PFAS in Sunscreen, Which Brands Grade Best and Worst

Based on available materials and public disclosure data, mineral sunscreens from smaller natural-formula brands consistently earn higher marks for lower PFAS-related concern than several mass-market chemical sunscreens from major drugstore labels. The clearest standout in our database is Raw Elements Eco Formula SPF 30 Sunscreen, which earns our top model-based estimate alongside Goddess Garden Natural Sunscreen SPF 30. Both reflect what our scoring model reads as lower concern formulations, not a certified absence of PFAS.

At the opposite end, several well-known SPF products from Neutrogena and Eucerin land in "Poor" territory in our model, a reminder that brand recognition and price point say little about PFAS-related formulation risk. This guide breaks down exactly how each graded product compares, what materials and claims drive those scores, and how to shop smarter using our sunscreen finder.

Summary Comparison

Product	PFAS Grade (Model Estimate)	Verdict
Raw Elements Eco Formula SPF 30	Excellent (100/100)	Top-tier, lower concern
Goddess Garden Natural SPF 30	Excellent (100/100)	Top-tier, lower concern
Raw Elements Face & Body Tin SPF 30	Excellent (100/100)	Top-tier, lower concern
Raw Elements Tinted Face Moisturizer	Excellent (100/100)	Top-tier, lower concern
Raw Elements Mike Field SPF 30 Tin	Excellent (100/100)	Top-tier, lower concern
Raw Elements Plastic Free Pack SPF 30	Excellent (100/100)	Top-tier, lower concern
Vanicream Facial Moisturizer SPF 30	Excellent (90/100)	Strong, lower concern
Coppertone Sport Mineral SPF 50	Excellent (75/100)	Good, lower concern
Eucerin Sensitive Mineral SPF 50	Excellent (75/100)	Good, lower concern
Coppertone Pure & Simple Mineral SPF 50	Excellent (75/100)	Good, lower concern
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin SPF 60	Excellent (75/100)	Good, lower concern
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Gentle Lotion Mineral	Excellent (75/100)	Good, lower concern
Eucerin Clear Skin Oil Control SPF 50	Poor (30/100)	Higher concern, avoid if possible
Neutrogena Beach Defense SPF 70	Poor (30/100)	Higher concern, avoid if possible
Eucerin Age Defense SPF 50	Poor (30/100)	Higher concern, avoid if possible
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel SPF	Poor (30/100)	Higher concern, avoid if possible

The Best-Graded Sunscreens

Raw Elements Lineup (Eco Formula, Face & Body Tin, Tinted Moisturizer, Mike Field, Plastic Free Pack)

All five Raw Elements products in our database earn the top model-based estimate of 100/100. Materials disclosed include non-nano zinc oxide as the active mineral filter, packaged in tins the brand states are plastic-free. Raw Elements markets itself as a reef-safe, "non-toxic" mineral sunscreen brand, a brand-stated claim rather than a third-party verified one in our records. Pros, mineral-only actives, minimal synthetic filler list, consistent formulation across the product line. Cons, mineral sunscreens can leave a visible white cast and typically require more frequent reapplication for water resistance. Our high score here reflects available materials and disclosure, not an independent lab test confirming zero PFAS content.

Goddess Garden Natural Sunscreen SPF 30

Goddess Garden's SPF 30 also scores 100/100 in our model. The brand states its formulas are made without synthetic fragrances or oxybenzone, and it markets the line as reef-conscious. Pros, transparent ingredient list, longstanding reputation in the "clean" sunscreen category. Cons, as with most mineral formulas, texture and blendability can be less cosmetically elegant than chemical-filter competitors. Again, this is our estimate from public materials, not an independent PFAS lab certificate.

Vanicream Facial Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30

Vanicream's SPF 30 earns a strong 90/100. This brand is widely recommended by dermatologists for sensitive skin, and it states its products are free of dyes and fragrance. Pros, gentle formulation, good for reactive skin types. Cons, slightly lower score than the top tier suggests some disclosed materials or packaging factors kept it just short of "top-tier" status in our model.

Mineral Mid-Tier, Coppertone, Eucerin Sensitive, and La Roche-Posay Anthelios

A cluster of mainstream mineral sunscreens, including Coppertone Sport Mineral SPF 50 Coppertone Pure & Simple Mineral SPF 50 Eucerin Sensitive Mineral SPF 50, and both La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin SPF 60 and Anthelios Gentle Lotion Mineral, all land at 75/100. These are drugstore-accessible mineral formulas that brands market as gentle and broad spectrum. Pros, widely available, dermatologist-marketed, generally good sun protection performance. Cons, mid-tier score suggests some disclosed ingredients or packaging elements introduced more uncertainty than the top-tier picks. None of these claims have been verified in our records by independent lab PFAS testing.

What to Avoid

Four products in our database earn a "Poor" grade of 30/100, all from major chemical-filter sunscreen lines, Eucerin Clear Skin Oil Control SPF 50 Neutrogena Beach Defense SPF 70 Eucerin Age Defense SPF 50, and Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel SPF. These formulas rely on chemical UV filters rather than mineral actives, and based on available materials and public disclosure our model flags them for higher potential concern. This does not mean lab-confirmed PFAS contamination; it means the disclosed formulation profile and materials data available to us raised more red flags than the top-graded products. Consumers who want to reduce potential exposure may prefer to avoid this tier and choose from the mineral options above, or browse the full sunscreen finder for more graded alternatives.

Our Pick

Based on available materials and data, the Raw Elements lineup and Goddess Garden Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 represent the lowest-concern options in our database, each earning a 100/100 model-based estimate. These are not certified "PFAS-free" products; they are the formulas that, based on disclosed ingredients and packaging materials, present the fewest red flags in our scoring system. For sensitive skin or facial use specifically Vanicream Facial Moisturizer SPF 30 is a reasonable step-down alternative with a still-strong 90/100 score. Shoppers should treat all grades as estimates derived from public disclosure and materials analysis, not laboratory certainty, and should consult the full sunscreen finder before making a final decision. For related product categories where PFAS shows up in daily routines, see our guides on makeup