Aveeno · Moisturizer
Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Facial Moisturizer
Lower PFAS concern for typical daily facial moisturizer; no waterproofing or stain-resistant claims that would necessitate PFAS.
Aveeno Positively Radiant is a standard leave-on facial moisturizer with no waterproofing, grease-resistance, or nonstick claims that would trigger PFAS use. The formula relies on common humectants and emollients (glycerin, mineral oil, dimethicone) that don't require PFAS coatings.
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Water, glycerin, mineral oil, dimethicone, emulsifier blend
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 moisturizer is a water-in-oil emulsion built on glycerin (humectant), mineral oil (occlusive), and dimethicone (silicone-based slip agent). Mineral oil is a refined petroleum byproduct with no known toxicity at dermal concentrations and is approved for cosmetic use in the US and EU. Dimethicone is an inert, non-bioaccumulative silicone that sits on the skin surface and does not penetrate systemically. The emulsifier blend (typically polysorbates or cetyl alcohol) are standard food-grade or cosmetic-grade compounds with no documented hazard for facial use.
The brand's record and disclosure
Aveeno (owned by Johnson & Johnson) has a long history of transparency in ingredient listing and maintains dermatologist-tested claims. The brand has faced no major recalls or safety controversies specific to this moisturizer line. J&J has committed to ingredient transparency initiatives, though Aveeno has not published a detailed PFAS policy; the absence of fluorine-containing ingredients in the formula is consistent with lack of intentional PFAS addition. No third-party certifications (e.g., Leaping Bunny, EWG) are listed for this product.
How it compares in its category
Daily facial moisturizers in this price tier typically use the same mineral oil, glycerin, and silicone base. This formulation is conservative and avoids known sensitizers like fragrance (unscented variants exist) or essential oils. Compared to ceramide-rich or hyaluronic acid alternatives, this is simpler chemistry with lower risk of irritation but also less targeted claims. It is safer than moisturizers with added retinoids, vitamin C, or chemical exfoliants that introduce stability and irritation concerns.
If you buy it
Apply to clean, damp skin (morning and evening) to maximize humectant benefit of glycerin. Store at room temperature away from direct heat; mineral oil and dimethicone are stable and do not degrade under normal bathroom conditions. No replacement trigger other than product expiration (typically 3 years, printed on packaging). Discontinue use if rash or persistent irritation develops, though allergic reactions are rare given the inert ingredient profile.
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
This formulation does not list added fragrance or essential oils in the standard ingredient deck. Risk is absent unless product variant includes fragrance (check label for 'fragrance' or 'parfum').
Talc contamination
No talc is listed in the ingredient set. Aveeno does not use talc in moisturizers (talc-containing products are separate lines, e.g., body powders).
Heavy metals in pigments
This is an uncolored or minimally tinted cream; no synthetic colorants or pigments are present that would introduce lead, cadmium, or chromium.
1,4-dioxane (cosmetic contaminant)
Polysorbate emulsifiers can carry residual 1,4-dioxane if not purified to high standards. J&J has pledged to eliminate this contaminant, but independent third-party testing of finished product is not publicly available for this specific SKU.
Sensitization or irritation from mineral oil or dimethicone
Both ingredients have decades of safe use in cosmetics and are hypoallergenic. Irritation risk is extremely low and limited to individuals with unusual sensitivities; no recalls or safety alerts exist for this product.
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 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.