Youth to the People · Moisturizer
Youth To The People Adaptogen Skin Repairing Moisturizer
Lower concern, cosmetic moisturizer with no known PFAS indicators, but no public testing to confirm.
This is a plant-based, water-forward moisturizer with no intentional fluorochemistry in typical formulations. Youth to the People makes no PFAS claims and has published no third-party testing. Cosmetic moisturizers are not a typical PFAS exposure vector, but the absence of public lab data or brand transparency leaves modest uncertainty.
Shop Youth to the People on Amazon →Material
Water-based cosmetic cream (humectants, plant extracts, emollients)
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 water-based cream moisturizer built on humectants (likely glycerin or hyaluronic acid), plant extracts (adaptogens such as ashwagandha, reishi, and holy basil), and emollient oils or butters. Water-based formulas are inherently lower-risk than oil-only or silicone-heavy alternatives because they do not concentrate lipophilic contaminants and are less prone to rancidity or microbial growth. The plant extracts are cosmetic actives, not therapeutic drugs, so they carry minimal chemical hazard beyond occasional allergen risk in sensitive individuals.
The brand's record and disclosure
Youth to the People publishes ingredient lists transparently and markets itself as clean/plant-forward; the brand has no documented recalls or regulatory actions on record for this product line. However, the company has not made public statements on heavy metal testing, formaldehyde releasers, or supply-chain verification, which is typical for mid-tier indie beauty brands. No third-party certifications (NSF, EWG) are listed for this specific product, though absence of certification does not indicate hazard.
How it compares in its category
Water-based moisturizers are safer than heavy mineral oil or petrolatum blends because they present lower occlusion risk and avoid lipophilic bioaccumulation. Compared to luxury brands, Youth to the People offers similar formulation safety at a lower price point; compared to drugstore brands, it has better ingredient transparency. Adaptogens themselves are unregulated botanical claims, but their inclusion does not create chemical hazard beyond individual allergy potential.
If you buy it
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat or sunlight to prevent emulsion breakdown and microbial activity. Use within 12 months of opening and discard if you notice separation, discoloration, or odor change. Apply to clean, damp skin and layer under sunscreen during the day; no special precautions needed for sensitive skin beyond patch testing if you have known plant allergies. Do not ingest and avoid contact with eyes.
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.”
Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives
Youth to the People's published ingredient lists do not contain DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, or diazolidinyl urea; no formaldehyde releasers have been identified in this product's standard formulation.
Heavy metals in pigments or botanical extracts
Plant extracts (ashwagandha, reishi) can accumulate cadmium or lead depending on soil sourcing; Youth to the People has not published third-party heavy metal testing data for this product, making assessment of actual concentration impossible.
1,4-dioxane contamination (from emulsifiers or preservatives)
Water-based creams may contain polysorbate or PEG-derived emulsifiers that can harbor trace 1,4-dioxane as a manufacturing byproduct; no independent testing of this specific product is publicly available.
Fragrance allergens or undisclosed fragrance chemicals
The product contains fragrance (listed as 'fragrance' or botanical-derived scent); full fragrance composition is not disclosed, so individual allergen sensitivity (e.g., eugenol, limonene) cannot be ruled out without ingredient decoding or patch testing.
Microbial growth from inadequate preservation
Water-based formulas require robust preservation systems; no recalls or contamination reports exist for this product, suggesting adequate microbial control, but consumer storage and application hygiene matter significantly.
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 Moisturizer
Tatcha
Starter The Ritual Set Ultra Hydrating For Dry Skin
Water-based cosmetic creams and serums; glass/plastic packaging
Lower PFAS concern for a cosmetic moisturizer set, but Tatcha makes no public PFAS commitment.
⚠Risky category by default
Herbivore Botanicals
Orchid Facial Oil
plant oils, botanical extracts, glass bottle
Lower concern; facial oil with no known PFAS triggers, but brand offers no transparency.
⚠Risky category by default
Herbivore Botanicals
Herbivore Lapis Balancing Facial Oil
plant oils, mineral pigments, glass bottle
Lower concern for PFAS; facial oil in glass, typical formulation poses minimal risk.
⚠Risky category by default
More moisturizer 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.