CI 77492, CI 77491, CI 77499)
Supergoop! (Re) Setting Face Powder Ingredients: My Analysis
This formula is relatively focused. Rather than relying on numerous trendy skincare ingredients, it centers on one sunscreen active supported by several cosmetic ingredients that improve texture, oil control, and wear.
Zinc Oxide
Zinc oxide is the only active sunscreen ingredient in this formula, and the manufacturer clearly discloses its concentration at 24.7%. That’s helpful because many cosmetic ingredients remain undisclosed, making products harder to evaluate.
As a mineral UV filter, zinc oxide reflects, scatters, and absorbs ultraviolet radiation. According to the FDA’s sunscreen guidance, zinc oxide is recognized as an effective broad-spectrum sunscreen ingredient when properly formulated.
What stands out to me is that this product isn’t simply a finishing powder with a token SPF claim. The disclosed zinc oxide concentration supports its advertised SPF 35 rating, although achieving labeled protection still depends on applying enough product according to the manufacturer’s directions.
That’s also the biggest limitation. Multiple dermatology experts note that people generally apply far less powder sunscreen than laboratory SPF testing requires. The available evidence supports zinc oxide itself, but it doesn’t guarantee you’ll receive full SPF 35 protection during everyday touch-ups.
Silica
Silica is one of the main cosmetic ingredients responsible for the powder’s mattifying effect. It’s widely used because it absorbs surface oil while helping diffuse light to reduce the appearance of enlarged pores and uneven texture.
I can easily see why Supergoop! included it. Many people looking for an SPF touch-up product also want to reduce shine without adding another heavy layer of cream sunscreen.
Research supporting silica focuses mainly on its physical properties rather than clinical skin benefits. It improves the cosmetic finish, but it shouldn’t be mistaken for a skincare treatment. The manufacturer doesn’t disclose its exact concentration, so its amount in this formula cannot be determined.
Ceramide 3
Ceramides are naturally occurring lipids that help maintain the skin barrier. They’re commonly included in moisturizers because clinical dermatology literature supports their role in reducing water loss and supporting barrier function.
Ceramide 3 is a welcome addition because powders can sometimes leave skin feeling dry. Including barrier-supporting ingredients may help improve comfort, especially for people with normal or combination skin.
My enthusiasm is somewhat tempered by one limitation. The manufacturer doesn’t disclose the amount of ceramide used, so it’s impossible to know whether the concentration resembles those evaluated in clinical moisturizer studies.
The evidence for ceramides in skincare is strong overall. However, most supporting studies involve creams or lotions rather than loose powder sunscreens, so the research doesn’t directly prove this product delivers the same barrier benefits.
Olive Glycerides
Olive glycerides are emollient ingredients derived from olive oil. They help improve skin feel by reducing dryness and creating a smoother surface during application.
I was pleased to find them here because mineral powders sometimes emphasize oil control so aggressively that they become uncomfortable on drier skin. An emollient ingredient helps balance that tendency.
The available evidence supports olive-derived emollients as skin-conditioning ingredients, but they aren’t active anti-aging or treatment ingredients. Their primary role is improving the user experience rather than transforming skin quality.
Other Ingredients
- Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate: Reflective mineral that adds luminosity and improves the cosmetic finish. It’s generally considered safe in topical cosmetics when used as intended.
- Trimethylsiloxysilicate: Film-forming polymer that improves water resistance, durability, and makeup adherence. It has a well-established safety profile in cosmetic formulations.
- Calcium Sodium Borosilicate: Mineral filler that enhances texture and light diffusion. It mainly improves appearance rather than providing skincare benefits.
- Polymethyl Methacrylate: Soft-focus powder that blurs the appearance of pores and fine lines. It’s widely used in cosmetics and isn’t considered hazardous under normal topical use.
- Lauroyl Lysine: Amino acid-derived skin-conditioning ingredient that creates a smoother, silkier application while improving powder adhesion.
- Polyglyceryl-10 Pentaisostearate: Emulsifier and dispersing agent that helps distribute mineral pigments evenly for more consistent application.
- Boron Nitride: Slip-enhancing mineral that gives powders a silky feel while improving spreadability and reducing drag during application.
- Triethoxycaprylylsilane: Surface treatment that improves the dispersion of mineral particles and helps the sunscreen apply more evenly.
- Ethylhexylglycerin: Skin-conditioning preservative booster that helps support product preservation. Allergic reactions are possible but uncommon.
- Nylon-6/12: Lightweight synthetic powder that improves texture, oil control, and the soft-focus finish without providing direct skincare benefits.
- Sodium Dehydroacetate: Preservative that helps protect the formula from microbial contamination. It’s generally regarded as safe at permitted cosmetic concentrations.
- Ascorbyl Palmitate: Oil-soluble vitamin C derivative used primarily as an antioxidant to help stabilize the formulation rather than deliver proven brightening effects.
- Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499): Mineral pigments that provide tint and help reduce the white cast commonly associated with mineral sunscreens.
Safety Concerns and Controversies
For most healthy adults, the formula appears well designed from a safety perspective. Zinc oxide has a long history of use in mineral sunscreens, and the supporting cosmetic ingredients are commonly used within established regulatory limits.
The biggest practical concern isn’t toxicity but application. Powder sunscreens can be difficult to apply evenly, making it easy to receive less UV protection than the labeled SPF suggests. This product works best as a sunscreen touch-up rather than your only daily sunscreen application.
People with very dry skin or compromised skin barriers may notice some dryness because of the oil-absorbing powders. Anyone with sensitive skin should also avoid intentionally inhaling loose powder during application, since these products are meant for external skin use only.
Supergoop! (Re) Setting Face Powder: My Verdict
I think this is one of the more thoughtfully formulated powder sunscreens currently available. The disclosed 24.7% zinc oxide concentration adds confidence because the primary active ingredient isn’t hidden behind proprietary labeling.
What I find less impressive is the unavoidable limitation shared by nearly every powder sunscreen. Even though the formula itself makes scientific sense, the available evidence doesn’t show that typical users consistently apply enough powder to achieve the labeled SPF during everyday use.
Overall, I’d consider this product worth considering if your goal is convenient SPF reapplication over makeup. Used alongside a properly applied primary sunscreen, the ingredient list is logical, balanced, and supported by stronger evidence than many competing cosmetic SPF powders.
Disclaimer
This review is based primarily on the disclosed ingredients and currently available scientific research. Even ingredients with strong evidence don’t guarantee identical results for every user. The article is educational and shouldn’t replace personalized advice from a qualified healthcare professional.