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
What’s concerning
No PFAS disclosure
The company has not publicly discussed PFAS in this product.
Category baseline
cosmetics is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
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
Safe base material
Made from ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber with no PFAS risk.
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.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
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.
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 we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 72% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Burt's Bees has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
Safer alternatives in Sunscreen
Goddess Garden
Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 6 oz
mineral-based UV filters, plant-derived waxes
Fragrance allergens and undisclosed fragrance components
Limited concern
Skin irritation or photosensitivity from plant oils
Limited concern
Lower-concern mineral sunscreen backed by credible PFAS-exclusion certification.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
Raw Elements
Eco Formula SPF 30 Sunscreen
mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide)
Heavy metals
Limited concern
Photocatalytic activity of titanium dioxide in sunlight
Limited concern
Skin irritation or sensitivity to mineral film
Limited concern
Low risk. Mineral sunscreen backed by third-party verification, no fluorochemical history.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
Raw Elements
Face & Body Sunscreen Tin SPF 30
mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide/titanium dioxide), tin packaging
Epoxy resin coating in tin lining
Limited concern
Fragrance allergens
Limited concern
Nano particle inhalation from loose powder form
Limited concern
Low risk. Mineral formula plus explicit PFAS-free stance and certs lower concern.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
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.