Sheer Mineral Face Liquid Sunscreen SPF 50
Sunscreen with no fluorinated ingredient on record, and no PFAS statement from the brand.
The brand has no PFAS statement on record for this sunscreen. Our record does not include an ingredient-level check, so look for fluorinated ingredients such as Teflon-type coating on the label.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide/titanium dioxide) with water-resistant formula
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Sheer Mineral Face Liquid Sunscreen SPF 50 is made of, ingredients and materials
This sunscreen uses zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as UV filters, both mineral blockers that sit on skin rather than absorbing into it. These ingredients have a long safety record in dermatology and are recommended by organizations like the AAD for sensitive skin. The water-resistant formula likely contains silicones, humectants, or waxes to maintain adhesion; no fluorinated PFAS ingredients are listed or documented for this product. Mineral sunscreens typically carry lower systemic absorption risk than chemical filters, though the finished formulation's other ingredients merit attention.
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 and sensitizers
Sunscreens may include fragrance or fragrance-derived ingredients not fully itemized on some packaging. Mineral sunscreen formulas often require emulsifiers and preservatives that can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals; patch test is advised, especially on face.
Parabens
Water-resistant formulas require effective preservatives to prevent microbial growth. The brand does not publicly name preservatives in this product; common choices (parabens, methylisothiazolinone) are low-concern but may trigger sensitivity in some users. Unknown preservative identity limits detailed assessment.
Source, FDA ↗Emollient and silicone build-up on skin
Water-resistant sunscreens often contain occlusive silicones or waxes to extend wear time. Repeated application without thorough cleansing can lead to accumulation, especially on oily or acne-prone skin. This is a cosmetic concern rather than a toxicological hazard but may exacerbate breakouts in some users.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide particle size and inhalation risk
Nano or ultra-fine particles of these minerals have been studied for potential lung risk if inhaled as powder. This product is a liquid sunscreen, so inhalation risk is not applicable during normal use; no recalls or adverse reports specific to this formulation are on record.
Heavy metals
Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are pharmaceutical-grade minerals regulated by the FDA in over-the-counter sunscreens. No contamination recalls or test data indicating heavy metal presence are on record for mineral sunscreens. Contaminant risk is managed by regulatory oversight of approved actives.
Source, FDA ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
The brand is owned by Galderma and markets itself on dermatologist recommendation and sensitive-skin focus. The brand has not made public PFAS statements for this product line, nor are PFAS-related recalls on record for sunscreens. No major safety controversies specific to this sunscreen formulation are documented. The brand does not appear to publish full ingredient sourcing or third-party safety testing for individual SKUs.
How it compares in its category
Mineral sunscreens are generally considered lower-concern than chemical filters for systemic absorption, and zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are among the most studied and accepted UV actives in cosmetics. This product's lack of PFAS on record aligns with most mineral sunscreen offerings, though many brands have not explicitly tested or disclosed PFAS status. Water-resistant mineral formulas are common; the specific emulsifiers and preservatives in this product are not unusual for the category but depend on the brand's proprietary blend.
If you buy it
Apply liberally (about 1/4 teaspoon for face) 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every 2 hours or immediately after water activity. Mineral sunscreens can leave a visible white cast on darker skin tones; patch test first if you have very sensitive or reactive skin. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat; do not leave in hot vehicles. Discard if the formula separates significantly or thickens, as water-resistant emulsions can break down over time; check the expiration date annually.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 62% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
What are the PFAS-free alternatives to Sheer Mineral Face Liquid Sunscreen SPF 50?
- 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.