Estée Lauder · Beauty Primers & Setting Sprays
Estee Lauder Set + Refresh Perfecting Makeup Mist
Lower concern. Spray cosmetic with no known PFAS triggers.
This makeup setting mist is a water and glycerin-based liquid spray with no disclosed water-resistant coatings or Teflon-family coating. No public lab data exists, but the product category and formulation suggest lower PFAS risk.
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liquid spray formulation, water and glycerin base
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
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 liquid spray formulation based on water and glycerin, designed to set makeup and provide hydration throughout the day. Glycerin is a humectant that draws moisture to skin and is widely considered safe in cosmetics. The spray delivery mechanism means the product is not ingested and exposure is limited to skin and inhalation of fine mist particles. No volatile organic solvents or known skin irritants are listed in publicly available ingredient disclosures.
The brand's record and disclosure
Estée Lauder is a major publicly traded cosmetics company subject to FDA cosmetic regulations and EU Cosmetics Regulation compliance. The brand publishes ingredient lists and maintains standard safety documentation but does not prominently advertise third-party certifications (e.g., dermatologist-tested, hypoallergenic claims are minimal in marketing). No significant recalls or safety controversies specific to this product line are on record. The brand's stance on emerging chemicals like PFAS in cosmetics is not publicly detailed, consistent with most mainstream beauty companies.
How it compares in its category
Makeup setting sprays in this price tier (mid-to-premium) typically use water, glycerin, and volatile preservatives; this formulation is conventional and comparable to brands like Urban Decay All Nighter or MAC Fix+. Water-based sprays carry lower chemical load than oil-based alternatives and avoid silicone-heavy formulations that can accumulate on skin. The lack of heavy metals, talc, or flame retardants (not relevant to sprays) places it in the safer segment of cosmetic products overall.
If you buy it
Store at room temperature away from direct heat or sunlight to preserve the formula. Spray from 6-8 inches away from face to ensure even mist application and minimize concentrated inhalation. Do not spray directly into eyes; if contact occurs, rinse with water. Replace if the spray mechanism fails or the product shows visible separation or odor change, typically within 12-24 months of opening depending on storage conditions and frequency of use.
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.”
1,4-dioxane (solvent contamination risk)
This product is not reported to contain 1,4-dioxane. Water-based spray formulations with glycerin do not require this solvent and Estée Lauder's published ingredient data does not flag its presence.
Formaldehyde releasers (preservative system)
Standard cosmetic preservatives (phenoxyethanol, methylisothiazolinone, or similar) may be used in this water-based spray to prevent microbial growth. These are not formaldehyde releasers but are mild skin sensitizers in susceptible individuals; no specific data on this product's preservative choice is publicly available.
Talc contamination
Liquid spray formulations do not use talc as a base ingredient. No talc-related hazard applies to this product category.
Heavy metals in pigments or colorants
Set + Refresh is a clear or translucent spray with minimal to no colorants. Pigment-based heavy metal contamination is not a typical concern for water-based setting sprays and no contamination has been reported for this product.
Fragrance allergens (undisclosed fragrance components)
The product may contain fragrance or essential oils listed as 'fragrance' or 'parfum' on labels, masking individual allergens like limonene or linalool. Individuals with fragrance sensitivity should patch-test or request a full fragrance declaration from the brand.
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.
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.