Colorescience Review, Is Colorescience Non-Toxic?
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.
Across 7 graded products, Colorescience averages Poor (49/100). On disclosure, the brand says nothing publicly about PFAS. 3 of its products grade Good or better. Grades are model-based estimates, not lab results.
Worth buying from Colorescience Good or better, safest first
Colorescience
Total Protection No-Show Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
mineral (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) with silicates
Fragrance allergens
The product name does not specify 'fragrance-free,' and mineral sunscreens often contain…
Skin sensitization from mineral particulates or additives
Fine-particle mineral sunscreens can rarely trigger irritation in sensitive skin or…
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Sunscreen creams and lotions require preservatives to prevent bacterial growth. Some…
Lower concern, but check if water-repellent additives are hiding in the ingredient list.
⚠Risky category by default
Colorescience
Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50 Sunscreen
Mineral powders, titanium dioxide, iron oxides in brush applicator
Titanium dioxide (inhalation risk from powder)
Brush-on powder format creates inhalation exposure during application. Titanium dioxide…
Fragrance allergens and undisclosed fragrance components
Product listing does not specify if fragrance is present; if included, 'fragrance' or…
Brush applicator material (synthetic fiber shedding)
Brush bristles are typically nylon or taklon (acrylic fiber); repeated use can shed…
Lower concern mineral formula; no known PFAS risks, though the brand offers no transparency.
⚠Risky category by default
Colorescience
Sunforgettable Total Protection Sheer Matte SPF 30 Sunscreen Brush
Powder mineral sunscreen, brush applicator (natural/synthetic bristles)
Heavy metals
Mineral powder sunscreens may include iron oxides for tint; the Sheer Matte formula…
Bristle shedding and hygiene (brush applicator)
Natural hair bristles are prone to shedding; synthetic alternatives are more durable. If…
Lower concern; mineral powder unlikely to contain PFAS, but brand transparency is absent.
⚠Risky category by default
Graded and flagged Poor and Bad, we’d swap these
Colorescience
Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50
mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide/titanium dioxide) with unknown water-resistant binders
PFAS
Water-resistant sunscreens frequently contain PFAS or fluorinated polymers to maintain…
Heavy metals
Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are natural minerals; commercially sourced grades may…
Inhalation risk from fine mineral particles
If applied as a powder or spray format, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide nanoparticles or…
Avoid until brand reveals water-resistant coating chemistry or commits to PFAS-free.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
Colorescience
Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Glow SPF 50
Water-resistant mineral sunscreen with silica, mica, iron oxides
Silica inhalation risk
Silica is listed as a component. If applied as a loose powder or spray formulation…
Heavy metals
Iron oxides used as colorants in cosmetics are regulated but sourced from various…
PFAS
The product claims water resistance but does not list fluorinated compounds on the label.…
Mica and talc contamination risk
Mica is listed and sometimes sourced from mines with talc deposits. While talc itself is…
Mineral base reduces concern but waterproof claim and no disclosure warrant caution.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
Colorescience
Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield SPF 50
Mineral sunscreen with waterproof film-forming coating
PFAS
Waterproof sunscreen formulas commonly rely on PFAS-based binders for water resistance…
Fragrance allergens and undisclosed fragrance chemicals
Product label does not specify whether fragrance is present or if it is synthetic. If…
Separator or emulsifier breakdown during storage or heat exposure
Waterproof mineral formulas rely on stable emulsions; exposure to high heat or UV light…
Waterproof formulas carry PFAS risk; without brand transparency or lab testing, consider skipping.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
Colorescience
Total Protection Face Shield SPF 50 Classic
Mineral powder, pigments, silicones, waterproofing agents (unspecified)
PFAS
Waterproof cosmetics commonly use PFAS to achieve water resistance. Colorescience has not…
Microparticle inhalation from powder application
Powder-based products inherently generate airborne particles during application and…
Waterproof formula carries uncertain PFAS risk; needs ingredient transparency to assess.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
Every grade uses the same public rubric. How grades work →