Coppertone Review, Is Coppertone 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 6 graded products, Coppertone averages Good (53/100). 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 Coppertone Good or better, safest first
Coppertone
Tanning Lotion SPF 15 Sunscreen
Oil-in-water emulsion, mineral oil base, no waterproofing agent disclosed
Organic UV filter stability and photostability
SPF 15 lotions typically use avobenzone or oxybenzone as UVA filters; avobenzone can…
Fragrance allergens and skin sensitization
Coppertone Tanning Lotion is lightly fragranced; fragrance mixtures in sunscreens can…
Mineral oil retention and comedogenicity
Heavy mineral oil base may occlude pores or feel greasy on face or body; some users…
Lower concern. Standard lotion lacks waterproofing agents flagged for PFAS.
⚠Risky category by default
Coppertone
Sport Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide/titanium dioxide base)
Preservative irritants or allergens
Standard lotion preservatives (parabens, phenoxyethanol) are used in most Coppertone…
Fragrance allergen burden
Coppertone Sport versions often include added fragrance (typically synthetic blends…
Lower risk than chemical sunscreens, though no brand commitment to PFAS-free.
⚠Risky category by default
Coppertone
Pure and Simple Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
Mineral UV filters (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide), lotion base
Titanium dioxide (nano vs. non-nano particle size)
Coppertone does not specify whether titanium dioxide particles are nano-scale. Non-nano…
Skin irritation and allergic contact dermatitis from fragrance or preservatives
While mineral filters themselves are non-irritating, lotion bases contain preservatives…
Zinc oxide leaching into aquatic ecosystems
Mineral sunscreen ingredients, including zinc oxide, accumulate in marine environments…
White cast and potential for inadequate application due to cosmetic inelegance
Mineral sunscreens are visibly opaque on application. Users may under-apply to avoid…
Lower risk since mineral filters don't typically require PFAS additives.
⚠Risky category by default
Graded and flagged Poor and Bad, we’d swap these
Coppertone
Sport SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion
Lotion base with water-resistant film-forming polymers
UV-filter dermal absorption (oxybenzone/octinoxate)
Chemical UV absorbers in this product are absorbed through skin at measurable levels.…
Film-forming polymer residue and skin irritation
Water-resistant polymers used in this lotion may cause mild irritation or clogged pores…
Parabens
Coppertone lotions typically contain preservatives such as methylisothiazolinone or…
Fragrance and fragrance allergens
Sport formulas often include fragrance to mask sunscreen odor. Fragrance mixtures are not…
Moderate concern. Waterproof lotion may contain PFAS; skip if wary.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
Coppertone
Complete SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion
Water-resistant lotion (oil/water emulsion)
PFAS
Water-resistant sunscreen formulations sometimes use fluorinated compounds to maintain…
UV-filter skin sensitization and photostability
Chemical sunscreens containing avobenzone and octinoxate are well-documented to cause…
Fragrance allergens
Coppertone sunscreens typically contain fragrance; not disclosed in detail on label.…
Moderate uncertainty. Waterproof formulations sometimes contain PFAS.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
Coppertone
Complete Face Sunscreen Lotion SPF 45
Water-resistant sunscreen lotion (SPF 45)
Chemical UV filter photostability
Avobenzone, a common ingredient in this product, degrades when exposed to UV light and…
Oxybenzone and octinoxate hormone mimicry
If this formulation contains oxybenzone or octinoxate, published dermal absorption…
Preservative allergen potential
Water-resistant lotions typically contain methylisothiazolinone or phenoxyethanol as…
Emulsifier and fragrance skin irritation
Face-specific sunscreens often include fragrance and emulsifiers that can irritate…
Moderate risk; contact the brand to confirm PFAS-free status before buying.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
Every grade uses the same public rubric. How grades work →