Pacifica Pressed Powder · Pressed Powder
Pacifica Cherry Velvet Matte Setting Translucent Powder
Lower concern; mineral powder with no known PFAS triggers, but Pacifica hasn't publicly disclosed PFAS testing.
Pacifica's matte setting powder is a talc-based mineral cosmetic without waterproofing, moisture barriers, or nonstick coatings, the typical product features that introduce PFAS. The brand has made no public PFAS-free claim or pursued third-party verification, leaving a transparency gap.
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Talc and mineral pigments (typical pressed powder base)
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
Pacifica Cherry Velvet is a talc-based pressed powder, the industry standard for setting powders. Talc itself is inert as a cosmetic ingredient when pure, but the primary concern is asbestos contamination during mining or processing, which the FDA monitors through talc suppliers. Mineral pigments (iron oxides, mica) used for color are chemically stable and non-volatile in powder form, meaning they do not release fumes or gases during normal use. The 'matte' finish typically comes from talc's natural light-scattering properties rather than synthetic additives.
The brand's record and disclosure
Pacifica markets itself as a cruelty-free, plant-derived beauty brand but has not published independent third-party testing data for talc purity or heavy metal screening on its website. The brand does not prominently disclose PFAS testing results, though talc powders are not typical PFAS vehicles. Pacifica has faced no major FDA recalls or regulatory actions specific to this product line as of available records. The brand holds Leaping Bunny certification for animal testing but does not hold NSF or heavy metal certifications.
How it compares in its category
Talc-based setting powders dominate the mass-market category; Pacifica's formulation is typical for this tier. Alternatives include silica-based powders (Maybelline Fit Me, Bare Minerals) and arrowroot starch blends (Physicians Formula), which avoid talc entirely but may be less durable or blendable. High-end talc powders (MAC Fix+, Chanel) often cost 2-3x more without documented safety advantages. Pacifica sits in the mid-range for price and transparency.
If you buy it
Apply with a fluffy brush in light layers to avoid product waste and minimize inhalation risk during application. Store in a cool, dry place away from moisture to prevent clumping and mold growth in the compact. Replace every 12-18 months if used daily; talc does not degrade chemically but packaging may crack or allow bacterial entry over time. If you have a talc sensitivity or asbestos concern, switch to a certified talc-free alternative; this is a personal choice, not a safety mandate.
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 asbestos contamination
Talc mining can occasionally yield asbestos fibers; Pacifica does not disclose supplier testing or third-party verification of asbestos-free status. FDA-regulated talc suppliers are required to be asbestos-free, but independent confirmation from Pacifica would strengthen safety confidence.
Heavy metals in mineral pigments
Iron oxides and mica used in cosmetic-grade pressed powders are not known to contain lead, cadmium, or arsenic at levels of concern. No recalls or adverse reports exist for this product or brand's pigment suppliers.
Inhalation risk during application
Talc powders generate fine particles when opened or applied with brushes. Users with respiratory sensitivity (asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) should apply carefully and consider a silica-based alternative to minimize dust inhalation.
Bacterial or mold growth if wet
Pressed powder compacts can accumulate moisture if stored in high-humidity bathrooms. Bacteria or mold may colonize the product surface over months; discard if visible discoloration or odor develops.
Formaldehyde releasers or preservatives
Pacifica does not list formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea) in publicly available ingredient disclosures. Standard preservatives in pressed powders (sorbic acid, phenoxyethanol) do not release formaldehyde.
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 pressed powder 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.