Burt's Bees · Sunscreen
Avene Mineral Multi-Defense Sunscreen Fluid
Lower PFAS concern; mineral UV filters are inherently low-risk, but no public disclosure or testing data.
Avène's mineral sunscreen formulations use zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide, which are inorganic UV blockers without PFAS chemistry. However, Burt's Bees and parent company (Coty) have made no public PFAS commitments or third-party certifications for this product.
Shop Burt's Bees on Amazon →Material
mineral sunscreen (likely zinc oxide/titanium dioxide), fluid 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 is a mineral (physical) sunscreen using zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide as UV filters, which sit on skin rather than being absorbed. These actives have a decades-long safety record and do not undergo metabolic breakdown that could release concerning byproducts. The fluid base is designed to be cosmetically elegant while maintaining the protective barrier; mineral sunscreens in fluid form typically use silicones or light oils to reduce the white cast associated with powder formulations.
The brand's record and disclosure
Burt's Bees, owned by Clorox, positions itself as a natural-leaning brand but does not publish formal safety testing data or detailed ingredient sourcing for most products. The brand has no significant documented safety recalls for sunscreens. However, they do not disclose PFAS testing or make explicit commitments to avoid PFAS "forever chemicals", which is increasingly expected in personal care. No major controversies tied to sunscreen safety have been established for this brand.
How it compares in its category
Mineral sunscreens are generally viewed as a lower-risk alternative to chemical (organic) sunscreens, which can absorb into skin and require metabolism. Within the mineral category, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide have stronger safety endorsements than many chemical alternatives and avoid concerns around oxybenzone or avobenzone. This product competes in the mainstream premium segment; it is not independently certified organic, reef-safe, or third-party tested for heavy metals or contaminants, which distinguishes it from some higher-transparency competitors.
If you buy it
Apply generously and reapply every two hours or after water exposure, as directed on any sunscreen label. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat; mineral sunscreens are stable but fluid formulations can separate if exposed to extreme temperatures. Check the expiration date; sunscreen loses efficacy over time. Do not ingest; keep away from eyes and mucous membranes. Discontinue if rash or irritation develops, though mineral formulas are generally well-tolerated.
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.”
Heavy metals in mineral UV filter oxides
Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, when sourced and manufactured to cosmetic grade, are not documented to leach heavy metals. No recalls or test data linking this product to metal contamination are on record.
Fragrance allergens or undisclosed fragrance components
Sunscreen fluids often contain fragrance to mask earthy or mineral notes. Burt's Bees does not typically highlight fragrance allergen testing; sensitive individuals should patch-test or contact the brand for full fragrance disclosure.
Silicone or emulsifier bioaccumulation concerns
Fluid mineral sunscreens rely on silicones or emulsifiers for texture; these are approved cosmetic ingredients with no established bioaccumulation hazard when used as directed on skin.
Photocatalytic reactivity (titanium dioxide under UV)
Nano-scale titanium dioxide can theoretically generate free radicals under UV; however, cosmetic-grade non-nano titanium dioxide in sunscreen is not documented to cause systemic or localized harm in established use.
Lack of third-party heavy metal or contaminant testing disclosure
Burt's Bees does not publicly disclose independent testing for lead, cadmium, or other heavy metals in this sunscreen. While mineral UV filters are inherently lower-risk, transparency on raw material sourcing would strengthen safety confidence.
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.