EltaMD · Sunscreen
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 Facial Sunscreen
Lower concern, mineral sunscreen with no known PFAS history, but brand offers no explicit assurance.
EltaMD UV Clear is a mineral-based facial sunscreen containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as primary UV filters, formulated as a water-resistant emulsion. No public disclosure of PFAS-containing ingredients or intentional PFAS use is evident from labeling or brand statements.
Shop EltaMD on Amazon →Material
Water-soluble film-forming actives, mineral UV filters (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide), glycerin 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
EltaMD UV Clear uses inorganic mineral UV filters (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) rather than chemical absorbers like oxybenzone or avobenzone, which reduces risk of hormone-disrupting chemical absorption through skin. The base is glycerin-rich and water-soluble, designed to minimize occlusion on facial skin. No organic sunscreen actives or potentially problematic chemical UV filters are listed in the disclosed formulation, which is the primary safety advantage of mineral sunscreens for daily facial use.
The brand's record and disclosure
EltaMD (Obagi/Valeant subsidiary) does not publish explicit PFAS commitments or third-party certifications (EWG verification, reef-safe claims). The brand has not disclosed ingredient sourcing or manufacturing standards in publicly available statements. No recalls or safety controversies specific to this product line are on record. Dermatologist recommendation and clinical backing are well-established, but transparency on chemical additives and processing is limited.
How it compares in its category
Mineral sunscreens are generally considered lower-risk than chemical sunscreen formulations due to lower systemic absorption of actives. EltaMD UV Clear positions itself in the premium dermatologist-recommended tier, comparable to brands like CeraVe Mineral and La Roche-Posay Anthelios in terms of filter type. Most alternatives in this tier offer similar mineral-only formulations; differentiation is mainly in vehicle texture, added actives, and brand transparency rather than safety profile.
If you buy it
Apply generously (about 1/4 teaspoon for face) and reapply every 2 hours after water exposure or sweating; mineral filters do not degrade rapidly in heat but require even coverage for efficacy. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent glycerin separation or thickening. Discontinue use if rash or irritation develops; mineral sunscreens can occasionally cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals due to occlusion or rare sensitivity to zinc oxide. Replace annually or if the texture becomes grainy or separated, indicating possible additive breakdown.
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 filters (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide)
FDA-approved mineral UV filters; no established bioaccumulation risk from topical facial use. Systemic absorption of zinc and titanium from intact skin is negligible under normal application.
Fragrance and fragrance allergens
Product is labeled fragrance-free; however, full ingredient disclosure does not rule out fragrance masking agents or botanical extracts with volatile organic compounds. Undisclosed allergen risk is low but not zero for sensitive individuals.
Preservative-related irritation (formaldehyde releasers, parabens)
Specific preservative system not clearly detailed in public ingredient lists; glycerin-rich, water-based formulas typically require preservatives. Risk of contact dermatitis is present for some users, though not class-specific to this product.
Nanoparticle inhalation risk (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide powders during application)
EltaMD UV Clear is a lotion, not a powder sunscreen, so inhalation risk during application is minimal. However, if transferred to loose powder or spray form, nanoparticle respiratory exposure becomes a concern; stick to lotion format.
Skin irritation or contact sensitivity to mineral filters or glycerin base
Mineral sunscreens can cause redness, tightness, or allergic contact dermatitis in a small proportion of users due to the occlusive nature of zinc oxide or individual sensitization. Glycerin-rich bases may also cause irritation in extremely sensitive or barrier-compromised skin.
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.