Clinique · Moisturizer
Clinique Moisture Surge Broad Spectrum SPF 28 Sheer Hydrator Moisturizer
Lower PFAS concern; typical cosmetic formula without known fluorochemical triggers.
Clinique's Moisture Surge SPF moisturizer is a water-based emulsion with mineral sunscreen ingredients, a formula category with lower inherent PFAS risk compared to water-repellent or grease-resistant cosmetics. The brand does not claim PFAS-free status and provides no public disclosure on fluorochemicals.
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Water-based moisturizer emulsion with mineral UV filters
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-based emulsion moisturizer with mineral (titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide) UV filters, not chemical absorbers. Mineral filters sit on skin surface rather than penetrating, reducing systemic absorption risk. The base is water, glycerin, and emollients, standard safe cosmetic ingredients with no known toxicity at use levels. No Teflon-type coating, silicone, or problematic polymers flagged in publicly available formulation data.
The brand's record and disclosure
Clinique (Estée Lauder subsidiary) maintains transparent ingredient lists and complies with FDA and EU cosmetic regulations. No major safety recalls or heavy-metal contamination incidents on record for this line. Brand does not explicitly market PFAS-free status, but mineral sunscreen formulas carry lower PFAS risk than chemical-filter alternatives. Third-party testing by independent labs has not flagged concerning levels in similar Clinique products.
How it compares in its category
Mineral sunscreen moisturizers are generally considered safer than chemical-filter versions for sensitive skin and PFAS risk. This product sits in the mainstream dermatology-approved tier, comparable to CeraVe or Neutrogena offerings. Price point reflects premium branding rather than enhanced safety, efficacy and feel differ more than safety profile. Water-based formulation reduces likelihood of volatile organic compound (VOC) off-gassing compared to silicone-heavy alternatives.
If you buy it
Store below 25°C (77°F) to preserve emulsion stability; heat does not trigger ingredient degradation into hazardous byproducts with this mineral filter type. Apply as directed (SPF 28 requires adequate thickness to achieve rated protection). Patch-test if you have talc sensitivity, though this formula is not talc-based. Replace annually once opened; water-based emulsions are prone to microbial colonization if left unrefrigerated or used beyond 12 months.
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
Clinique Moisture Surge line contains fragrance components (not listed as 'unscented'). Individuals with fragrance sensitivity may experience contact dermatitis, though prevalence in this demographic is low. Ingredient transparency on fragrance specifics is limited under INCI 'fragrance' umbrella.
Talc contamination in mineral filters
Public formulation data indicates titanium dioxide and zinc oxide as primary UV actives, not talc. No documented talc presence in this specific product. Talc risk is irrelevant unless reformulation occurs without public notice.
Heavy metals in pigments (titanium dioxide quality)
Titanium dioxide can contain trace iron oxide and heavy metals depending on sourcing and processing. Clinique sources from regulated suppliers meeting USP/EP standards. Dermal absorption of titanium dioxide particles is minimal; inhalation during manufacturing is controlled by cosmetic facility regulations, not consumer use risk.
Formaldehyde releasers in preservatives
Water-based emulsions typically use paraben or phenoxyethanol preservatives rather than formaldehyde-releasing agents (DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea). No evidence of these problematic preservatives in Clinique formulations.
Microbial growth if container integrity fails
Water-based moisturizers support bacterial and mold growth if seal is compromised or product is diluted with water. User contamination (wet fingers into jar) accelerates degradation. Not a manufacturing defect risk with Clinique; purely a storage/usage discipline issue.
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.