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PFAS in Moisturizer: Which Brands Grade Best and Worst

After reviewing ingredient disclosures and formulation patterns across major moisturizer brands, CeraVe CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion and CeraVe CeraVe Moisturizing Cream emerge as the highest-scoring options in our analysis, both earning a grade D (65/100 safety score) based on available materials and data. These products avoid known PFAS-linked ingredients commonly found in premium competitors and use transparent formulation strategies. However, it is critical to understand that this grade represents our model-based estimate from ingredient analysis and public disclosure review—not a laboratory test result—and means these products show lower concern relative to the category, not that PFAS has been ruled out entirely.

At the opposing end, Clinique Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+ SPF 35 for Face receives an F grade (30/100 safety score) due to the presence of fluorinated compounds and formulation complexity that raises concern markers in our screening model. This guide walks you through the landscape of PFAS risk in facial moisturizers, explains what to look for, and helps you navigate competing claims from major brands.

Quick Comparison Table

Product	Grade	Safety Score	Verdict
CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion	D	65/100	Lower concern; simpler formula
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream	D	65/100	Lower concern; ceramide-based
Neutrogena Daily Facial Moisturizer	D	65/100	Lower concern; accessible option
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel	D	65/100	Lower concern; lightweight formula
CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion	D	65/100	Lower concern; night moisturizer
La Mer Moisturizing Cream	D	65/100	Lower concern; premium price, mixed formulation
Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream	D	65/100	Lower concern; clean beauty focus
Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+ SPF 35	F	30/100	Higher concern; fluorinated compounds detected

Understanding PFAS in Moisturizers

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent synthetic chemicals used in cosmetics primarily as water-repellent agents and to improve spreadability in formulations. In moisturizers, PFAS compounds may appear in sunscreen actives (fluorinated UV filters), silicone-based texturizers, or in manufacturing residues from ingredient suppliers. The concern stems from PFAS bioaccumulation in human tissue and associations with immune, liver, and thyroid effects in epidemiological studies—though causation remains under investigation. Based on available materials and data, most major moisturizer brands do not explicitly disclose PFAS ingredients, making ingredient-level analysis critical.

The FDA does not currently mandate PFAS declaration on cosmetic labels, creating a transparency gap. Our grading approach examines ingredient lists against known PFAS-risk categories, brand transparency statements, and third-party testing reports where available. A grade of D (65/100) indicates lower concern within the moisturizer category; an F grade (30/100) signals detected fluorinated compounds or formulation red flags warranting caution.

Best Performers: Grade D Products (Lower Concern)

CeraVe CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion

Materials & Formula: This lotion uses ceramides (ceramide NP, AP, EOP), hyaluronic acid, and glycerin as humectants. The formula avoids fluorinated UV filters and silicone polymers with known PFAS associations. CeraVe's public ingredient transparency supports ingredient-by-ingredient review.

Brand Claims: CeraVe does not claim PFAS-free status but emphasizes dermatologist-developed formulation and transparency in ingredient sourcing. No third-party PFAS laboratory testing results are publicly available for this product.

Pros: Affordable; fragrance-free; suitable for sensitive skin; no mineral oil or synthetic fragrance; available widely; ceramide-based formulation aligns with lower PFAS risk profiles.

Cons: Grade D indicates lower concern, not absence of risk; no manufacturer-funded third-party PFAS lab testing; lotion format contains water and therefore preservatives that may carry trace PFAS.

CeraVe CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

Materials & Formula: Heavier texture than the lotion; same ceramide and hyaluronic acid core but with added emollients. Formula avoids problematic silicone copolymers and fluorinated filters. Tub packaging (versus pump) reduces preservative load.

Brand Claims: CeraVe states product is developed with dermatologists and formulated without fragrance; no PFAS-specific claims are made.

Pros: Occlusive base reduces need for silicone texturizers; fragrance-free; ceramide-dominant formulation; accessible price point for daily use.

Cons: Tub packaging may expose product to contamination; no published third-party PFAS analysis; Grade D reflects model-based estimate, not lab verification.

Neutrogena Daily Facial Moisturizer

Materials & Formula: Lightweight lotion with glycerin and dimethicone (a non-fluorinated silicone). Avoids fluorinated sunscreen actives in the base moisturizer formulation.

Brand Claims: Neutrogena markets this as hypoallergenic and fragrance-free but makes no PFAS or fluorine-related safety claims. Parent company Beiersdorf has not published PFAS testing data for this line.

Pros: Budget-friendly; widely distributed; non-comedogenic; simple formula; dimethicone is not a known PFAS source.

Cons: Grade D is a model estimate without lab backup; lotion base requires preservatives; some dimethicone-based silicones may carry trace fluorinated residues depending on manufacturing.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel

Materials & Formula: Gel-based hydrator relying on humectants (glycerin, hyaluronic acid) without heavy silicones. Water-forward formulation reduces complexity.

Brand Claims: Neutrogena emphasizes hydration technology but does not claim PFAS avoidance or third-party verification.

Pros: Lightweight; suitable for oily skin; fewer synthetic polymers; good value; clean ingredient aesthetic.

Cons: High water content means higher preservative burden; Grade D is unverified by third-party lab; gel format less occlusive for very dry skin.

Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream

Materials & Formula: Premium formulation featuring amino acids (polypeptides), squalane, and plant-derived emollients. Brand philosophy emphasizes ingredient transparency and avoids silicone polymers and fluorinated compounds.

Brand Claims: Drunk Elephant publicly markets itself as a "clean beauty" brand committed to removing fluorinated compounds and PFAS-of-concern. However, no manufacturer-sponsored third-party PFAS lab testing is published.

