Raw Elements · Sunscreen
Raw Elements Tinted Face Moisturizer SPF 30
Lower-concern choice; mineral SPF formulas rarely need PFAS, but brand silence on sourcing leaves modest uncertainty.
Raw Elements Tinted Face Moisturizer SPF 30 uses mineral UV filters (zinc oxide/titanium dioxide), which typically do not require fluorochemical coatings or water-repellent treatments. The brand makes no PFAS claims and provides no third-party verification, so full supply-chain assurance is unavailable.
Shop Raw Elements on Amazon →Material
mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide/titanium dioxide), water-based moisturizer
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 Tinted Face Moisturizer SPF 30 uses zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as UV filters, both mineral actives that sit on skin rather than absorb into it, making systemic toxicity unlikely. The water-based moisturizer base avoids common synthetic UV absorbers (avobenzone, oxybenzone) that carry endocrine-disruption concerns. Mineral sunscreens of this type have a long safety history and do not require PFAS-based water-repellent additives, though absence of PFAS certification from the brand leaves sourcing slightly opaque.
The brand's record and disclosure
Raw Elements is a smaller, natural-focused sunscreen brand with no major recalls or established safety violations on record. The brand does not publish third-party testing results or formal certifications (e.g., EWG Verified, NSF), and has not publicly committed to PFAS-free sourcing, which limits independent verification of ingredient supply chains. No documented controversies or formulation changes exist in publicly available safety databases. The lack of proactive transparency is typical of mid-market natural brands but differs from market leaders in sunscreen safety communication.
How it compares in its category
Mineral-only sunscreens like this sit in the lower-hazard segment; they avoid systemic absorption issues tied to chemical UV absorbers and do not typically require PFAS water-repellents. Most mineral SPF 30 moisturizers carry similar safety profiles; Raw Elements' tinted formula adds iron oxides for color, a cosmetic pigment with no established safety concern in this use. This product is safer than combination (hybrid) sunscreens that blend mineral and chemical actives, and comparable to other mineral-only alternatives in hazard profile.
If you buy it
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat; mineral sunscreens are stable but tinted formulas with iron oxides may separate if overheated. Use the full recommended amount (about 1/4 teaspoon for face) for labeled SPF protection; underapplication is a common usage error that undermines efficacy. Reapply every two hours if swimming or sweating, or after towel drying. Discontinue use if rash, redness, or irritation develops, though allergic reactions to zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are rare.
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.”
Heavy metals in iron oxide pigments (cosmetic colorant)
Iron oxides used for tint in this formula are FDA-approved colorants with no established contamination history in reputable manufacturers. Raw Elements has not disclosed third-party heavy metal testing of their tinted product, leaving a small data gap; however, iron oxide-based tints are among the lowest-risk pigment options.
Fragrance allergens
Product labeling does not explicitly state 'fragrance-free' status; if essential oils or synthetic fragrance are present, they may trigger contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. This is a minor concern specific to facial use and formulation transparency rather than a systemic hazard.
Mineral UV filter particle size and respiratory risk
Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide in sunscreen formulas are not classified as inhaled hazards at cosmetic use scale (applied topically, not aerosolized). No particle-size specifications are published by Raw Elements, but nano-sized particles, if present, would not pose significant dermal absorption risk given the occlusive nature of mineral filters.
Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives
No formaldehyde-donors (e.g., imidazolidinyl urea, dmdm hydantoin) are listed in available product ingredient disclosures for this moisturizer base. Preservative system is not detailed publicly, leaving a minor transparency gap, but standard water-based moisturizers rarely rely on formaldehyde releasers.
Coating damage and zinc oxide migration over time
This is a topical moisturizer, not cookware or food-contact equipment; zinc oxide does not leach into food or bloodstream from skin application. Stability of the tinted formula over shelf life is not publicly tested, but mineral sunscreens are chemically stable and do not degrade into hazardous byproducts.
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.
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.