Eucerin · Body Wash
Eucerin Gel pH5
Lower PFAS concern; typical skincare gel with no known water-repellent or coating additives.
Eucerin Gel pH5 is a rinse-off cosmetic (facial gel cleanser/hydrator) containing water, glycerin, and skin conditioning agents, not formulated with Teflon-family coating, Teflon-type coating, or water-repellent coating chemistry.
Shop Eucerin on Amazon →Material
aqueous gel base with humectants and skin-care 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
Eucerin Gel pH5 is a water-based gel cleanser formulated with glycerin and other humectants to hydrate while cleansing. The pH 5 formulation is designed to match skin acidity and minimize irritation. No known problematic ingredients such as parabens at concern levels, formaldehyde releasers, or talc contamination have been documented in this product line. The aqueous gel base is chemically simple and typical of modern dermatological body washes.
The brand's record and disclosure
Eucerin (Beiersdorf) is a pharmaceutical-grade skincare brand with strong dermatological credibility and transparent ingredient labeling. The brand regularly discloses full ingredient lists and has a documented history of formulation safety oversight. No significant recalls or safety controversies have been established for Eucerin body washes. The brand's silence on PFAS is consistent with the category norm; body washes do not require water-repellent coatings that would justify PFAS use.
How it compares in its category
Eucerin Gel pH5 sits in the premium dermatological cleanser segment, positioned as safer than mass-market body washes that may contain more fragrance allergens or antimicrobial agents. It is comparable in safety profile to Cetaphil and CeraVe cleansers, all three emphasizing pH-neutral or slightly acidic formulations. This product avoids the cost-cutting additives sometimes found in budget alternatives, making it a lower-risk choice within body washes.
If you buy it
Use as directed on intact skin; no special precautions needed beyond standard body wash guidance. Store in a cool, dry place and discard if the product separates or smells off, though the sealed packaging and preservative system make this unlikely. The product requires no maintenance and does not degrade over time in normal use. Discontinue use only if individual sensitivity develops, which is rare with this formulation.
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
Eucerin Gel pH5 contains fragrance compounds, which can trigger contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. However, the formulation is designed for sensitive skin, and fragrance levels are typically moderate compared to mass-market body washes.
1,4-dioxane (manufacturing impurity)
No documented detections of 1,4-dioxane in Eucerin body washes. The brand's use of pharmaceutical-grade manufacturing standards makes this impurity unlikely, though it is theoretically possible in ethoxylated ingredients used as surfactants.
Formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasers
No formaldehyde-releasing preservatives have been reported in this product. Eucerin typically uses safer preservative systems such as phenoxyethanol or potassium sorbate, avoiding releasers associated with dermatitis.
Heavy metals in colorants
Eucerin Gel pH5 uses minimal colorants, and no heavy metal contamination in pigments has been reported. The product's clear or light gel consistency suggests use of approved, well-regulated colorant systems if any are present.
Microplastic exfoliants
This is a non-scrubbing gel cleanser without exfoliating beads or microplastic particles. Formulation does not include intentional microplastics or natural exfoliants that shed microparticles.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 78% 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 Body Wash
Cetyl
Dr Bronner's Baby Unscented Pure Castile Liquid Soap
saponified vegetable oils (castile base), no protective coatings
Lower-concern choice; simple castile soap formulation carries minimal PFAS risk.
⚠Risky category by default
Dr. Bronner's
Pure-Castile Liquid Soap
Plant-based soap (coconut, olive, palm oils); no coatings or treatments
Lower PFAS concern, uncoated liquid soap with no water- or stain-resistant treatments.
⚠Risky category by default
Dr. Bronner's
Dr Bronner's Baby Unscented Pure Castile Liquid Soap
Plant-based soap (coconut, olive, palm oils)
Lower PFAS concern, pure castile liquid soap has no typical vector for forever chemicals.
⚠Risky category by default
More body wash 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.