75/ 100
C
OverallD67/100
SET 01

Tarte · Deodorant

SET 01

C · Moderate

Lower-concern cosmetic; no known PFAS triggers, but Tarte makes no public PFAS commitment.

Verdict: BuyTalc-free mineral powder deodorant with no established heavy-metal or formaldehyde concerns; PFAS score modest but not disqualifying for topical use.

Tarte's SET 01 pressed powder uses mineral pigments and is talc-free, standard cosmetic ingredients with no established PFAS risk category. Tarte does not publicly disclose PFAS policies or pursue third-party verification.

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Material

Pressed powder (talc-free, mineral pigments)

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.

Hurts the grade

No PFAS disclosure

No public statement about PFAS in this product.

Hurts the grade

Safe base material

Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).

Helps the grade

The full breakdown

What it's made of and why it matters

Tarte SET 01 is a pressed powder deodorant formulated without talc, using mineral pigments instead. The talc-free claim eliminates the primary asbestos-contamination risk associated with talc-based powders. Mineral pigments (typically iron oxides, mica, titanium dioxide) are inert, insoluble compounds with low skin-penetration risk when applied topically to underarm skin. Pressed powder formulation means no volatilization or inhalation hazard from airborne particles during normal use.

The brand's record and disclosure

Tarte is known for transparency on harmful ingredient exclusions (phthalates, parabens, mineral oil) but makes no public PFAS commitment or third-party certification claim for this product. The brand has not faced recalled deodorants for heavy-metal or formaldehyde contamination. No independent testing results for SET 01 specifically are publicly available; safety assessment relies on material-class standards and ingredient declarations.

How it compares in its category

Talc-free mineral-powder deodorants are a low-toxicity segment within cosmetics. SET 01 sits favorably vs. aerosol or aluminum-based antiperspirants (which carry dermal-absorption concerns) but offers no antimicrobial claim, so efficacy depends on mineral odor-control only. Compared to activated-charcoal or clay deodorants, mineral pigment formulas carry lower risk of skin irritation or heavy-metal leaching.

If you buy it

Apply to clean, dry underarm skin; powder deodorants require reapplication within 8-12 hours in humid conditions. Do not inhale directly during application. Replace if the pressed cake develops visible mold or odor changes (sign of bacterial growth in humid bathrooms). Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent pigment degradation.

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.”

None known

Talc contamination (asbestos risk)

Product explicitly formulated talc-free; asbestos risk does not apply to mineral-pigment base.

None known

Heavy metals in mineral pigments

Iron oxides, mica, and titanium dioxide are standard cosmetic-grade minerals with no established lead, cadmium, or chromium risk at typical use levels; no recalls or test failures on record for Tarte deodorants.

None known

Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives

Powder deodorants have minimal water content and do not require strong antimicrobial systems; Tarte's ingredient list does not typically include formaldehyde donors, though full formulation not public.

Possible

Fragrance allergens or undisclosed sensitizers

Product may contain fragrance; Tarte does not disclose allergen-inducing scent components. Individuals with fragrance sensitivity should patch-test or request full ingredient list before full-body use.

Possible

Bacterial or fungal growth in pressed cake

Powder formulations can accumulate moisture and bacteria in humid bathroom environments if improperly stored or if skin is moist during application. Risk is use-dependent, not formulation-dependent.

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.

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More deodorant 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.