Cetaphil · Moisturizer
Cetaphil Daily Oil-Free Facial Moisturizer SPF 35
Lower PFAS concern; typical moisturizer formula with no known fluorinated ingredients.
Cetaphil Daily Oil-Free Facial Moisturizer SPF 35 is a water-based cosmetic with no public disclosure of PFAS additives or use of Teflon-family coating coatings. The ingredient profile (emollients, mineral sunscreen, humectants) carries lower inherent PFAS risk versus water-resistant makeup or grease-resistant cosmetics.
Shop Cetaphil on Amazon →Material
Water-based emulsion, mineral sunscreen actives (titanium dioxide/zinc oxide), glycerin, cetyl alcohol
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
Category baseline
cosmetics is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
This is a water-based emulsion using titanium dioxide and zinc oxide as physical (mineral) sunscreen actives, which sit on skin rather than absorbing into it. The formula includes glycerin for hydration and cetyl alcohol as an emulsifier and thickener, neither of which are the toxic forms of 'alcohol' that cause drying. No chemical sunscreen absorbers (oxybenzone, octinoxate) are present, eliminating that class of endocrine disruptors. The simplicity of the ingredient list is typical for Cetaphil's dermatologist-focused positioning.
The brand's record and disclosure
Cetaphil is owned by Galderma and has a documented history of ingredient transparency and dermatologist review; the brand publishes full ingredient lists and is not flagged for undisclosed ingredient controversies. No major recalls or safety warnings exist for this specific product or its core formulation. The brand does not emphasize PFAS-free claims, but the formula contains no known fluorinated compounds, which is standard for water-based moisturizers in this price tier.
How it compares in its category
Mineral sunscreen moisturizers are considered a safer category than chemical sunscreen alternatives for daily facial use, particularly for sensitive skin. This product's simplicity is competitive with CeraVe and Neutrogena Oil-Free equivalents; mineral actives are preferred by dermatologists for UV defense without absorption concerns. The SPF 35 is adequate for incidental outdoor exposure but lower than SPF 50 products, so it requires reapplication more frequently for extended sun.
If you buy it
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat; mineral sunscreen formulations are stable under normal bathroom conditions. Apply generously to face and neck 15 minutes before sun exposure; reapply every 2 hours if outdoors or after swimming or sweating. Discontinue use if irritation develops (unlikely given the simple formula, but possible with any topical product). Replace if the product separates visibly or develops odor, which indicates emulsion breakdown and possible microbial growth.
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.”
Formaldehyde releasers (preservative-derived)
The ingredient list does not include preservatives known to release formaldehyde (e.g., DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea). Standard preservatives used in Cetaphil formulas are not flagged for this concern.
Heavy metal contamination in mineral pigments (titanium dioxide, zinc oxide)
Mineral sunscreen actives are subject to FDA manufacturing standards and typically meet safety limits, but trace contaminants are theoretically possible depending on ore source. Cetaphil products undergo quality control; no specific contamination incidents are on record for this line.
Fragrance allergens
This product is fragrance-free or uses only trace amounts of masking fragrance; allergic contact dermatitis from fragrance is not a recognized concern for this formulation.
1,4-dioxane (cosmetic contaminant)
Water-based emulsions may contain trace dioxane from ethoxylated emulsifiers during manufacturing. Cetaphil does not disclose dioxane testing; the level, if present, would be below the parts-per-million range typical of industry practice and far below acute toxicity thresholds.
Talc contamination
This moisturizer is a liquid emulsion, not a powder; talc is not an ingredient and contamination risk does not apply.
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.