Drunk Elephant · Sunscreen
Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Mineral Cream
Lower concern mineral sunscreen; no known PFAS risks, but brand offers no transparency.
Drunk Elephant's Umbra is a mineral cream sunscreen based on zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, both inert minerals with minimal PFAS contamination risk. The brand makes no public PFAS claims or disclosures.
Shop Drunk Elephant on Amazon →Material
mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide/titanium dioxide 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
Umbra Sheer uses zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as UV filters, which sit on skin surface rather than absorbing into it, making them physically stable and unlikely to degrade into harmful byproducts. The 'sheer' formulation typically relies on micronized mineral particles plus a lightweight base (likely silicones, plant oils, or glycerin) to reduce the white cast common in mineral sunscreens. These inorganic UV blockers do not undergo photochemical breakdown in sunlight the way organic filters (like oxybenzone) do, reducing secondary hazard formation.
The brand's record and disclosure
Drunk Elephant publishes full ingredient lists and has marketed itself as a 'clean' brand avoiding banned or controversial additives; the company does not claim heavy metal testing or independent certification (e.g., NSF, EWG Verified), but mineral sunscreens as a category are less prone to contamination than organic filters. The brand has not faced documented recalls or safety litigation tied to this product line. However, the brand maintains strategic silence on PFAS testing despite mineral formulations rarely containing intentional PFAS, which limits confidence in supply-chain transparency.
How it compares in its category
Mineral sunscreens are generally considered lower-risk than chemical (organic) filters because they sit on skin and lack absorption-related concerns. Umbra's formula is positioned in the premium segment and competes with products like Colorescience Sunforgettable and Blue Lizard Sensitive; it typically commands higher cost but similar safety profiles. The 'sheer' claim distinguishes it from heavier mineral formulas, though this usually comes from particle size optimization rather than formula chemistry changes that would affect safety.
If you buy it
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat (mineral formulas are stable but silicone or oil bases can separate or thicken if overheated). Apply generously (at least 1/4 teaspoon for face) and reapply every two hours or after swimming, as mineral filters can rub off more easily than chemical sunscreens. Patch-test on sensitive skin first, as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide can trigger irritation or photocatalytic reactions in sun-exposed areas for a small subset of users. Discard after one year if stored in bathroom humidity or if texture/color visibly changes.
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.”
Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (if present in submicron form)
Micronized titanium dioxide in 'sheer' mineral sunscreens may contain nanoparticles; evidence of skin penetration or toxicity in intact skin remains inconclusive, but EU and some regulatory bodies flag nanoform labeling as a disclosure gap. Drunk Elephant does not specify particle size distribution in public materials.
Heavy metal contamination (lead, cadmium, arsenic in mineral ores)
No recalls or test results on record for Umbra or Drunk Elephant mineral sunscreens showing metal contaminants. Mineral pigments can carry trace metals if ore sourcing is not controlled, but the brand has not disclosed third-party testing to rule this out.
Fragrance allergens (if scented version)
Umbra Sheer may contain fragrance or essential oils in the base; Drunk Elephant products sometimes use 'clean fragrance' blends without full allergen disclosure. Fragrance is a known trigger for contact dermatitis and photosensitivity, particularly in sun-exposed use.
Silicon dioxide (talc-like inert filler) respiratory risk
Mineral sunscreens sometimes include silica or similar anti-caking agents; topical application poses minimal inhalation risk unless powder form is used. No asbestos contamination or respiratory claims are on record for this product.
Photocatalytic irritation or sensitization from mineral UV filters
Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide can generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) on skin under UV, potentially triggering irritation or delayed sensitization in photosensitive or atopic individuals. This is rare but documented; users with eczema or sun sensitivity should patch-test first.
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
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Lower-concern mineral sunscreen with credible PFAS-exclusion certification.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
Raw Elements
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mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide)
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Raw Elements
Face & Body Sunscreen Tin SPF 30
mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide/titanium dioxide), tin packaging
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✓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.