Coppertone Complete Face Sunscreen Lotion SPF 45
Moderate risk; contact the brand to confirm PFAS-free status before buying.
Water-resistant lotions often rely on PFAS-based coatings for durability. Coppertone makes no public disclosure about PFAS content in this formulation.
The safe swap
Raw Elements
Raw Elements Plastic Free Sunscreen Pack SPF 30
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-resistant sunscreen lotion (SPF 45)
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
Water-repellent treatments have historically contained PFAS chemicals.
No PFAS disclosure
The company has not publicly discussed PFAS in this product.
Category baseline
cosmetics is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
Chemical UV filter photostability
Avobenzone, a common ingredient in this product, degrades when exposed to UV light and heat, reducing efficacy over time and potentially generating unstable byproducts. Use of photostabilizers (such as octocrylene) mitigates this, but product labeling does not always specify which version is present.
Oxybenzone and octinoxate hormone mimicry
If this formulation contains oxybenzone or octinoxate, published dermal absorption studies show these chemicals can penetrate skin and have weak estrogenic activity in lab tests. The FDA permits these ingredients, but some consumers and dermatologists prefer mineral alternatives for regular facial use.
Preservative allergen potential
Water-resistant lotions typically contain methylisothiazolinone or phenoxyethanol as preservatives to prevent bacterial and fungal growth. Some users report contact sensitization, though incidence is low. Check ingredient list for known personal allergens before use on face.
Emulsifier and fragrance skin irritation
Face-specific sunscreens often include fragrance and emulsifiers that can irritate sensitive skin or acne-prone complexions. This product is not labeled hypoallergenic or fragrance-free, so patch test on jaw or behind ear first.
PFAS
Water-resistant sunscreens frequently contain PFAS as binding or emulsifying agents to maintain adhesion and water resistance. Coppertone does not disclose PFAS status; independent testing suggests risk is moderate to high for this product class. Dermal absorption of PFAS is low, but accumulation is possible with repeated use.
Source: ATSDR ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Coppertone Complete Face SPF 45 is a water-resistant lotion formulation containing organic (chemical) UV filters such as avobenzone and octinoxate, plus titanium dioxide or zinc oxide as physical blockers. The lotion base uses emulsifiers, thickeners, and preservatives typical of mass-market sunscreens. Chemical UV filters absorb and convert UV radiation into heat, while physical filters scatter light; each approach carries different stability and absorption concerns.
The brand's record and disclosure
Coppertone (Beiersdorf subsidiary) does not publicly disclose PFAS content or commit to PFAS-free formulations on their website, despite PFAS presence in many water-resistant sunscreen products. The brand has faced no major recalls or public safety controversies specific to this product line. Independent testing by EWG rates many Coppertone sunscreens in the medium hazard range due to UV filter choice and lack of transparency.
How it compares in its category
This product sits in the budget mass-market segment; it uses older chemical UV filters (avobenzone, octinoxate) that are less stable than newer alternatives like avobenzone + photostabilizers found in premium brands. Water-resistance and SPF claims are typical. Brands such as Blue Lizard, Badger, and Burt's Bees offer mineral-only or disclosed formulations with explicit PFAS-free statements, making them preferable if water resistance is the primary concern.
If you buy it
Apply generously 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every 2 hours or after water immersion. Do not rely solely on this product for protection; use alongside protective clothing and shade. Store in cool, dry conditions away from direct heat; do not leave in hot cars, as UV filter stability degrades. Before purchase, contact Coppertone customer service to confirm whether this specific formulation is PFAS-free.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 45% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Coppertone has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
Safer alternatives in Sunscreen
Goddess Garden
Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 6 oz
mineral-based UV filters, plant-derived waxes
Fragrance allergens and undisclosed fragrance components
Limited concern
Skin irritation or photosensitivity from plant oils
Limited concern
Lower-concern mineral sunscreen backed by credible PFAS-exclusion certification.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
Raw Elements
Eco Formula SPF 30 Sunscreen
mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide)
Heavy metals
Limited concern
Photocatalytic activity of titanium dioxide in sunlight
Limited concern
Skin irritation or sensitivity to mineral film
Limited concern
Low risk. Mineral sunscreen backed by third-party verification, no fluorochemical history.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
Raw Elements
Face & Body Sunscreen Tin SPF 30
mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide/titanium dioxide), tin packaging
Epoxy resin coating in tin lining
Limited concern
Fragrance allergens
Limited concern
Nano particle inhalation from loose powder form
Limited concern
Low risk. Mineral formula plus explicit PFAS-free stance and certs lower concern.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
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.