Clinique Moisture Surge Broad Spectrum SPF 28 Sheer Hydrator
No PFAS disclosure available; typical sunscreen moisturizer.
Clinique does not publicly disclose PFAS use or absence in this product. Sunscreen moisturizers typically contain silicones and humectants with low inherent PFAS risk, but water-repellent claims on cosmetics sometimes indicate fluorinated compounds.
The better-graded swap
Bare Minerals
bareMinerals Mineral Makeup
100/100 safety
Same rubric that flunked this product. The swap earned Excellent.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
water, glycerin, humectants, silicones, SPF actives
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Clinique Moisture Surge Sheer Hydrator is made of, ingredients and materials
This is a lightweight water-based moisturizer formulated with glycerin (humectant), silicones (film-forming and texture), and SPF 28 UV actives, likely avobenzone and/or octinoxate or zinc oxide. The silicone base allows water absorption while maintaining a matte finish; glycerin draws moisture into skin. No powder pigments, talc, or heavy metal colorants are listed in known formulations. The SPF actives are organic (chemical) or mineral (physical) and are regulated FDA active ingredients.
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 (undisclosed fragrance components)
Clinique Moisture Surge line typically includes fragrance noted generically on label; specific allergen components (e.g., limonene, linalool) are not itemized. Risk is low to moderate for fragrance-sensitive individuals but not quantified without full ingredient breakdown.
Photosensitivity or phototoxicity from SPF actives
Chemical sunscreen actives (avobenzone, octinoxate) are photostable but can trigger phototoxic reactions in rare cases or with concurrent photosensitizing medications. Individual risk depends on skin type, UV exposure duration, and medication use. No specific recalls for this product exist.
What’s reassuring
1,4-dioxane (solvent/preservative byproduct)
No independent testing or recalls cite 1,4-dioxane in this product. Water-based moisturizers with modern preservative systems carry lower theoretical risk than emulsions or surfactant-heavy products, but absence of testing does not confirm non-presence.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Clinique does not disclose use of DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, or diazolidinyl urea in this line per available labeling. No recalls or safety alerts on record. Risk is low if preservative system relies on phenoxyethanol or parabens, which do not generate formaldehyde.
Source, ATSDR ↗Heavy metals
This product is noted as a clear or translucent hydrator without added mineral pigments or iron oxides. No talc, mica, or colored pigments are standard formulation components. Risk of lead or cadmium contamination is minimal if ingredients remain as stated.
Source, FDA ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Clinique (Estée Lauder Companies) has not published a PFAS transparency statement for this product line. The brand maintains standard cosmetic safety compliance and ingredient labeling but does not routinely disclose fluorine chemistry screening. No formaldehyde-releaser preservatives or talc contamination recalls are on record for this specific product. Clinique meets FDA cosmetic ingredient regulations but is not certified by independent safety programs (e.g., EWG Verified, Leaping Bunny) for this item.
How it compares in its category
Hydrating sunscreen moisturizers are a broad category with similar hazard profiles. This product sits in the mid-to-premium segment; its water-based, silicone-forward formulation is typical of oil-free sunscreens marketed to combination or oily skin. Mineral sunscreen alternatives (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide only) are available at comparable prices but may leave a white cast. Fragrance-free or hypoallergenic variants from the same or other brands carry lower allergen concern but are not necessarily lower-hazard overall.
If you buy it
Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat. Avoid applying to broken or irritated skin; discontinue use if rash, stinging, or photosensitivity occurs. Reapply every 2 hours if outdoors or after swimming; sunscreens do not require replacement unless expired or visibly separated. Patch test on inner forearm if you have sensitive skin or history of fragrance or avobenzone (if chemical sunscreen) sensitivity. Discard if product odor, color, or texture changes, indicating degradation or contamination.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 45% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Clinique has made a specific claim
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
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