Estée Lauder · Beauty Primers & Setting Sprays
Estée Lauder Set + Refresh Perfecting Makeup Mist Setting Spray 116ml
Setting sprays may contain water-resistant polymers; limited public disclosure on PFAS.
This cosmetic spray contains water-resistant film-formers typical of setting sprays. Estée Lauder does not publicly disclose PFAS content or absence; ingredient opacity limits assessment.
The safe swap
Estée Lauder
Estee Lauder Set + Refresh Perfecting Makeup Mist
75/100 safety
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Water-based spray formula with silicones and polymers
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
Category baseline
cosmetics is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Set + Refresh is a water-based aerosol spray formulated with silicones and film-forming polymers designed to lock makeup in place. The water base is safer than solvent-heavy alternatives, but the polymers and silicone resins may include water-resistant additives; if these are fluorinated (PFAS), they would improve durability but introduce persistent chemical exposure. Aerosol delivery means inhalation risk is relevant for any volatile components or particulate matter in the mist.
The brand's record and disclosure
Estée Lauder publishes limited ingredient detail for finished products and does not prominently disclose PFAS content or water-resistant polymer chemistry in this spray. The company has faced no major recalls for this product category but maintains a general industry-typical opacity on fluorochemical use. No third-party certifications (e.g., EWG Verified, Made Safe) appear on this product, which limits independent hazard verification.
How it compares in its category
Setting sprays span a wide spectrum: silicone-based (like this) are mainstream and generally considered lower-risk than alcohol-heavy or synthetic resin formulas. Many competitors (MAC Fix+, Urban Decay All Nighter) use similar water-silicone platforms; fewer disclose PFAS status openly, making this category a blind spot across the board. Estée Lauder's formula sits in the mid-market safety range for sprays, without standout transparency or third-party validation.
If you buy it
Apply in a well-ventilated area to minimize inhalation of aerosolized particles and any volatile compounds. Do not spray near eyes or mucous membranes; misting distance of 6-8 inches is typical. Replace if the spray nozzle clogs or formula separates visibly, as this may indicate microbial growth or degradation. Store upright and away from heat to preserve aerosol integrity and avoid pressure leakage.
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.”
Inhalation exposure from aerosol mist
All spray formulas pose a minor inhalation risk from fine aerosolized particles and any volatile silicones or propellants. Estée Lauder does not disclose propellant type (hydrocarbons vs. compressed gas); unventilated repeated use could accumulate exposure.
1,4-dioxane or formaldehyde releasers in polymers
Water-based sprays with silicones and acrylates generally avoid 1,4-dioxane and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, but full ingredient disclosure is absent; no specific concern is on record for this product.
Silicone accumulation on skin and hair
Repeated use of silicone-based setting sprays can deposit a film that traps moisture or bacteria if not removed by proper cleansing; this is a cosmetic annoyance more than acute toxicity but warrants daily makeup removal.
Fluorinated polymers (PFAS) in water-resistant claims
The phrase 'setting' and 'refresh' implies long-wear and sweat/water resistance; such claims often rely on fluorinated polymers that are not disclosed. Estée Lauder's silence on this chemistry, combined with the 30/100 PFAS grade, suggests undisclosed fluorochemical use is plausible but unconfirmed.
Fragrance allergens or sensitizers
Estée Lauder cosmetics typically contain fragrance compounds not itemized on retail packaging; common allergens (limonene, linalool, cinnamyl alcohol) may be present and could irritate sensitive skin or eyes if sprayed in face.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 45% 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 Beauty Primers & Setting Sprays
Estée Lauder
Estee Lauder Set + Refresh Perfecting Makeup Mist
liquid spray formulation, water and glycerin base
Lower concern. Spray cosmetic with no known PFAS triggers.
⚠Risky category by default
Estée Lauder
Estee Lauder The Smoother Universal Perfecting Primer
Silicone, glycerin, water, pigments
Liquid cosmetic primer with lower PFAS concern, no red flags identified.
⚠Risky category by default
Estée Lauder
Estee Lauder The Mattifier Shine Control Perfecting Primer and Finisher
silicones, talc, pigments, waxes
Lower concern; cosmetic primer with no known PFAS-prone ingredients.
⚠Risky category by default
More beauty primers & setting sprays 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.