Eucerin · Sunscreen
Eucerin Age Defense Face Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
Sunscreen water resistance may use PFAS; no brand disclosure available.
Eucerin does not publicly disclose PFAS use in this product. Water-resistant sunscreens sometimes contain fluorinated compounds; direct inquiry with brand recommended for assurance.
The safe swap
Goddess Garden
Goddess Garden Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 6 oz
100/100 safety
Same rubric that flunked this product. The swap earned its A.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
water-resistant lotion emulsion with unspecified cosmetic actives
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
This is a water-resistant lotion emulsion designed to stay on skin during swimming or sweating. The specific UV filters (likely organic/chemical or mineral) and thickening agents are not detailed on public labels, which is standard for cosmetics. Water-resistance claims in sunscreens sometimes rely on fluorinated compounds to repel water, which may involve PFAS, though manufacturers rarely disclose this. The lotion format means it contains emulsifiers, preservatives, and humectants typical of modern moisturizing sunscreens.
The brand's record and disclosure
Eucerin (Beiersdorf) is a dermatology-focused brand with a long history of sunscreen products and generally solid safety communication for sensitive-skin formulations. The brand has not made public commitments to PFAS phase-out or transparency, and does not list PFAS-free claims on this product. Eucerin sunscreens are widely used and no major recalls or contamination incidents specific to this SPF 50 formulation are on record. Independent testing by consumer organizations has not flagged this specific product for unexpected heavy metals or formaldehyde releasers.
How it compares in its category
Face sunscreens in this price and brand tier typically balance hydration and protection with cost; Eucerin's formulation is mainstream, neither premium (reef-safe, certified clean) nor budget-line. Many competing products (CeraVe, La Roche-Posay) operate under similar transparency constraints regarding PFAS in water-resistant formulas. Mineral sunscreens (zinc/titanium) eliminate PFAS risk but may leave white cast; organic filters carry different regulatory profiles. This product sits in the middle of the market for dermatologist-recommended, mass-retail sunscreens without special certifications.
If you buy it
Apply generously and reapply every 2 hours or after water exposure, as directed; water resistance claims typically hold for 40-80 minutes in standard testing but real-world performance varies. Store in cool conditions away from direct sunlight to preserve UV filter stability. No special precautions needed for storage or use beyond standard sunscreen care. If you have sensitive skin or chemical sensitivities, perform a patch test first, as preservative systems may trigger reactions in some individuals.
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.”
PFAS in water-resistant formulation
Water-resistant sunscreens often use fluorinated compounds to enhance water repellency; Eucerin has not disclosed whether this product contains PFAS. The formulation type and brand silence on this issue create uncertainty, graded at 30/100 safety for PFAS.
Fragrance allergens
Eucerin Age Defense line typically includes fragrance components not fully itemized on labels; individuals with fragrance sensitivity or dermatitis should check ingredient lists for parfum or specific fragrance allergens before use.
Heavy metals in pigments or UV filters
No public recalls or third-party testing reports of cadmium, lead, or arsenic contamination in this product. Organic and mineral UV filters used in mainstream sunscreens are regulated; risk is low but unverified without independent lab analysis.
1,4-dioxane contamination
No documented cases of 1,4-dioxane in Eucerin sunscreens on record. This contaminant appears in some cosmetics via emulsifiers; Eucerin's manufacturing standards and brand history do not suggest elevated risk, but testing is not publicly available.
Formaldehyde or formaldehyde releasers
Preservative systems in modern sunscreens rarely rely on formaldehyde donors; Eucerin's dermatology focus and regulatory compliance in major markets make this hazard unlikely, though full preservative identity is proprietary.
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 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.