Burt's Bees · Sunscreen
Burt's Bees Calming Day Lotion SPF 30
Lower-concern cosmetic; no known PFAS use, but brand offers no explicit confirmation.
Burt's Bees Calming Day Lotion is a conventional moisturizer + sunscreen formulation using standard mineral/mica UV filters, not high-risk chemistries associated with PFAS (no waterproofing claims, non-Teflon-family coating base). The brand does not disclose PFAS testing or make PFAS-free claims, typical for personal-care brands.
Shop Burt's Bees on Amazon →Material
water-in-oil emulsion base; mineral/mica filters (SPF 30 active)
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 water-in-oil emulsion sunscreen relying on mineral UV filters (zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide) rather than chemical absorbers, which reduces systemic absorption risk. The "Calming" line typically includes oat extract and chamomile to soothe skin, both of which are low-toxicity botanicals. Burt's Bees formulas historically avoid synthetic fragrances in favor of essential oils and natural extracts, lowering fragrance allergen burden compared to mass-market alternatives.
The brand's record and disclosure
Burt's Bees publishes full ingredient lists on packaging and online, with no history of hidden reformulations or undisclosed substances. The brand is certified by the Personal Care Products Council and adheres to FDA cosmetic labeling rules. No recalls or safety warnings are on record for this specific product line. However, Burt's Bees has not issued a formal PFAS exclusion statement for its full portfolio, despite mineral sunscreens carrying minimal PFAS risk.
How it compares in its category
Mineral sunscreens are generally considered lower-risk than chemical alternatives (oxybenzone, avobenzone) because they sit on skin rather than penetrating it. This product sits in the mid-market segment: safer than drugstore chemical sunscreens, comparable in safety to premium mineral brands like Badger or Kabana, and simpler than multi-active moisturizer-sunscreen hybrids that add unnecessary ingredients. SPF 30 is adequate for daily use but below SPF 50+ recommended for extended outdoor exposure.
If you buy it
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent emulsion breakdown and ingredient degradation; mineral sunscreens remain stable longer than chemical formulas. Apply generously (at least 1/4 teaspoon for face) and reapply every 2 hours if swimming or sweating. Replace if the product separates, discolors, or develops odor. Patch-test on inner arm first if you have sensitive skin, as mineral filters can occasionally cause white cast or mild irritation in reactive individuals.
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 (essential oils)
Burt's Bees uses essential oils and natural fragrance compounds instead of synthetic fragrance blends. While generally safer, essential oils like chamomile and lavender can trigger contact dermatitis or photosensitivity in sensitive individuals, especially when applied to sun-exposed skin before UV exposure.
Titanium dioxide/zinc oxide inhalation (powder form)
This product is a lotion, not a powder or spray, so inhalation of mineral filters is not a route of exposure. Risk applies only to loose powder sunscreens or spray formulations, which this is not.
Emulsifier or preservative sensitivities
Water-in-oil emulsions require emulsifiers and preservatives to prevent bacterial or fungal growth. Burt's Bees formulas typically use gentler preservative systems (sorbic acid, benzoic acid) compared to parabens, but individual sensitivity to these additives remains possible, particularly in those with very reactive skin.
Talc contamination in mineral filters
No talc is listed or known to be used in this formula. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide supplies can carry trace talc if sourced from low-grade ores, but Burt's Bees does not have a documented history of talc in mineral sunscreens, and the product label contains no talc declaration.
Formaldehyde releasers in preservatives
Burt's Bees avoids formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (imidazolidinyl urea, dmdm hydantoin) in favor of naturally derived systems. No evidence of formaldehyde releasers in published ingredient lists for this line.
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.