EltaMD Review, Is EltaMD 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 8 graded products, EltaMD averages Good (69/100). On disclosure, the brand says nothing publicly about PFAS. 7 of its products grade Good or better. Grades are model-based estimates, not lab results.
Does EltaMD have PFAS, by category
Worth buying from EltaMD Good or better, safest first
EltaMD
UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 Facial Sunscreen
Water-soluble film-forming actives, mineral UV filters (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide), glycerin base
Fragrance and fragrance allergens
Product is labeled fragrance-free; however, full ingredient disclosure does not rule out…
Parabens
Specific preservative system not clearly detailed in public ingredient lists…
Nanoparticle inhalation risk (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide powders during application)
EltaMD UV Clear is a lotion, not a powder sunscreen, so inhalation risk during…
Skin irritation or contact sensitivity to mineral filters or glycerin base
Mineral sunscreens can cause redness, tightness, or allergic contact dermatitis in a…
Lower concern for a mineral sunscreen; no known PFAS history, though no explicit assurance from brand.
⚠Risky category by default
EltaMD
UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46
Water-based sunscreen lotion; primary actives likely zinc oxide/avobenzone
Fragrance allergens and sensitizers
EltaMD UV Clear contains fragrance compounds and cetyl alcohol, both mild skin…
Phenoxyethanol preservative safety
Water-based sunscreens often use phenoxyethanol as a preservative to prevent…
Silicone or dimethicone residue buildup on skin
Many modern sunscreens including water-based formulas contain silicones (dimethicone…
Lower concern; no known PFAS triggers, but sunscreens rarely disclose fluorochemical additives.
⚠Risky category by default
EltaMD
UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46 Tinted
mineral sunscreen & silicone emollient base
Heavy metals
Iron oxides used in 'tinted' formulations are cosmetic-grade and regulated by FDA…
Lower PFAS concern, but no public testing or PFAS-free pledge from EltaMD.
⚠Risky category by default
EltaMD
UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 Tinted Moisturizing Facial Sunscreen
Water-based moisturizing lotion with mineral UV filters (zinc oxide/titanium dioxide)
Emulsifier skin irritation or sensitization
Water-based lotions require emulsifiers; EltaMD typically uses mild agents, but sensitive…
Lower concern for a mineral lotion; no known water-repellent treatment, though no explicit PFAS disclosure.
⚠Risky category by default
EltaMD
Tinted UV Daily Broad Spectrum SPF 40
Mineral sunscreen actives (zinc oxide) in liquid suspension with tinting pigments
Lead
Iron oxide pigments in cosmetics are regulated but not universally tested for heavy metal…
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Mineral sunscreen formulations require preservatives to prevent bacterial and fungal…
Coating or particle shedding (nanoparticle zinc oxide concern)
EltaMD does not specify whether zinc oxide is nanosized or micronized; if nanosized (less…
Lower concern; mineral base rarely requires fluorinated additives, though EltaMD discloses no formulation details.
⚠Risky category by default
EltaMD
UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40
Water-based UV filter formulation with mineral sunscreen actives
Fragrance allergens (if present)
EltaMD UV Daily contains fragrance but does not disclose specific fragrance ingredients…
Preservative-related irritation (if applicable)
Water-based emulsions require preservatives to prevent microbial growth; EltaMD does not…
Lower-concern formula; no known PFAS risk factors, but no explicit brand commitment.
⚠Risky category by default
EltaMD
UV Skin Recovery Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Face Sunscreen
Mineral sunscreen active (zinc oxide); emollient base with glycerin, squalane, peptides
Skin occlusion or barrier disruption from emollient overload
High squalane and glycerin content is intentional for sensitive skin but may cause milia…
Lower concern; mineral formula without waterproofing or known PFAS triggers, though no explicit assurance.
⚠Risky category by default
Graded and flagged Poor and Bad, we’d swap these
EltaMD
UV Clear Facial Sunscreen SPF 46 Tinted
Water-resistant sunscreen formulation (avobenzone, octinoxate, titanium dioxide)
Endocrine disruptors
Octinoxate is a weak endocrine disruptor in high-dose laboratory and animal models; human…
Avobenzone photodegradation
Avobenzone degrades under UV exposure if not properly stabilized, potentially producing…
Volatile organic compounds (alcohols/solvents)
Water-resistant clear formulations typically use volatile dispersants (alcohol…
PFAS
Water-resistant sunscreens frequently contain PFAS compounds (perfluorooctyl or similar…
Water-resistant sunscreens carry moderate PFAS risk; EltaMD discloses nothing, so ask for transparency.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
Every grade uses the same public rubric. How grades work →