Raw Elements · Sunscreen
Raw Elements Face and Body All-Natural Mineral Sunscreen
Lower PFAS concern; mineral sunscreens are inherently low-risk, but no explicit brand commitment.
Raw Elements uses mineral actives (zinc oxide/titanium dioxide) rather than chemical filters, which carry minimal PFAS risk. The brand does not make PFAS-free claims or hold third-party verification. No public lab data or recalls exist, and the product formulation aligns with lower-concern materials.
Shop Raw Elements on Amazon →Material
mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide)
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
Raw Elements Face and Body uses zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as UV blockers, which are mineral (inorganic) actives that sit on skin rather than absorb into it. Unlike chemical sunscreens (oxybenzone, avobenzone), mineral formulas do not metabolize systemically and carry no endocrine-disruption risk. The 'all-natural' positioning suggests minimal synthetic preservatives and fragrance additives, though specific inactive ingredients determine final safety profile.
The brand's record and disclosure
Raw Elements maintains a clean public record with no major recalls or safety controversies on file. The brand does not explicitly market PFAS-free status or publish third-party safety testing results, which is common for smaller natural sunscreen makers. Certifications or seals (if present) would strengthen confidence; absence of documented environmental or labor violations is a baseline positive.
How it compares in its category
Mineral sunscreens as a class are inherently safer than chemical alternatives on absorption and systemic toxicity grounds. Raw Elements sits in the mainstream natural/clean sunscreen segment alongside brands like Blue Lizard and Badger. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide formulas are well-studied actives with decades of safety data; the main category trade-off is cosmetic (whiteness, grittiness) rather than toxicological.
If you buy it
Apply generously (about 1/4 teaspoon for face) and reapply every 2 hours or after water immersion. Store in cool, dry conditions to prevent hardening or separation. Mineral sunscreens are stable under normal use and do not degrade into hazardous byproducts the way some chemical filters do. Discontinue use if skin irritation develops, though mineral formulas are rarely sensitizing.
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
Product description indicates 'all-natural' formula; if fragrance or essential oils are present, they may trigger contact dermatitis or respiratory sensitivity in susceptible users. Specific fragrance ingredients not detailed in publicly available product information.
Heavy metals in mineral actives (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide)
Commercial-grade zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are well-regulated actives with low contamination risk when sourced from reputable suppliers. No recalls or toxicology alerts on record for Raw Elements sunscreen products. Impurities are possible only if manufacturing standards are poor, which is not documented for this brand.
Talc or silicate contamination
Mineral sunscreens sometimes contain talc as an anti-caking agent; if present in Raw Elements, inhaled powder poses theoretical asbestos-like risk. Product labeling should clarify whether talc is used; absence of documented recall suggests either absence or safe sourcing, but explicit ingredient list review is necessary.
Preservative safety (parabens, phenoxyethanol)
'All-natural' branding suggests avoidance of synthetic preservatives, but exact formulation is not publicly detailed. If natural preservatives are used, efficacy against microbial growth may be lower; product must be kept sealed and cool to prevent degradation.
Skin irritation from mineral particle size or inert fillers
Some users report mild irritation or acne from heavy mineral sunscreen use, though this is cosmetic sensitivity rather than systemic toxicity. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles, if present, may theoretically penetrate compromised skin barrier, but this remains a low-probability concern with normal application on intact skin.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 78% 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 Sunscreen
Goddess Garden
Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 6 oz
mineral-based UV filters, plant-derived waxes
Lower-concern mineral sunscreen with credible PFAS-exclusion certification.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
Raw Elements
Eco Formula SPF 30 Sunscreen
mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide)
Lower PFAS concern; mineral sunscreen with third-party verification and no known fluorochemical history.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
Raw Elements
Face & Body Sunscreen Tin SPF 30
mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide/titanium dioxide), tin packaging
Lower-concern choice; mineral sunscreen + explicit PFAS-free positioning + third-party certs reduce risk.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
More sunscreen 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.