EltaMD · Sunscreen
EltaMD UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46
Lower concern; no known PFAS triggers, but sunscreen formulations rarely disclose fluorochemical additives.
EltaMD UV Clear is a chemical/mineral hybrid sunscreen with no confirmed PFAS-relevant ingredients (nonstick coatings, water-repellent treatments, or Teflon-type coating). Sunscreens occasionally contain fluorinated UV absorbers or silicones that may harbor trace PFAS, but EltaMD has not disclosed any PFAS-related components.
Shop EltaMD on Amazon →Material
Water-based sunscreen lotion; primary actives likely zinc oxide/avobenzone
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
EltaMD UV Clear is a water-based lotion sunscreen relying on zinc oxide as its primary UV filter, which is a mineral (physical) blocker rather than a chemical absorber. Zinc oxide sits on skin surface and reflects UV rays without systemic absorption, making it one of the safest active ingredients available. The water base means minimal organic solvent load and lower volatility compared to oil-based or alcohol-dominant formulations, reducing inhalation risk during application.
The brand's record and disclosure
EltaMD is a dermatologist-founded and dermatologist-directed brand with a strong reputation for transparency in ingredient lists and clinical validation. The company does not advertise PFAS-free claims but also has no public recalls or safety controversies tied to this product line. Their formulations are regularly recommended by dermatologists for sensitive skin and rosacea, suggesting internal safety vetting; however, like most sunscreen manufacturers, they do not disclose whether silicones or other ancillary additives contain fluorochemicals.
How it compares in its category
Zinc oxide sunscreens are considered the safest active-ingredient class by dermatological consensus and regulatory bodies (FDA, EU). UV Clear sits at a standard SPF 46 and is broadly equivalent to other mineral sunscreens like CeraVe Face Lotion or La Roche-Posay Anthelios in safety profile, though EltaMD's water base and lack of common irritants (oxybenzone, avobenzone) gives it a slight edge for reactive skin. Most mainstream chemical sunscreens carry higher potential for allergic sensitization and systemic absorption.
If you buy it
Apply a sufficient amount (approximately one-quarter teaspoon for face) 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every 2 hours or after swimming or sweating. Store in a cool, dark place away from direct heat; sunscreen efficacy degrades under prolonged heat above 80F (27C) or in direct sunlight. Discontinue use if rash, itching, or irritation develops and patch-test on inner arm if you have very sensitive skin. Replace annually or when product separates, discolors, or develops an odor, as oxidation can reduce UV protection.
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 and sensitizers
EltaMD UV Clear contains fragrance compounds and cetyl alcohol, both mild skin sensitizers in some individuals. For people with contact dermatitis or eczema-prone skin, even 'hypoallergenic' sunscreens can trigger flare-ups; patch testing is advisable before full-face use.
Zinc oxide nanoparticle inhalation (spray only)
This product is a lotion, not a spray, so inhalation risk of zinc oxide nanoparticles is not applicable. If formulation is ever produced in spray form, inhalation hazard would warrant separate assessment.
Phenoxyethanol preservative safety
Water-based sunscreens often use phenoxyethanol as a preservative to prevent bacterial/fungal growth. At concentrations below 1 percent (typical in cosmetics), it is considered safe by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel, but sensitive individuals may experience mild contact irritation or dermatitis.
Silicone or dimethicone residue buildup on skin
Many modern sunscreens including water-based formulas contain silicones (dimethicone, cyclomethicone) for spreadability and feel. Repeated daily application without regular cleansing can lead to microbial overgrowth or follicular irritation in acne-prone skin, though this is not a systemic toxicity concern.
Rare allergic reaction to zinc oxide
Zinc oxide is considered hypoallergenic and sensitization is extremely rare. No established recalls or reports of IgE-mediated allergic reactions to EltaMD UV Clear zinc oxide formulation exist in public records.
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.