Raw Elements · Sunscreen
Raw Elements Plastic Free Sunscreen Pack SPF 30
Lower-concern choice; mineral sunscreen with PFAS-free positioning and third-party certification.
Raw Elements Plastic Free Sunscreen is marketed as PFAS-free and holds MADE SAFE certification, which screens for per- and polyfluorinated chemicals. The product uses mineral (zinc oxide/titanium dioxide) active ingredients rather than chemical filters, which typically have lower PFAS risk.
Brand says: “PFAS-free formulation; marketed as plastic-free and reef-safe”
Material
mineral-based active ingredients; plastic-free packaging
Brand disclosure
Brand claims PFAS-free
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Category baseline
cosmetics is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
Third-party PFAS-free verification
Independently verified PFAS-free by a third party.
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 Plastic Free uses mineral (physical) UV blockers, primarily zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide, which sit on skin rather than absorbing into it. These actives have decades of safety data showing low systemic absorption and minimal sensitization risk in most users. The plastic-free packaging eliminates microplastic risk from container degradation and aligns with the formulation's non-synthetic positioning. No chemical absorbers (oxybenzone, avobenzone, etc.) are present, eliminating concerns around endocrine activity from those agents.
The brand's record and disclosure
Raw Elements holds NSF Certification and actively markets PFAS-free formulation as a core brand commitment, with third-party verification on their website. The company has publicly committed to transparency on ingredient sourcing and avoids hidden PFAS-containing water-repellent additives common in conventional sunscreen formulations. No significant recalls or safety violations on record for this product line. Transparency on inactive ingredients (like fragrance components and preservatives) would strengthen their disclosure, but baseline compliance is established.
How it compares in its category
Most commercial sunscreens contain either chemical absorbers or synthetic stabilizers with PFAS-laden coatings; this product's mineral-only formula and plastic-free packaging place it in the lower-hazard subset. Compared to conventional reef-safe sunscreens, the active ingredients (zinc/titanium) are identical but formulation consistency and preservative choice matter more. It avoids the PFAS contamination risk present in many water-resistant and cosmetically elegant sunscreen lines, positioning it favorably for users prioritizing ingredient purity.
If you buy it
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent degradation of inactive ingredients; mineral actives themselves are photostable. Reapply every 2 hours (standard for all sunscreens) and after water exposure, as the formulation's water-resistance duration depends on inactive binders. Check the product dating on packaging; sunscreens degrade over 3 years, particularly if stored in heat. Discontinue use if you notice separation, color change, or grainy texture, which may indicate preservative failure or ingredient breakdown.
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
Raw Elements sunscreen contains fragrance components to mask mineral/oxide odor. Without full fragrance chemical disclosure, risk of contact dermatitis in sensitive users is typical for the category; zinc oxide sunscreens in particular often require masking agents.
Preservative safety (inactive)
Exact preservative system not universally disclosed on all product variations. Common preservatives in mineral sunscreens (phenoxyethanol, methylisothiazolinone) carry low established risk at use levels, but formulation-specific data would strengthen consumer confidence.
Mineral active (titanium dioxide/zinc oxide) white cast and irritation
Mineral sunscreens notoriously leave visible residue and can cause irritation in sensitive skin types, though zinc oxide is gentler than titanium dioxide. This is formulation-dependent and not a toxic hazard, but a practical usability concern.
Packaging leachables (paper/cardboard substrate)
Plastic-free packaging reduces synthetic polymer breakdown risk, but paper-based or natural fiber packaging is not independently verified for ink, bleach, or adhesive leachates. Industry-standard food-contact compliance typically applies but is not explicitly confirmed for this product line.
Oxidative degradation of inactive moisturizing oils (if present)
Many mineral sunscreens contain plant oils or natural emollients that oxidize over time, especially if stored improperly. Rancidity does not present a dermal toxicity hazard but may indicate preservative system failure or secondary contamination risk.
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.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
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.