Drunk Elephant · Sunscreen
Drunk Elephant Umbra 100% Mineral Cream SPF 30/PA+++ Tinted Face Sunscreen
Lower concern; mineral sunscreen formula typically avoids PFAS, but no brand transparency on intentional PFAS use.
Drunk Elephant's Umbra uses mineral UV filters (zinc oxide/titanium dioxide), which are inherently lower-risk for PFAS. The brand makes no PFAS claims or disclosures.
Shop Drunk Elephant on Amazon →Material
mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide/titanium dioxide) with typical cosmetic emollients
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
Umbra uses zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as UV blockers, which sit on the skin surface rather than absorbing into it, making them considered safer than chemical sunscreen actives. The formula includes typical cosmetic emollients (oils, silicones, glycerin) to make mineral particles spreadable and non-gritty. Mineral sunscreens avoid many of the hormone-disruption concerns linked to oxybenzone or avobenzone, though they can leave a white cast that some users find cosmetically inconvenient.
The brand's record and disclosure
Drunk Elephant markets itself as a clean beauty brand emphasizing ingredient transparency, though it does not publish third-party safety testing or independent certifications for individual products. The brand has not faced major safety recalls or regulatory actions on record. However, the company remains silent on intentional PFAS use in formulation or packaging, which is standard opacity in the sunscreen category even among premium brands.
How it compares in its category
Mineral sunscreens like Umbra are generally considered lower-risk than chemical formulations because they avoid endocrine-active UV absorbers. This product sits in the premium price tier (typical mineral sunscreens retail between $30-60); efficacy and safety are comparable to other mineral SPF 30 products, though some users report greasiness or slight white residue. No significant safety advantage over drugstore mineral alternatives, though formulation refinement may improve cosmetic feel.
If you buy it
Apply liberally (about 1/4 teaspoon for face) and reapply every 2 hours or after water exposure for labeled protection. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat; mineral sunscreen actives do not degrade significantly in normal home conditions. Mineral formulas are photostable and do not require replacement more frequently than their expiration date. Discontinue if any irritation develops, though allergic reactions to zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are uncommon.
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 (iron oxides for tint)
Iron oxide colorants used in tinted mineral sunscreens are cosmetic grade and not associated with systemic toxicity at topical concentrations. No specific testing or adverse event reports for Umbra tint formulation on record.
Talc contamination in powder components
Umbra is a cream, not powder, so talc is unlikely as a base ingredient. No talc-related safety issues reported for this product line.
Fragrance allergens and sensitizers
Product contains fragrance (essential oils or fragrance compounds typical in cosmetics); individual sensitivity varies widely. Patch test recommended for sensitive or reactive skin, though serious adverse events are not on record.
Formaldehyde releasers in preservative systems
No publicly available ingredient list identifies formaldehyde donors (like DMDM hydantoin); Drunk Elephant typically uses other preservative chemistries, but full formula transparency is not disclosed.
Skin irritation or photosensitivity from mineral particles or emollients
Mineral sunscreens can cause mild irritation in individuals with very sensitive or compromised skin barriers; silicone and oil bases may exacerbate congestion in acne-prone skin. No recalls or widespread adverse reports specific to Umbra.
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.