Glossier · BB Cream
Glossier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 - Vegan & Cruelty-Free
Lower PFAS concern; typical liquid tinted moisturizer with no known high-risk chemistries.
Glossier's Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 is a water-based liquid cosmetic with no public disclosures of PFAS ingredients or water-repellent treatments. Standard cosmetic moisturizers and sunscreens typically avoid PFAS, though Glossier does not explicitly claim PFAS-free status.
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Water-based emulsion with cyclopentasiloxane and 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 product is a water-based emulsion stabilized with cyclopentasiloxane, a volatile silicone that evaporates after application and is not absorbed into skin. Mineral pigments (iron oxides, titanium dioxide, mica) provide color and are inert when applied topically. The vegan claim rules out animal-derived emulsifiers but does not eliminate synthetic chemistry concerns. BB creams in this formulation class typically carry lower chemical burden than anhydrous foundations because water displaces heavier synthetics.
The brand's record and disclosure
Glossier publishes ingredient lists and holds cruelty-free certification (Leaping Bunny), signaling third-party oversight. However, the brand has not made public commitments on PFAS elimination or heavy-metal testing in colorants, which is standard practice for premium beauty brands. No major safety recalls or contamination incidents are on record for this product line. Transparency on fragrance allergens and preservative selection is limited to ingredient naming, not detailed sourcing.
How it compares in its category
This BB cream sits in the mainstream cosmetics tier: safer chemistry than drugstore alternatives, less disclosure than luxury or clean-beauty brands that tout PFAS-free or third-party tested pigments. Water-based formulas reduce skin irritation risk compared to silicone-heavy competitors. Mineral pigment use is standard and generally safer than synthetic dyes, though neither is inherently superior; the difference is primarily in irritation risk for sensitive skin.
If you buy it
Apply a dime-sized amount to clean, dry skin; avoid contact with eyes. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat, as cyclopentasiloxane can separate if exposed to sustained warmth above 25°C (77°F). Discontinue use if redness, itching, or breakouts develop within 2 weeks; these may signal sensitization to preservatives or fragrance. Replace annually or if the emulsion visibly separates, thickens, or develops an off odor, which indicates microbial growth or oxidation.
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.”
Heavy metals in mineral pigments
Iron oxides and titanium dioxide are regulated colorants in cosmetics and carry low contamination risk when sourced from reputable suppliers. Glossier does not publish heavy-metal testing data for pigments, but no contamination incidents are documented for this product.
Fragrance allergens
Product ingredients list fragrance as a component, but Glossier does not disclose specific fragrance compounds (e.g., limonene, linalool, citral). Individuals with fragrance sensitivity or contact dermatitis may experience irritation; patch testing is recommended before full-face application.
Preservative-induced contact dermatitis
Water-based emulsions require preservatives to prevent bacterial and fungal growth. Glossier's preservative system is not detailed publicly; common preservatives in this category (parabens, phenoxyethanol) are safe at approved levels but may trigger sensitivity in 1-2% of users.
Cyclopentasiloxane volatility and inhalation
Cyclopentasiloxane evaporates rapidly at skin temperature and is not systemically absorbed in cosmetic amounts. No inhalation hazard is established for topical BB cream use; concern would only arise from intentional inhalation or chronic occupational exposure, neither applicable to consumer use.
Microplastics from synthetic polymers
Mica and mineral pigments used in this formula are not microplastics. No polyethylene microbeads or plastic polymers are disclosed in the ingredient list; water-based formulas of this type do not typically contain intentional microplastics.
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.