SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum UV 50ml
Lower concern; liquid serum has no typical PFAS treatment applied.
This liquid serum contains no disclosed waterproofing or stain-resistant treatment where PFAS commonly appear. Standard formulas pose lower risk than treated textiles or coated cookware.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
Water-based serum with centella asiatica extract, hyaluronic acid, UV filter (unspecified); no surface coating disclosed
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Sun Serum UV is made of, ingredients and materials
This is a water-based serum sunscreen combining centella asiatica (also called cica) extract and hyaluronic acid as active ingredients alongside an unspecified UV filter. Water-based liquid sunscreens typically carry lower chemical complexity than oil-based or heavy emulsified formulations, which reduces the likelihood of problematic preservative systems or stabilizer packages. The centella and hyaluronic acid serve moisturizing and skin-soothing roles and are not known irritants at cosmetic-grade concentrations. The critical unknown is the identity and concentration of the UV filter itself, which determines much of the safety profile.
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.
Undisclosed UV filter identity
The product does not specify whether the UV filter is a chemical agent (oxybenzone, octinoxate, avobenzone) or mineral (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide). Chemical filters carry documented skin penetration and hormone-activity concerns in some populations; mineral filters have lower concern for these effects but may leave white cast. Absence of this detail prevents full hazard assessment.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Preservative system composition
Water-based serums require preservatives to prevent bacterial and fungal growth. No information is available on which preservatives this formulation uses (phenoxyethanol, methylisothiazolinone, etc.). At typical cosmetic concentrations, modern preservatives carry minimal risk, but sensitivities vary by individual.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Centella-based cosmetics occasionally incorporate formaldehyde-releasing preservatives or resins (DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea) in cheaper formulations. No public recalls or safety reports tie this specific product to such ingredients, but the lack of full ingredient disclosure prevents definitive ruling.
Source, ATSDR ↗Heavy metals
Centella asiatica extract purity depends on soil sourcing and processing. If the extract is sourced from contaminated regions without quality controls, cadmium or lead can accumulate. No testing data or sourcing transparency from Cetyl is publicly available for this product line.
Source, FDA ↗Fragrance allergens
Many serum sunscreens include fragrance for cosmetic appeal. If present, undisclosed fragrance blends may contain contact allergens (limonene, linalool, etc.) affecting sensitive skin. Product labeling does not indicate fragrance presence or sensitivity warnings.
How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Cetyl/SKIN1004 maintains limited public disclosure on ingredient sourcing, manufacturing audits, or third-party safety certifications. No major product recalls or safety controversies appear in established consumer safety databases for this brand. The brand does not explicitly market PFAS-free or dermatologist-tested claims, suggesting a passive stance on transparency rather than active greenwashing. For a serum-type product from a smaller K-beauty brand, ingredient transparency is below typical Western premium sunscreen standards but not unusual in the category.
How it compares in its category
Water-based serum sunscreens are positioned as lightweight alternatives to cream or lotion formulations and are increasingly common in K-beauty. This product's lack of disclosed UV filter type (mineral vs. chemical) makes direct comparison difficult. Brands offering mineral-only (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) formulations or full ingredient lists tend to command higher safety confidence; SKIN1004's silence on this point places it in the middle tier of transparency. Centella-enriched sunscreens are not uncommon and the extract itself carries no known safety flags.
If you buy it
Apply generously (approximately 1/4 teaspoon for face) and allow 15 minutes for setting before sun exposure to ensure full UV protection. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat or sunlight, as UV filters can degrade under prolonged temperature stress. Sunscreen serums are not products that improve with age; replace yearly or sooner if the formula visibly separates, changes color, or develops odor. If you develop redness, burning, or itching, discontinue and patch-test on a small area first before resuming use.
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
- SKIN1004 has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
What are the PFAS-free alternatives to SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum UV 50ml?
- 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.