Aveda · Hair Styling Products
Aveda Brilliant Medium Hold Hair Spray
Lower concern; no known PFAS in typical aerosol hairspray formulations, but Aveda makes no explicit commitment.
Aveda Brilliant Medium Hold Hair Spray is a cosmetic aerosol with no publicly known PFAS-containing ingredients or disclosed water-repellent coating coatings. The brand does not market PFAS-free status or hold third-party verification.
Shop Aveda on Amazon →Material
aerosol spray propellant and film-forming polymers (typical: acrylates, silicones)
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Category baseline
cosmetics is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Aveda Brilliant Medium Hold is an aerosol spray containing film-forming acrylate polymers and silicones that create a flexible hold on hair without flaking. The propellant is typically hydrocarbon-based (isobutane/propane blend) rather than ozone-depleting CFCs. Acrylate resins and silicones are inert once dried on hair and do not absorb through skin, making them low-risk for topical use. The aerosol format means inhalation exposure is the primary route of concern, though typical use involves brief exposure at arm's length.
The brand's record and disclosure
Aveda is owned by Estée Lauder and markets itself on sustainability and plant-derived ingredients, though this product is primarily synthetic polymer-based. The brand does not publish detailed ingredient safety data sheets or third-party certifications (e.g., EWG Verified) for this hairspray. No recalls or regulatory actions specific to this product have been documented. Aveda's silence on PFAS is consistent with the broader beauty aerosol industry, where disclosure remains rare.
How it compares in its category
This hairspray sits in the mainstream performance tier, comparable to brands like TRESemmé or Pantene in formula type. Aerosol hairsprays across the category share the same propellant and polymer chemistry; differences are mainly in hold strength and conditioning additives. Products marketed as 'clean' (e.g., Bumble and bumble) may omit synthetic silicones but use similar acrylate binders, so hazard profile is not significantly different. Pump-bottle alternatives eliminate propellant inhalation risk but often require more product per application.
If you buy it
Apply in a well-ventilated area or outdoors to minimize inhalation of propellant fumes; a few seconds of exposure during typical use poses minimal risk. Do not inhale directly from the can or spray near face for prolonged periods. Store upright in a cool place away from heat and direct sunlight to prevent propellant degradation or can rupture. Discontinue use if scalp irritation or respiratory irritation develops; these are rare but possible with any aerosol product.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
Hydrocarbon propellant inhalation
Isobutane/propane propellants can cause dizziness, headache, or respiratory irritation with prolonged or direct inhalation. Typical 2-3 second spray use poses minimal risk; intentional huffing or use in closed spaces is dangerous.
Acrylate polymer irritation (skin/scalp)
Dried acrylate films on hair and scalp are chemically inert and non-sensitizing for the vast majority of users. No reports of contact dermatitis specific to this product in available literature.
Fragrance allergens
Aveda hairsprays typically contain fragrance compounds (natural and synthetic) that can trigger contact allergies or respiratory sensitivity in susceptible individuals. Patch test on a small scalp area if prone to fragrance sensitivity.
Aerosol can rupture or over-pressurization
Exposure to heat (above 120F) or physical damage can cause propellant to escape or container to burst. Store away from radiators, direct sunlight, and high-temperature environments.
PFAS in aqueous co-solvents
Aerosol hairsprays rarely require PFAS surfactants or water-repellents, and no specific reports link Aveda hairspray to PFAS content. Aveda's lack of explicit PFAS commitment leaves uncertainty, but typical formulation risk is low.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 72% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
Safer alternatives in Hair Styling Products
Olaplex
Signature Hair & Body Mist
water-based fragrance spray in glass/plastic bottle
Lower concern, but Olaplex makes no public PFAS commitment, typical for the cosmetics category.
✓Bare metal or glass, no coating at all
More hair styling products grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.