Physicians Formula · Concealer
Physicians Formula Strength Concealer Light - 0.35 Oz
Lower concern; cosmetic cream formulation with no known PFAS-typical application, but brand offers no explicit disclosure.
Physicians Formula's Strength Concealer is a liquid/powder cosmetic without waterproofing claims or non-stick coating technologies typically linked to PFAS. The brand does not disclose PFAS policy.
Shop Physicians Formula on Amazon →Material
liquid/powder pigment suspension in cosmetic base (no known Teflon-type coating or Teflon-family coating)
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 liquid-to-powder pigment suspension typical of cream concealers: pigments (iron oxides, mica, titanium dioxide) suspended in an emulsified base of oils, waxes, and humectants. The formula contains no known Teflon-type coating or Teflon-family coating coatings, distinguishing it from products with intentional water-repellency claims. Cream concealers of this type are generally stable when stored at room temperature and do not degrade into harmful volatiles during normal use.
The brand's record and disclosure
Physicians Formula is a mass-market cosmetic brand owned by Coty and has maintained a stable safety profile with no major recalls or litigation tied to this product line. The brand does not publish explicit ingredient sourcing or heavy-metal testing data publicly, which is typical for mainstream cosmetics but not unusual. No known controversies regarding formaldehyde releasers, talc contamination, or azo dyes have been documented for this specific concealer. PFAS disclosure is absent from brand communications, consistent with most traditional cosmetic manufacturers.
How it compares in its category
Cream concealers like this occupy the mainstream safety middle ground: less heavily regulated than pharmaceuticals but more documented than indie brands. Compared to mineral-only concealers, this formula uses synthetic pigments and emulsifiers, which introduce more processing steps but also better preservative efficacy and shelf stability. Compared to silicone-heavy concealers, the formulation is likely lighter and less occlusive, though specific ingredient ratios are proprietary. Testing transparency is below what some premium or clean-label brands provide, but no worse than typical drugstore cosmetics.
If you buy it
Store at room temperature away from direct heat and sunlight; excessive warmth can destabilize the emulsion. Patch test on inner arm or jawline first, as cosmetic allergens vary by individual skin type. Replace every 12-18 months or if color separates, odor changes, or texture becomes grainy. Use clean applicators or fingers only; contaminated tools can introduce bacteria that compromise the preservative system over time.
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.”
1,4-dioxane (processing residue)
Cream cosmetics that use polysorbate or PEG-based emulsifiers may retain trace 1,4-dioxane from manufacturing. Physicians Formula does not publicly disclose distillation or vacuum-stripping practices, so residue levels are unknown but likely within EPA acceptable limits for rinse-off cosmetics.
Heavy metals in iron oxide pigments
Iron oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499) are cosmetic-grade when sourced properly and are regulated ingredients in the US. No recalls or detected contamination have been reported for this product. Titanium dioxide is similarly regulated; nano-form risks are minimal in leave-on cosmetics applied to intact skin.
Fragrance allergens
The ingredient list does not specify fragrance composition. If fragrance or essential oils are present, potential allergens include limonene, eugenol, or synthetic fragrance components; individual sensitivity varies widely and cannot be predicted without full disclosure.
Talc contamination
Physicians Formula has not faced established talc-contamination litigation tied to this product. The formulation is cream-based rather than powder, reducing inhalation risk regardless of talc presence. No asbestos contamination has been reported for this brand's talc supplies.
Formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing preservatives
Cream concealers commonly use imidazolidinyl urea, dmdm hydantoin, or quaternium-15 as preservatives, all of which can release trace formaldehyde. Physicians Formula does not publicly disclose which preservative system is used; levels in rinse-off or short-contact cosmetics are typically well below dermal irritation thresholds but may trigger sensitivity in prone individuals.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 73% 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 concealer 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.