EltaMD · Sunscreen
EltaMD UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40
Lower-concern sunscreen; no known PFAS risk factors, but brand makes no explicit commitment.
EltaMD UV Daily is a mineral sunscreen with no waterproofing claim, water-repellent coating treatment, or nonstick coating, the primary PFAS vectors in cosmetics. The formula relies on zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as UV actives, which are not PFAS-associated.
Shop EltaMD on Amazon →Material
Water-based UV filter formulation with mineral sunscreen actives
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 Daily uses zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as mineral (physical) UV filters, which sit on skin rather than absorb into it, reducing systemic exposure concerns. The water-based formulation means no oil-soluble chemical filters (like oxybenzone or avobenzone) that require metabolic processing. Mineral sunscreens of this type have a long safety history in cosmetic dermatology and are often recommended for sensitive or reactive skin.
The brand's record and disclosure
EltaMD is owned by dermatologists and markets itself on ingredient transparency and clean formulation; ingredient lists are publicly available and reviewed by dermatological bodies. The brand does not make explicit PFAS commitments in public statements, but the water-based mineral format is inherently low-risk for PFAS contamination compared to fluorinated chemical filters or water-resistant formulations relying on Teflon-family coating coatings. No major safety recalls or controversies are on record for this product line.
How it compares in its category
Mineral sunscreens like this occupy the safer end of the UV-protection spectrum; they avoid synthetic chemical filters with higher dermal absorption and metabolic concerns. Compared to spray sunscreens (inhalation risk) or reef-toxic formulations (oxybenzone, octinoxate), water-based mineral options are considered lower-hazard. The trade-off is slightly lower elegance and potential white cast, but safety profile is stronger than typical chemical sunscreen alternatives.
If you buy it
Apply liberally (about one-quarter teaspoon for face) and reapply every 2 hours or after water exposure; mineral filters do not degrade on skin the way chemical filters do, so reapplication is for coverage, not degradation. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat to prevent any emulsion separation, though mineral sunscreens are stable across normal home temperatures. Replace annually if stored in high heat or direct sunlight; expired sunscreen may lose potency rather than become hazardous.
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 (if present)
EltaMD UV Daily contains fragrance but does not disclose specific fragrance ingredients; individuals with fragrance sensitivity or contact dermatitis should patch-test first, though dermatologist-formulated products typically use mild fragrance loads.
Mineral nanoparticle systemic absorption
Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide in sunscreen remain on the skin surface as intended; no established evidence of significant systemic absorption of these minerals from topical sunscreen use in healthy intact skin. FDA continues to review systemic absorption data, but no safety signal has triggered a recall or warning.
Preservative-related irritation (if applicable)
Water-based emulsions require preservatives to prevent microbial growth; EltaMD does not publicly disclose all preservatives in this product. Common preservatives in cosmetics (phenoxyethanol, methylisothiazolinone) can trigger sensitivity in a small subset of users; patch-test if you have a history of preservative reactions.
Heavy metals in mineral filters
Pharmaceutical-grade zinc oxide and titanium dioxide from reputable suppliers have minimal heavy metal contamination; no recalls or test data suggest lead, cadmium, or arsenic in this product. Brand sourcing practices are not publicly disclosed, so risk is low but not zero.
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.