Drunk Elephant · Sunscreen
Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defense SPF 30
Lower concern for PFAS, but sunscreen formulations warrant caution, verify ingredient list before purchase.
Drunk Elephant does not disclose PFAS status for this sunscreen. Physical (mineral) sunscreens typically carry lower PFAS risk than chemical versions, and this product uses zinc oxide/titanium dioxide.
Shop Drunk Elephant on Amazon →Material
mineral-based UV filters, glycerin, silicones
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/or titanium dioxide as UV filters, which sit on skin rather than absorbing into it, making them considered safer than chemical UV absorbers. The formula contains glycerin (humectant) and silicones (spreaders/texture agents), both inert and commonly used in cosmetics. This mineral-based approach avoids oxybenzone, octinoxate, and other chemical filters linked to endocrine concerns, and reduces but does not eliminate PFAS exposure risk common in some sunscreen formulations.
The brand's record and disclosure
Drunk Elephant markets itself as a clean beauty brand and does not explicitly disclose PFAS content in public marketing or ingredient transparency statements reviewed. The brand has not faced major safety recalls or regulatory actions specific to sunscreen products. However, their public stance on PFAS is silent, meaning independent verification of PFAS-free claims is not readily available; consumers should cross-check the ingredient list or contact the company directly for PFAS assurance if that is a priority.
How it compares in its category
Mineral sunscreens are generally considered the lower-risk option versus chemical sunscreens for skin absorption and endocrine concerns. Umbra Sheer's formula aligns with mainstream mineral-based products from brands like EltaMD, La Roche-Posay Anthelios, and Neutrogena Ultra Sheer; it occupies the mid-to-premium price tier. The inclusion of silicones improves spreadability compared to thicker mineral formulas, which is a practical advantage but does not affect safety hazard profile.
If you buy it
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat; mineral sunscreens do not degrade significantly from light or moderate temperature shifts. Reapply every two hours or after water exposure; do not rely on single application for full protection. If skin irritation or sensitivity develops, discontinue and consult a dermatologist. Check the printed ingredient list or manufacturer website for PFAS-specific assurance if avoiding PFAS is a personal health priority.
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.”
Talc contamination in mineral powders
No recalls or reports of talc contamination in this specific product. Mineral sunscreens can theoretically carry talc impurities if sourced from contaminated suppliers, but Drunk Elephant does not disclose talc as an ingredient and no public incidents have been documented for this brand.
Heavy metals in mineral pigments/filters
Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are generally recognized as safe by regulatory bodies, but mineral-grade supplies can occasionally carry trace heavy metals depending on mining and refining practices. No specific testing or contamination reports exist for Umbra Sheer; this is a category-level concern rather than a product-specific one.
Fragrance allergens
Product contains fragrance ingredients listed generically on labels. Drunk Elephant does not disclose specific fragrance components publicly, so individuals with fragrance sensitivities cannot verify safety without contacting the company or reviewing detailed ingredient disclosure documents.
Silicone accumulation on skin over time
No established health hazard from topical silicone use in sunscreens at recommended concentrations. Silicones are not classified as skin toxins or penetrators; however, individuals concerned about buildup may prefer silicone-free mineral sunscreens as an alternative.
Formaldehyde releasers in preservatives
No formaldehyde-releasing preservatives are disclosed in publicly available ingredient information for this product. If present, they would typically be listed; their absence on labels suggests low or no risk, though verification through the manufacturer would confirm.
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
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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.