Aveeno · Sunscreen
Aveeno Calm + Restore Daily Moisturizer Mineral Sunscreen
Lower-concern choice; mineral sunscreen formulas rarely require PFAS, but Aveeno hasn't publicly committed to PFAS-free status.
Aveeno's mineral sunscreen moisturizer uses zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide as active ingredients, inorganic minerals that do not inherently require PFAS for function. The brand makes no public PFAS claim or commitment, and no third-party testing data is publicly available for this specific product.
Shop Aveeno on Amazon →Material
Mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide/titanium dioxide), water-based moisturizer base
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
This product uses zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as UV blockers, which sit on the skin surface rather than absorbing into it, making them physically protective rather than chemically reactive. The water-based moisturizer base reduces risk of volatile organic compound (VOC) off-gassing compared to oil-heavy formulas. Mineral sunscreens do not require PFAS water-repellency additives as frequently as chemical sunscreen formulas, and no published recalls or contamination reports exist for this specific product.
The brand's record and disclosure
Aveeno (Johnson & Johnson subsidiary) has not made a public commitment to PFAS-free formulations across its portfolio, though individual mineral products are unlikely to contain PFAS. The brand has faced scrutiny over talc contamination in legacy products (primarily body powder and baby products), but this sunscreen is not talc-based. Aveeno publishes safety data sheets and complies with FDA sunscreen regulations; no pattern of undisclosed hazardous ingredients has been established for this line.
How it compares in its category
Mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) are generally considered safer than chemical alternatives (oxybenzone, avobenzone) because they do not require organic solubilizers or PFAS water repellents. This product's moisturizer base addresses the traditional grittiness of mineral formulas. Compared to unbranded mineral sunscreens, Aveeno's formulation undergoes FDA premarket review and stability testing, reducing unpredictable leachate risk.
If you buy it
Apply a sufficient amount (about 1/4 teaspoon for face, 1 ounce for full body) 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every two hours or after water contact. Store in a cool, dry place below 77°F to prevent separation or degradation of the mineral UV filters. Do not use on infants under 6 months (per FDA guidance). Discontinue if irritation or rash develops, though mineral formulas rarely trigger allergic contact dermatitis compared to chemical sunscreens.
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.”
Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide (inhalation risk, cosmetic-grade particle size)
Mineral sunscreens in powder or aerosol form carry a theoretical inhalation risk; this is a cream/lotion and poses negligible inhalation hazard during normal topical use. No recalled batches or pulmonary incidents tied to this specific product exist.
Fragrance allergens and irritants in moisturizer base
Aveeno formulas typically include fragrance compounds and botanicals (oat extract); individual sensitivity varies widely. No specific allergen bans apply to this product, but users with contact dermatitis history should patch-test first.
Heavy metal impurities in mineral UV filters
Pharmaceutical-grade zinc oxide and titanium dioxide used in FDA-compliant sunscreens are refined to strict impurity limits. No published analysis or recall for this product has identified cadmium, lead, or arsenic contamination.
Preservative-related contact sensitization
Water-based sunscreen moisturizers require preservatives (likely methylisothiazolinone, phenoxyethanol, or parabens depending on formulation). These are well-tolerated in most users but can trigger delayed allergic contact dermatitis in sensitized individuals; incidence is low.
Photoinstability of organic moisturizer ingredients under UV exposure
The zinc oxide and titanium dioxide provide UV barrier, protecting underlying moisturizer compounds from photodegradation. No evidence suggests degradation products are released during use.
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 Sunscreen
Goddess Garden
Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 6 oz
mineral-based UV filters, plant-derived waxes
Lower-concern mineral sunscreen with credible PFAS-exclusion certification.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
Raw Elements
Eco Formula SPF 30 Sunscreen
mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide)
Lower PFAS concern; mineral sunscreen with third-party verification and no known fluorochemical history.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
Raw Elements
Face & Body Sunscreen Tin SPF 30
mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide/titanium dioxide), tin packaging
Lower-concern choice; mineral sunscreen + explicit PFAS-free positioning + third-party certs reduce risk.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
More sunscreen 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.