Does CeraVe sunscreen have PFAS?
PFAS Authority is a scoring system, not a laboratory. We do not test products ourselves. Grades are model-based, built from published ingredients, materials, certifications, brand disclosures and third-party lab results where they exist. See the rubric.
We graded 8 CeraVe sunscreen products, averaging Excellent (75/100). 8 of them grade Good or better. Against the other 29 sunscreen brands we grade, where the middle brand sits at 62/100, CeraVe is better than typical, scoring above 88% of them.
CeraVe sunscreen worth buying Good or better, safest first
CeraVe
Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen Face Lotion SPF 30
mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide)
Fragrance allergens and sensitizers
Product contains fragrance ingredients not fully itemized on label (grouped as…
Skin irritation from mineral oxide particle size
While non-nano zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are safe, some individuals report…
Lower concern with mineral base and no waterproofing claims.
⚠Risky category by default
CeraVe
Invisible Mineral Face Sunscreen SPF 50
Mineral UV filters (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) in emulsion base
Heavy metals
Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as mined materials may contain trace contaminants…
Skin penetration via micronized particles
The 'invisible' formulation uses micronized zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to reduce…
Emulsion destabilization and phase separation
Extended storage in heat or significant temperature swings may cause the oil-water…
Lower concern with mineral filters but no public PFAS commitment.
⚠Risky category by default
CeraVe
AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF
Water-based lotion with mineral sunscreen actives (zinc oxide/titanium dioxide), humectants, ceramides, hyaluronic acid
Fragrance allergens
CeraVe AM comes in both fragrance-free and lightly fragranced versions. The fragrance…
Parabens
Standard cosmetic preservatives in sunscreen are typically parabens or phenoxyethanol…
Lower concern with mineral base and no water-resistant treatment marketed.
⚠Risky category by default
CeraVe
Hydrating Sheer Face and Body Sunscreen SPF 30
Mineral and chemical UV filters in emulsion base; no intentional water-resistant coating disclosed
Chemical UV filter allergenicity and photosensitivity
Oxybenzone, avobenzone, and cinnamate esters are recognized contact allergens and can…
Heavy metals
Industrial-grade titanium dioxide can carry trace iron oxide and other contaminants…
1,4-dioxane as manufacturing byproduct in ethoxylated ingredients
If this formula includes ethoxylated emulsifiers or surfactants (common in hydrating…
Photochemical instability of avobenzone (UV filter degradation)
Avobenzone, a common broad-spectrum chemical filter, degrades rapidly under UV exposure…
Lower concern for leave-on sunscreen without water-repellent treatment.
⚠Risky category by default
CeraVe
Hydrating Mineral Body Sunscreen SPF 50
mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide/titanium dioxide base)
Fragrance allergens
CeraVe mineral sunscreens typically include fragrance compounds to mask the metallic odor…
1,4-dioxane from non-ionic surfactants or emulsifiers
Mineral sunscreen emulsions typically require non-ionic emulsifiers (polysorbates, PEG…
Skin irritation from mineral particle size
Micronized zinc oxide and titanium dioxide can irritate sensitive or compromised skin in…
Lower concern with mineral sunscreen and no waterproofing claims.
⚠Risky category by default
CeraVe
Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide)
Fragrance allergens and sensitizers
CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen is labeled fragrance-free, reducing risk of contact…
Skin barrier disruption or irritation from mineral oxides
Some individuals report irritation, itching, or photosensitivity reactions to…
Lower concern since mineral sunscreens don't require PFAS coatings.
⚠Risky category by default
CeraVe
Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM SPF 30
water-based lotion emulsion with mineral UV filters (zinc oxide/titanium dioxide)
Preservative sensitization (methylisothiazolinone)
Methylisothiazolinone is a contact allergen in sensitive skin populations, though…
Zinc oxide occlusion and miliaria (heat rash)
High concentrations of zinc oxide can occlude pores in hot, humid climates or under…
Lower concern as water-based facial moisturizer without water-resistant or stain-repellent claims.
⚠Risky category by default
CeraVe
Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Aqueous lotion with mineral sunscreen (titanium dioxide/zinc oxide) and ceramides
Fragrance allergens and sensitizers
Product formulation details on fragrance sourcing are not publicly disclosed. CeraVe…
Skin irritation from zinc oxide
Zinc oxide is generally well-tolerated; however, some individuals experience mild…
Lower concern with no known PFAS triggers but no brand PFAS disclosure.
⚠Risky category by default
Better sunscreen from other brands
Graded higher than the CeraVe average of 75.
Goddess Garden
Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 6 oz
mineral-based UV filters, plant-derived waxes
Fragrance allergens and undisclosed fragrance components
Limited concern
Skin irritation or photosensitivity from plant oils
Limited concern
Lower-concern mineral sunscreen backed by credible PFAS-exclusion certification.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
Raw Elements
Eco Formula SPF 30 Sunscreen
mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide)
Heavy metals
Limited concern
Photocatalytic activity of titanium dioxide in sunlight
Limited concern
Skin irritation or sensitivity to mineral film
Limited concern
Low risk. Mineral sunscreen backed by third-party verification, no 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
Epoxy resin coating in tin lining
Limited concern
Fragrance allergens
Limited concern
Nano particle inhalation from loose powder form
Limited concern
Low risk. Mineral formula plus explicit PFAS-free stance and certs lower concern.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
See every CeraVe product we grade on the CeraVe brand page, or the full sunscreen ranking.