Clinique · Sunscreen
Clinique UV Solutions Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 50
Lower PFAS concern; no waterproof water-repellent coating typical.
Clinique's hydrating sunscreen uses mineral UV filters without disclosed water-repellent coatings. No PFAS claims or third-party testing publicly available; standard cosmetic formulation poses lower risk than water-resistant treated textiles or nonstick cookware.
Shop Clinique on Amazon →Material
Water-based emulsion, mineral sunscreen filters (zinc oxide/titanium dioxide)
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
Clinique UV Solutions uses zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide as active UV filters, which sit on skin as a physical barrier rather than absorbing into it. This water-based emulsion formula minimizes systemic absorption concerns that plague chemical sunscreens. The mineral filters are inert, non-allergenic for most users, and photostable, meaning they do not degrade significantly under sun exposure.
The brand's record and disclosure
Clinique (Estee Lauder group) publishes ingredient lists openly and has not faced major recalls or safety controversies tied to this sunscreen line. The brand does not make explicit PFAS-free claims on this product, but mineral sunscreens rarely require water-repellent coatings that introduce PFAS. No credible reports of undisclosed contaminants in this specific formula exist.
How it compares in its category
Mineral sunscreens like this occupy the safety mainstream for daily use; they avoid oxybenzone and avobenzone (chemical filters with absorption concerns) entirely. Compared to chemical alternatives, mineral formulas trade occasional whitecast for lower systemic risk. Price sits mid-to-premium; performance and stability are standard for the category.
If you buy it
Apply liberally (quarter-teaspoon for face) and reapply every two hours or after water contact; mineral filters do not migrate into skin during normal use. Store upright in a cool, dry place away from direct heat; zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are stable at room temperature indefinitely. Shake gently before use if separation occurs; this is normal in water-based emulsions and does not indicate degradation.
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 / sensitizers
Clinique sunscreens typically contain fragrance compounds; no specific allergen data published for this formula, but mineral sunscreen users with sensitive skin should patch-test first.
Heavy metals in mineral filters (lead/cadmium/iron oxide impurities)
Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are generally well-refined in cosmetic-grade formulations; no recalls or detectable contamination reported for Clinique mineral sunscreens. Impurity levels in pharmaceutical-grade minerals are regulated but not disclosed per product.
Emulsifier or preservative toxicity (parabens, phenoxyethanol)
Clinique does not list restricted preservatives in standard formulations, but full preservative system is not always itemized on retail labels; dermatologically tested, no major sensitization incidents on record.
Nanoparticle inhalation risk (zinc oxide / titanium dioxide aerosolization)
Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide in sunscreen are typically micronized, not nano-scale, and are applied as lotion not powder; inhalation risk is negligible in lotion form but present in spray formulations (this product is not spray-based).
Skin irritation or photosensitivity from mineral filter interaction
Rare but documented in individuals with extremely sensitive skin or those using photosensitizing medications (retinoids, certain antibiotics); zinc oxide is generally considered the gentler choice vs. titanium dioxide.
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.