Aveeno · Moisturizer
Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Moisturizer
Lower PFAS concern for a typical water-based daily moisturizer; no red flags in formulation type.
Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Moisturizer is a cosmetic moisturizer with no known water-repellent or nonstick coatings that would require PFAS treatment. The product contains standard skincare ingredients (emollients, humectants, silicones) not typically associated with fluorochemical use.
Shop Aveeno on Amazon →Material
Water-based emulsion (glycerin, dimethicone, mineral oil, natural extracts)
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
Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Moisturizer is a water-based emulsion built on glycerin (humectant), dimethicone (silicone occlusive), and mineral oil (occlusive), combined with salicylic acid for acne treatment. These are all conventional, widely-used cosmetic ingredients with long safety histories. The water-based structure means minimal risk of problematic leaching or degradation compared to oil-in-water formulas with reactive coatings or containers.
The brand's record and disclosure
Aveeno (Johnson & Johnson subsidiary) maintains basic ingredient transparency on product labels and complies with FDA cosmetic regulations. The brand has no major documented recalls or safety controversies specific to this moisturizer line. However, J&J's corporate PFAS stance is largely silent on personal-care products, though water-based facial moisturizers are not a primary route of PFAS exposure compared to water-resistant cosmetics or treated textiles.
How it compares in its category
This product sits in the mainstream mass-market segment. Its formula is typical for acne-prone moisturizers: simple, preservative-dependent (no notable exotic actives), and free of the botanical extracts that can introduce contaminants. Compared to premium brands, it offers less exotic marketing but similar core safety profiles; compared to budget brands, it has slightly stronger quality control documentation.
If you buy it
Apply to clean, dry skin daily as directed; use a small amount (pea-sized) to avoid over-occlusion. Store at room temperature away from direct sunlight and heat, as dimethicone can separate or degrade if temperatures exceed 30C (86F) for extended periods. Replace if the emulsion visibly separates, discolors, or develops odor, typically within 12 months of opening. Discontinue if redness, burning, or allergic reactions develop; salicylic acid can sensitize vulnerable skin.
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.”
Fragrance allergens
Product likely contains fragrance or masking scents (common in Aveeno moisturizers); undisclosed fragrance components can trigger contact dermatitis or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Full fragrance allergen list is not typically disclosed on label.
Preservative sensitivity (methylisothiazolinone or parabens)
Water-based emulsions require preservatives; Aveeno products often use parabens or other preservatives that are safe in regulated amounts but can cause sensitivity in genetically predisposed users. No recalls on record, but individual sensitivity is documented in dermatology literature.
Salicylic acid irritation
This product's active ingredient (salicylic acid) is not a contamination hazard but a formulation hazard. Overuse or application to compromised skin can cause dryness, peeling, or chemical burn; user error is the primary risk, not manufacturing defect.
1,4-dioxane (cosmetic production byproduct)
Water-based moisturizers formulated by major manufacturers like Aveeno typically undergo solvent or distillation purification to reduce 1,4-dioxane to below 10 ppm (FDA threshold of concern). No documented contamination in Aveeno moisturizer products, and the simple formula suggests low risk.
Heavy metals in mineral oil or pigments
Mineral oil in cosmetics is subject to FDA specification limits for arsenic, lead, and cadmium. Aveeno products undergo third-party testing under J&J quality standards. No recalls or contamination reports exist for this product line.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 78% 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 Moisturizer
Tatcha
Starter The Ritual Set Ultra Hydrating For Dry Skin
Water-based cosmetic creams and serums; glass/plastic packaging
Lower PFAS concern for a cosmetic moisturizer set, but Tatcha makes no public PFAS commitment.
⚠Risky category by default
Herbivore Botanicals
Orchid Facial Oil
plant oils, botanical extracts, glass bottle
Lower concern; facial oil with no known PFAS triggers, but brand offers no transparency.
⚠Risky category by default
Herbivore Botanicals
Herbivore Lapis Balancing Facial Oil
plant oils, mineral pigments, glass bottle
Lower concern for PFAS; facial oil in glass, typical formulation poses minimal risk.
⚠Risky category by default
More moisturizer 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.