Burt's Bees · Hand Sanitizer
Bergamot Refill
Lower concern; simple cosmetic refill with no PFAS-typical triggers.
Bergamot Refill is a fragrance/essential oil product with no water resistance, non-stick, or stain-guard functions. The refill format (paper or cardboard packaging) and ingredient profile typical of Burt's Bees' natural line carry no documented PFAS red flags.
Shop Burt's Bees on Amazon →Material
Essential oil + natural aromatics in paper/cardboard refill
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
Burt's Bees Bergamot Refill is formulated primarily from essential oils (bergamot, citrus oils) mixed with alcohol (ethanol) and water in a cardboard/paper refill cartridge. This is a straightforward cosmetic aerosol or spray formulation with no synthetic polymers, plasticizers, or heavy-metal pigments typical of rinse-off products. The alcohol content acts as both a preservative and antimicrobial agent, eliminating the need for problematic preservatives like formaldehyde releasers or synthetic biocides.
The brand's record and disclosure
Burt's Bees has a long-standing public commitment to natural ingredients and ingredient transparency; full ingredient lists are publicly available on product pages and packaging. The brand is certified by the Natural Products Association and has not faced significant recalls or safety controversies related to hand sanitizers in public records. While the company has not made explicit public statements on PFAS avoidance, the simple oil-based formulation with no water-repellent or stain-resistant coatings means PFAS are not a likely component in this category of product.
How it compares in its category
Essential oil-based hand sanitizers like this sit at the gentler, more transparent end of the category compared to conventional alcohol gels loaded with thickeners, dyes, and fragrance compounds. Unlike foam or gel formulas that may contain microplastics or synthetic surfactants, this refill avoids those pitfalls. Hand sanitizers are generally lower-risk than leave-on cosmetics (since they are rinsed off), and Burt's Bees' natural approach minimizes synthetic irritants.
If you buy it
Store away from direct sunlight and heat to preserve volatile essential oil integrity; alcohol-based formulas will evaporate over time if left uncapped. Avoid contact with eyes and broken skin; essential oils can irritate mucous membranes in high concentration. Use sparingly on hands (quarter-size amount) and let air dry. Replace refill when empty or if formula separates noticeably, which may indicate oxidation of oils.
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.”
Essential oil skin sensitization
Bergamot oil and citrus essential oils can cause contact dermatitis or photosensitivity in sensitive individuals, especially if used excessively or applied before sun exposure. This is inherent to the ingredient choice, not a manufacturing defect.
Fragrance allergens
Burt's Bees products are fragrance-forward and some consumers report contact reactions; limonene (found in citrus oils) is a known contact allergen. Full fragrance disclosure is on the label, allowing informed avoidance.
Alcohol content irritation
High ethanol concentration (typical for alcohol-based sanitizers) can dry and irritate skin with frequent use, though this is category-wide and not specific to Burt's Bees formulation.
Cardboard refill contamination or degradation
No public reports of cardboard leachates or microbial growth in Burt's Bees refill cartridges. Cardboard is inherently less prone to leaching than plastics, though moisture exposure over months may degrade structural integrity.
Formaldehyde releasers or synthetic preservatives
Burt's Bees lists all preservatives transparently and does not use formaldehyde donors; alcohol serves as the primary antimicrobial. No established contamination with problematic preservatives in 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 Hand Sanitizer
Seventh Generation
Hand Wash Natural Seventh Generation
water-based surfactants, plant-derived ingredients
Lower-concern choice; MADE SAFE certification and plant-based formula reduce PFAS risk significantly.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
Seventh Generation
Hydrating Antibacterial Hand Mist
Water-based cosmetic spray (alcohol, water, plant extracts, preservatives)
Lower-concern choice; hand mist format and brand transparency reduce PFAS risk, though no dedicated lab testing published.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
Honest Company
The Honest Company SANI SPRAY-2OZ-GRAPEFRUIT
Water-based formula (spray disinfectant)
Lower-concern buy; transparent brand with third-party backing on PFAS.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
More hand sanitizer 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.