Pacifica Pressed Powder · Pressed Powder
Pressed Powder Charity
Lower PFAS concern for a mineral-based pressed powder, but Pacifica makes no public PFAS commitment.
Pacifica's pressed powders are typically formulated with talc, mica, and iron oxides, ingredients with lower inherent PFAS risk. The brand does not disclose PFAS testing or make PFAS-free claims.
Shop Pacifica Pressed Powder on Amazon →Material
talc, mica, 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 Pressed Powder Charity is formulated with talc as its primary base, combined with mica for shimmer and iron oxides or synthetic pigments for color. Talc is a naturally occurring mineral that requires careful sourcing because deposits can be contaminated with asbestos during mining; however, cosmetic-grade talc sold in regulated markets like the US must meet purity standards that exclude asbestos. Mica is inert and low-risk; synthetic pigments (Iron Oxides CI 77491/77492/77499) are also well-established as safe in cosmetics when not contaminated with heavy metals.
The brand's record and disclosure
Pacifica is a cruelty-free and vegan-certified brand with generally transparent ingredient labeling, but makes no public statement on PFAS avoidance or use in their cosmetic formulas. The brand does not appear in major cosmetic safety controversies or recalls related to pressed powders. Their silence on PFAS reflects a broader industry trend of minimal disclosure rather than a red flag specific to this product, since talc-based powders are not known to be a primary PFAS concern.
How it compares in its category
Talc-based pressed powders remain the industry standard and are comparable in safety profile to silica-based or mica-dominant alternatives; the key difference is talc sourcing transparency, which Pacifica does not publicly detail. Mineral-based powders like this one pose lower microplastic risk than synthetic polymer powders during use. Some consumers prefer talc-free options due to personal preference or asbestos contamination history concerns, though modern regulated talc is considered safe for facial cosmetics.
If you buy it
Store in a cool, dry place away from humidity to prevent caking and bacterial growth in the compact. Do not inhale powder directly during application; use a damp brush or puff to minimize inhalation exposure. Replace every 12-24 months or if the product shows discoloration, develops an odor, or the surface becomes wet or moldy. Avoid applying near eyes if you have sensitivities to talc or mica, and patch-test on a small facial area first if you have reactive skin.
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 contamination (asbestos)
Cosmetic-grade talc in regulated US markets must meet purity standards excluding asbestos. No recalls or contamination reports are on record for Pacifica Pressed Powder Charity specifically.
Heavy metals in pigments (lead, cadmium, chromium)
Iron oxide pigments (CI 77491/77492/77499) and mica are low-risk mineral colorants. No heavy metal contamination has been reported for this product or brand pressed powders.
Formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing preservatives
Pressed powders do not require formaldehyde-releasers due to low water content. No such compounds are listed in typical Pacifica formulations or disclosed as used in this product.
Microbial contamination from water activity or storage
Talc-based powders are inherently low-moisture; risk is minimal with proper storage. Exposure to humidity or moisture during use and storage could allow bacterial or fungal growth over time, though this is a user-maintenance issue, not a manufacturing defect.
Inhalation exposure to respirable powder particles
Airborne talc or mica particles during application can be inhaled; long-term occupational inhalation of talc has been studied for health effects. Consumer exposure from occasional cosmetic use is generally considered low-risk, but users with respiratory sensitivities should use damp-brush application methods to reduce dust.
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.