Clinique Even Better Clinical Serum Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 25
Lower concern. Liquid cosmetics rarely contain intentional PFAS.
Clinique makes no PFAS claim for this serum foundation. Liquid cosmetics typically pose lower PFAS risk than water-resistant or powder formulations, though full ingredient transparency is absent.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
liquid foundation with pigments, emollients, 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.
Heavy metals
Iron oxide pigments used for color can contain trace lead or cadmium depending on source and refining. No recall or testing data specific to this product; cosmetic-grade pigments are regulated but not routinely disclosed by brand.
Source: FDA ↗Fragrance allergen sensitization
Clinique Even Better is fragrance-free according to standard labeling, but some batches may contain trace fragrance compounds in emollients. Unscented does not guarantee absence of fragrance chemicals.
1,4-dioxane contamination in emulsifiers
Polysorbate and PEG compounds used in liquid foundations can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane during manufacturing; Estée Lauder does not publish supplier testing data for this specific contaminant.
What’s reassuring
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Clinique foundations typically use imidazolidinyl urea or DMDM hydantoin in some formulations; INCI labels should confirm absence. No specific recalls for this product line on record.
Source: ATSDR ↗Silicone accumulation on skin over time
Silicone bases are non-toxic but can build up on skin if not fully cleansed daily; not a hazard per se, but may trigger congestion in acne-prone individuals. Product-specific risk depends on makeup removal habits, not formulation.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Clinique Even Better Clinical Serum Foundation is a liquid suspension of pigments (iron oxides, likely titanium dioxide for SPF) dispersed in silicones, glycerin, and emollients. Liquid formulations carry lower microplastic and inhalation risk than powders. Silicone bases are inert and rarely leach; the primary concern is trace contaminants in pigments and preservatives, not the carrier itself.
The brand's record and disclosure
Clinique (Estée Lauder Companies) does not publicly disclose PFAS content or make commitment statements on intentional PFAS avoidance; parent company has no major cosmetics-specific PFAS recalls on record. Brand maintains some transparency on ingredients via INCI listing but does not routinely publish heavy metal testing or formaldehyde-releaser screening data. No established cosmetics safety controversies documented for this specific product line.
How it compares in its category
Liquid foundations are generally lower-risk than powder or cream-to-powder hybrids because they eliminate inhalation exposure and reduce microplastic shedding. Clinique sits in the prestige tier with moderate ingredient rigor; it is not a clean-beauty certified brand but also does not use banned colorants or high-concern preservatives in publicly available formulas. Comparable products (MAC Face & Body, Estée Lauder Double Wear) have similar safety profiles.
If you buy it
Store in a cool, dark place away from direct heat; silicone-based foundations are stable but can separate if subjected to extreme temperature swings. Discard if you notice color separation, odor change, or texture breakdown, typically after 12-18 months of opening. Apply with clean brushes or sponges to avoid bacterial seeding. Do not heat or microwave the product.
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.