Burt's Bees · Sunscreen
Burt's Bees Sunscreen SPF 30
Lower PFAS concern; mineral sunscreens rarely require water-resistant coatings that trigger PFAS use.
Burt's Bees Sunscreen SPF 30 is a mineral-based formulation using zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, materials not inherently associated with PFAS. Mineral sunscreens typically avoid the perfluorinated water-resistance coatings common in chemical sunscreens and cosmetics.
Shop Burt's Bees on Amazon →Material
mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide/titanium dioxide) in lotion 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
Burt's Bees SPF 30 uses zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide as UV filters, both non-nano mineral blockers that sit on skin rather than absorbing into it. The lotion base includes water, plant oils (often sunflower or safflower), and emulsifiers to bind them. Mineral sunscreens avoid the systemic absorption concerns of chemical filters like oxybenzone, making them a lower-risk category overall. This formulation typically contains no Teflon-type coating or water-resistant coatings that would necessitate PFAS additives.
The brand's record and disclosure
Burt's Bees publishes ingredient lists openly and holds USDA Organic certification for many product lines, signaling third-party ingredient vetting. The brand has not faced major recalls or public contamination allegations for this sunscreen. Burt's Bees does not publicly address PFAS in sunscreens, which is typical for the category since mineral formulas rarely require fluorinated surfactants or water-resistant additives that introduce PFAS.
How it compares in its category
Mineral sunscreens dominate the lower-PFAS category; Burt's Bees sits in the mainstream consumer segment alongside brands like Coppertone Pure & Simple and Blue Lizard. Unlike prescription or sport-grade sunscreens, consumer mineral products rarely use silicones or polymeric binders that correlate with PFAS. Price and formulation texture are typical trade-offs; mineral sunscreens often leave visible white cast, whereas chemical alternatives feel lighter but carry systemic absorption and endocrine disruption concerns.
If you buy it
Apply at least 1/4 teaspoon to face and exposed skin 15 minutes before sun exposure; reapply every 2 hours or after swimming, even though mineral blockers are inherently water-resistant. Store below 77F (25C) in a cool place, as heat can degrade organic components in the lotion base and alter emulsion stability. Discontinue use if irritation occurs; mineral filters rarely trigger allergic reactions but can cause sensitivity in very reactive skin. Check expiration date; sunscreens typically lose potency after 3 years.
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 pigments
Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as cosmetic-grade pigments are refined to exclude lead, cadmium, and arsenic under US FDA and EU cosmetics regulations. No recalls or third-party testing failures have been reported for Burt's Bees sunscreen on this basis.
Fragrance allergens and undisclosed components
Burt's Bees formulas often include essential oils or fragrance agents for scent; the brand lists these generically as 'fragrance' or names specific botanicals. Individuals with fragrance sensitivity or those using vitamin A-based skincare concurrently should patch-test, as some botanical oils can cause photosensitivity or irritation when combined with UV exposure.
Preservative irritation (parabens or alternatives)
Burt's Bees typically uses paraben-free preservatives (phenoxyethanol, potassium sorbate) in mainstream sunscreens. No major adverse events are on record, though preservatives can trigger contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals; discontinue and rinse with water if redness or burning occurs.
Formulation stability under heat or UV
Emulsified lotion bases can separate or degrade if left in direct sun or high heat for extended periods. While active ingredients remain stable, texture and spreadability may degrade, reducing efficacy; store in cool, dark places and replace if obvious separation occurs.
Oil or wax buildup on sensitive skin
Mineral sunscreens often use plant oils to improve spreadability; individuals with acne-prone or oily skin may experience congestion. This is not a toxicity hazard but a compatibility issue; use a lightweight formulation or rinse thoroughly at day's end to prevent pore clogging.
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.