Clinique Even Better Clinical Broad Spectrum SPF 45 Foundation
No known PFAS use in typical liquid foundations; limited public disclosure.
Clinique has not publicly disclosed PFAS use or absence in this foundation. Liquid cosmetics formulations rarely require PFAS, though some brands use fluorinated polymers in specific formulas; no evidence of this product containing them.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
liquid foundation with mineral pigments and silicones
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
Category baseline
cosmetics is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
Fragrance allergens and irritants
Clinique Even Better lists 'fragrance' on the ingredient deck; specific fragrance compounds are not disclosed. Limonene, linalool, and other common fragrance allergens may be present and can trigger contact dermatitis or photosensitivity in sensitive individuals.
UV filter irritation or photosensitivity
Broad-spectrum SPF 45 requires UVA/UVB filters; common choices include avobenzone (photolabile, may cause irritation) or zinc oxide (generally gentler). Exact filter chemistry is not itemized on the brand label and may vary by region; sensitive or photosensitive skin may react.
What’s reassuring
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
Formaldehyde / VOCs
No formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea) are listed on the publicly available ingredient statement for this product. Standard preservatives in silicone foundations are typically safer alternatives.
Source: ATSDR ↗Heavy metals
Iron oxides and titanium dioxide used as pigments are cosmetics-grade and subject to FDA purity limits; no cadmium, lead, or arsenic is suspected at use levels. These minerals are not novel in cosmetics and carry decades of safety data.
Source: FDA ↗Talc or mica inhalation risk
This is a liquid foundation, not a powder; talc and mica are not primary ingredients. Inhalation risk is negligible unless accidentally aerosolized during storage or handling.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Clinique Even Better Clinical is a silicone-based liquid foundation with mineral iron oxides and titanium dioxide pigments for color and SPF protection. Silicones are inert polymers that don't absorb into skin and are stable at room temperature; mineral pigments (iron oxides, titanium dioxide) are FDA-approved colorants with long safety history. The formulation includes preservatives and emulsifiers standard to the category, with no flagged incompatibilities or known leaching risks under normal use conditions.
The brand's record and disclosure
Clinique is owned by Estee Lauder Companies and follows standard FDA cosmetics compliance; the brand does not publish detailed ingredient sourcing or third-party testing results on this specific product. No recalls or regulatory actions specific to this foundation are on record. Like most cosmetics brands, Clinique has not publicly committed to PFAS-free formulation or transparency, though typical liquid foundations do not require PFAS chemistry.
How it compares in its category
This product sits in the mainstream premium segment; silicone-based liquid foundations are category standard and generally carry lower hazard profiles than powder formulations (which can concentrate talc or mica risks). Mineral pigments used here are more stable than some synthetic azo dyes, though fragrance allergens remain possible in any cosmetics. Broad-spectrum SPF claim requires UV filters (likely avobenzone or zinc oxide), which are approved but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
If you buy it
Store at room temperature away from direct heat; silicone foundations are stable and do not degrade significantly over typical shelf life (2-3 years if unopened). Do not apply to broken or irritated skin; discontinue if redness, itching, or sensitivity develops. Wash applicators weekly and replace foundation if odor, separation, or color change occurs. Patch test on inner arm 24 hours before full face application if you have known sensitivities to fragrance or preservatives.
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
- Clinique has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
More makeup 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.