Avene Mineral Multi-Defense Sunscreen Fluid
Lower PFAS concern; mineral UV filters are low-risk despite absent public disclosure or testing.
Mineral sunscreen using zinc oxide and titanium dioxide avoids PFAS chemistry inherent to inorganic UV blockers. Fluid texture may involve undisclosed emulsifiers, so verify the full ingredient list if needed.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
mineral sunscreen (likely zinc oxide/titanium dioxide), fluid base
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Avene Mineral Sunscreen Fluid is made of, ingredients and materials
This is a mineral (physical) sunscreen using zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide as UV filters, which sit on skin rather than being absorbed. These actives have a decades-long safety record and do not undergo metabolic breakdown that could release concerning byproducts. The fluid base is designed to be cosmetically elegant while maintaining the protective barrier; mineral sunscreens in fluid form typically use silicones or light oils to reduce the white cast associated with powder formulations.
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
Fragrance allergens or undisclosed fragrance components
Sunscreen fluids often contain fragrance to mask earthy or mineral notes. Burt's Bees does not typically highlight fragrance allergen testing; sensitive individuals should patch-test or contact the brand for full fragrance disclosure.
Heavy metals
Burt's Bees does not publicly disclose independent testing for lead, cadmium, or other heavy metals in this sunscreen. While mineral UV filters are inherently lower-risk, transparency on raw material sourcing would strengthen safety confidence.
Source, FDA ↗What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Heavy metals
Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, when sourced and manufactured to cosmetic grade, are not documented to leach heavy metals. No recalls or test data linking this product to metal contamination are on record.
Source, FDA ↗Silicone or emulsifier bioaccumulation concerns
Fluid mineral sunscreens rely on silicones or emulsifiers for texture; these are approved cosmetic ingredients with no established bioaccumulation hazard when used as directed on skin.
Photocatalytic reactivity (titanium dioxide under UV)
Nano-scale titanium dioxide can theoretically generate free radicals under UV; however, cosmetic-grade non-nano titanium dioxide in sunscreen is not documented to cause systemic or localized harm in established use.
How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Burt's Bees, owned by Clorox, positions itself as a natural-leaning brand but does not publish formal safety testing data or detailed ingredient sourcing for most products. The brand has no significant documented safety recalls for sunscreens. However, they do not disclose PFAS testing or make explicit commitments to avoid PFAS "forever chemicals", which is increasingly expected in personal care. No major controversies tied to sunscreen safety have been established for this brand.
How it compares in its category
Mineral sunscreens are generally viewed as a lower-risk alternative to chemical (organic) sunscreens, which can absorb into skin and require metabolism. Within the mineral category, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide have stronger safety endorsements than many chemical alternatives and avoid concerns around oxybenzone or avobenzone. This product competes in the mainstream premium segment; it is not independently certified organic, reef-safe, or third-party tested for heavy metals or contaminants, which distinguishes it from some higher-transparency competitors.
If you buy it
Apply generously and reapply every two hours or after water exposure, as directed on any sunscreen label. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat; mineral sunscreens are stable but fluid formulations can separate if exposed to extreme temperatures. Check the expiration date; sunscreen loses efficacy over time. Do not ingest; keep away from eyes and mucous membranes. Discontinue if rash or irritation develops, though mineral formulas are generally well-tolerated.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 72% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Avene has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
What are the PFAS-free alternatives to Avene Mineral Multi-Defense Sunscreen Fluid?
- Mineral sunscreen, zinc oxide base
- A third party reports verifying it as PFAS-free
- 1,4-dioxane (non-intentional contaminant from surfactants/emulsifiers)
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide base)
- The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
- Synthetic fragrance allergens
More sunscreen grades
How we score, every product runs through the same public 0-100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.