Neutrogena · Makeup
Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Compact Powder Foundation
Lower PFAS concern for a mineral powder, no waterproofing or known Teflon-family coating typical in this category.
Neutrogena Mineral Sheers is a talc-free mineral powder foundation with no public disclosure of PFAS treatment or coating. Mineral powders and iron oxide pigments carry inherently lower PFAS risk than water-resistant or silicone-heavy formulations.
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Mineral powder (talc-free base, iron oxides, mica)
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 talc-free mineral powder foundation using iron oxides (colorants), mica (shimmer/texture), and unspecified mineral bases. Talc-free formulation eliminates the primary historical concern in powder foundations (talc contamination with asbestos fibers). Iron oxides are FDA-approved colorants with established safety in cosmetics. Mica is inert and non-toxic but may generate inhalable dust particles if applied with heavy hand or in enclosed spaces.
The brand's record and disclosure
Neutrogena is owned by Johnson & Johnson and operates under cosmetic ingredient disclosure rules. The brand does not publicly disclose PFAS testing or stance (hence 'silent' on PFAS), which is typical for mainstream cosmetic brands. No major safety recalls or formal controversies specific to this powder line are on public record. Ingredient lists are available on packaging and verified against FDA/CosIng databases.
How it compares in its category
Mineral powder foundations are considered lower-risk than liquid foundations (which often contain preservatives and emulsifiers with potential contaminants). This talc-free variant sits above talc-containing powders in precaution. Compared to silicone-heavy powder formulas, mineral bases generate less respiratory concern, though mica inhalation risk is present in any loose powder. Most drugstore mineral powders have similar composition and hazard profiles.
If you buy it
Apply with a brush rather than puff to reduce dust inhalation and powder aerosolization. Store in a cool, dry place away from humidity, which can degrade powder texture and increase clumping. Do not inhale directly while applying and ensure adequate ventilation in the application area. Replace if the compact cracks, allowing external contamination, or if the powder develops an off-odor (sign of moisture or bacterial growth).
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.”
Mica inhalation (respiratory irritation)
Powder application generates inhalable particles; mica is not acutely toxic but chronic inhalation may irritate airways. Risk is elevated with heavy application or in poorly ventilated spaces. Brush application reduces this risk versus puff application.
Heavy metal contamination in iron oxide colorants
Iron oxides used in cosmetics are regulated and tested for lead, cadmium, and arsenic. No contamination incidents reported for this product line. Risk is theoretical and inherent to all iron oxide-based foundations.
Fragrance allergens
Product label does not list fragrance as a primary ingredient. If present in minor amounts, undisclosed allergens are possible but unlikely given the mineral-focused formulation. Standard for powder foundations.
Formaldehyde releasers or preservatives
Powder formulations require minimal preservatives compared to liquids. No formaldehyde-releasing compounds are listed on publicly available ingredient information. Risk is low for this product type.
Mica contamination with non-cosmetic-grade particles
Mica sourcing and purity vary by supplier. Industrial or non-cosmetic-grade mica may contain silica or other mineral contaminants. Neutrogena's supplier standards are not publicly disclosed; assume industry-standard cosmetic-grade sourcing.
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 makeup 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.