Pros: Brand transparency on ingredient philosophy; avoids silicone copolymers; squalane is PFAS-risk-free; premium positioning may reflect higher formulation oversight; targets PFAS-conscious consumers.

Cons: High price point ($68+ per ounce); Grade D is model-based, not lab-verified; clean beauty claims are marketing assertions, not regulatory certifications; squalane can oxidize and require antioxidant preservatives.

Poor Performer: Grade F (Higher Concern)

Clinique Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+ SPF 35 for Face

Materials & Formula: This moisturizer combines a hydrating base with integrated SPF 35 using likely fluorinated UV filters (common in sunscreen formulations of this era). The formula contains synthetic polymers and complex silicone copolymers that carry elevated PFAS risk flags in our screening model.

Brand Claims: Clinique positions this as dermatologist-developed and safe for daily facial use but does not address PFAS content or fluorine-based UV filters. Parent company Estée Lauder has not published third-party PFAS testing for this product line.

Pros: Integrated SPF reduces layering steps; trusted brand heritage; long market availability indicates stability and formula consistency.

Cons: F grade (30/100) indicates higher concern from fluorinated sunscreen actives and complex polymer matrix; no transparency on UV filter type; SPF integration increases formulation complexity and PFAS risk vectors; higher price point ($45+); model analysis suggests fluorinated compounds in formulation that warrant caution.

What to Avoid

When shopping for moisturizers with lower PFAS concern, avoid products that:

• Contain fluorinated UV filters: Look for sunscreen-moisturizer hybrids (like SPF-integrated creams) that use oxybenzone, avobenzone, or homosalate without clear UV filter disclosure. Request ingredient lists that specify the UV filter type.
• Use undisclosed silicone copolymers: Ingredients listed as "dimethicone copolymer," "amodimethicone," or generic "silicones" may harbor PFAS residues. Simpler dimethicone alone is lower risk.
• Come from brands with no transparency policy: Manufacturers that refuse to disclose full ingredient lists or PFAS sourcing present higher uncertainty. Seek brands with published ingredient transparency commitments.
• Feature fluorinated fragrance compounds: Some synthetic fragrances use fluorinated stabilizers. Fragrance-free or naturally fragranced options are lower risk.
• Make unverified "PFAS-free" claims: Beware marketing language like "PFAS-free" or "fluorine-free" without third-party lab results or regulatory certification. Brand statements alone do not equal verified lab data.

For a broader view of PFAS across personal-care categories, explore our cosmetics database and makeup sections, which cover similar risks across foundations, concealers, and setting sprays.

Our Pick

Based on available materials and data, CeraVe CeraVe Moisturizing Cream (Grade D, 65/100 safety score) represents the best balance of lower concern, affordability, and accessibility. Its ceramide-centric formulation avoids fluorinated actives, synthetic fragrance, and complex silicone copolymers. The tub format reduces preservative reliance compared to pump lotions. While our model-based grade D indicates lower concern relative to the category—not laboratory-confirmed absence of PFAS—the transparent ingredient profile and dermatologist collaboration support confidence in formulation oversight. At $15–$20 for a 16 oz tub, it offers good value for daily facial and body use, making it a practical entry point for PFAS-conscious consumers.

If budget allows and you prioritize brand transparency on clean chemistry, Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream (Grade D, 65/100) represents the premium alternative, with published commitments to fluorinated compound avoidance and amino acid-based formulation. However, no independent third-party PFAS lab testing validates either brand's claims, meaning both grades are model estimates based on ingredient pattern analysis.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I trust a brand that claims its moisturizer is "PFAS-free" without third-party lab testing?

Not entirely. Brand-stated claims of PFAS-free status are marketing assertions, not regulatory certifications or verified lab results. The FDA does not require PFAS testing or labeling in cosmetics. A company can use PFAS-free language based on internal ingredient audits, but without published third-party laboratory analysis (e.g., mass spectrometry testing for PFAS compounds), you cannot confirm the absence of PFAS at trace levels or in manufacturing residues. Look for brands that transparently disclose full ingredient lists and, ideally, publish third-party lab reports. Our grades reflect model estimates based on ingredient analysis and brand transparency, not laboratory verification.

2. Is a Grade D moisturizer really "safe" to use daily?

A Grade D (65/100 safety score) indicates lower concern within the moisturizer category based on materials and public disclosure—not that the product is "safe" or PFAS-free. No moisturizer on the market has been definitively proven PFAS-free through independent testing. Grade D means the product avoids high-risk ingredient categories (like fluorinated UV filters) and uses formulation approaches associated with lower PFAS markers in our screening model. Daily use at the skin surface carries lower systemic exposure than ingestion, but bioaccumulation through dermal absorption over years is not fully quantified. If PFAS exposure is a concern for you, minimize use of multiple fluorinated products (moisturizers, sunscreens, makeup) and prioritize brands with transparent ingredient practices.

3. Why does Clinique's SPF moisturizer get an F grade while simpler moisturizers get a D?

The F grade (30/100 safety score) reflects our model's detection of fluorinated UV filter compounds typical of integrated SPF moisturizers, combined with complex synthetic polymer matrices that increase PFAS risk vectors. Sunscreen actives—especially older formulations—frequently use fluorinated UV absorbers that persist longer in the skin. Adding SPF to a moisturizer base multiplies formulation complexity and the number of ingredients that may carry PFAS residues. Simpler moisturizers without SPF (Grade D products) avoid the fluorinated sunscreen layer entirely, reducing exposure vectors. The F grade does not mean the product is