Neutrogena · Moisturizer
Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Face Moisturizer with SPF 30
Lower PFAS concern for typical moisturizer; mineral sunscreen formula reduces waterproofing chemistry risk.
Neutrogena's Ultra Gentle Daily Moisturizer is a rinse-off cosmetic with no disclosed PFAS-prone features like durable water repellency or grease resistance. The brand makes no PFAS claim either way.
Shop Neutrogena on Amazon →Material
water-based emulsion with mineral sunscreen filters
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 moisturizer using mineral (zinc oxide/titanium dioxide) rather than chemical sunscreen filters, which reduces the need for PFAS-containing water-resistant chemistry. The base is typical: glycerin, emollients, and humectants to hydrate skin. Mineral sunscreens sit on the skin surface rather than absorbing, lowering systemic exposure risk compared to chemical UV filters.
The brand's record and disclosure
Neutrogena (Johnson & Johnson subsidiary) does not publicly disclose PFAS content or manufacturing restrictions, which is standard silence across most mass-market skincare brands. The brand has no major product recalls for this moisturizer line on FDA record. Neutrogena is widely tested by third-party consumer labs and dermatologists, with no documented contamination issues specific to this SPF formula.
How it compares in its category
Mineral sunscreen moisturizers are considered lower-risk for PFAS than chemical sunscreen or waterproof formulas, because waterproofing coatings typically contain fluorinated compounds. This product sits in the mainstream safety tier: not premium (no third-party certifications like EWG Verified or Clean Beauty), but also not flagged for ingredient concerns. Fragrance-free formulation is a plus for sensitive skin.
If you buy it
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat; mineral sunscreen products can separate or become thick in high temperatures but remain safe. Apply daily to clean skin; discontinue if rash or irritation develops, as salicylates or emulsifier sensitivities occasionally occur. Replace every 12 months or if separation is visible. No special handling needed; it is not occlusive enough to require removal with special cleansers.
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
This product is marketed as fragrance-free. Standard Neutrogena moisturizers may include masking fragrance, but this SPF variant does not list fragrance in published ingredients.
Formaldehyde releasers
No formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea) are listed in the published ingredient deck for this product.
Heavy metals in pigments
Mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) are inert oxides with very low bioavailability; no colorant pigments are used in this clear/tinted formulation, reducing metal contamination risk.
1,4-dioxane (manufacturing byproduct)
Water-based emulsions can contain trace 1,4-dioxane from ethoxylated surfactants used as emulsifiers. No public testing of this specific product exists, but independent labs have occasionally detected low levels (typically <1 ppm) in Neutrogena moisturizers; risk is minimal at normal use rates.
Titanium dioxide inhalation (powder form only)
This is a liquid moisturizer, not a powder or spray, so inhalation risk from titanium dioxide is not applicable. Topical application of titanium dioxide in sunscreen is considered safe by FDA and EU regulators.
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.
Safer alternatives in Moisturizer
Tatcha
Starter The Ritual Set Ultra Hydrating For Dry Skin
Water-based cosmetic creams and serums; glass/plastic packaging
Lower PFAS concern for a cosmetic moisturizer set, but Tatcha makes no public PFAS commitment.
⚠Risky category by default
Herbivore Botanicals
Orchid Facial Oil
plant oils, botanical extracts, glass bottle
Lower concern; facial oil with no known PFAS triggers, but brand offers no transparency.
⚠Risky category by default
Herbivore Botanicals
Herbivore Lapis Balancing Facial Oil
plant oils, mineral pigments, glass bottle
Lower concern for PFAS; facial oil in glass, typical formulation poses minimal risk.
⚠Risky category by default
More moisturizer 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.