Glossier · BB Cream
Amazonian Clay Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 - Natural Coverage & Hydration
Lower PFAS concern for typical formulation, but Glossier has not publicly disclosed ingredient testing.
This tinted moisturizer is a water-based cosmetic without stated waterproof or stain-resistant treatments that typically require PFAS. Standard cosmetic clay, pigments, and mineral actives carry lower inherent PFAS risk.
Shop Glossier on Amazon →Material
Water-based emulsion, clay, talc, mica, iron oxides, mineral pigments
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
This is a water-based emulsion tinted moisturizer, not a powder or oil-based cream, which immediately limits exposure pathways for many contaminants. The formula contains talc, mica, and iron oxide pigments as colorants and texture agents. Talc in cosmetics is a historical concern category because mining often co-occurs with asbestos; however, modern cosmetic-grade talc sold in the US is required by FDA regulation to be asbestos-free and is routinely tested. The iron oxides and mica are inert mineral pigments with no known toxicity at topical use levels.
The brand's record and disclosure
Glossier does not publicly disclose PFAS testing results or make specific claims about PFAS-free formulations on their ingredient pages. The brand has no documented major product safety recalls related to talc, heavy metals, or formaldehyde releasers. Glossier markets itself as a 'clean' beauty brand but does not pursue third-party certifications (e.g., EWG, Leaping Bunny) that would provide independent verification of safety claims. This silence on PFAS is consistent with the broader beauty industry, where many brands have not disclosed testing.
How it compares in its category
BB creams and tinted moisturizers are among the lower-risk cosmetic categories because they avoid heavy pigment loads and are typically water-based. This Glossier product is representative of mainstream mineral-pigmented formulas rather than synthetic dye-based alternatives, which reduces azo dye and heavy metal pigment concerns. Most competitors in this price and positioning tier (e.g., Bare Minerals, Physicians Formula, Estee Lauder DayWear) use similar talc and iron oxide systems with comparable transparency gaps on PFAS.
If you buy it
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent any emulsion separation or microbial growth in the pump dispenser; replace after 12 months to avoid degradation. Do not inhale the product during application (talc and mica particles are safe on skin but unnecessary in lungs). If you have talc sensitivity or a history of ovarian cancer in your family, consult a dermatologist before use, as epidemiologic evidence remains contested. Wash hands after application to avoid accidentally transferring product to eyes or mouth.
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.”
Talc and asbestos contamination
Cosmetic-grade talc in the US is regulated to be asbestos-free; no recalls or contamination documented for Glossier products. Historical talc litigation concerns industrial or unregulated sources, not FDA-compliant cosmetic supplies.
Heavy metal pigments (lead, cadmium in iron oxides)
Iron oxides used as colorants in cosmetics are tightly regulated for heavy metal content by FDA and are inert when applied topically. No reports of elevated lead or cadmium in Glossier tinted moisturizers.
Formaldehyde releasers or preservative allergens
Water-based emulsions require preservatives to prevent bacterial/fungal growth; Glossier does not publicly disclose their preservative system. Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives are legally allowed in cosmetics but may trigger contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals; patch test if you have a history of fragrance or preservative sensitivity.
Fragrance allergens
Glossier typically uses minimal or no added fragrance in their moisturizers; this product is not documented to contain fragrance allergens or undisclosed fragrance components.
Microplastics or polymer shedding
Mica and talc are natural minerals and do not shed microplastics. Water-based emulsions do not contain plastic binders; no microplastic concern identified for this category or 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 bb cream 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.