Coppertone Complete SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion
Sunscreen with no fluorinated ingredient on record, and no PFAS statement from the brand.
Coppertone has no PFAS statement on record for this sunscreen. Our record does not include an ingredient-level check, so look for fluorinated ingredients such as Teflon-type coating on the label.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
Water-resistant lotion (oil/water emulsion)
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Coppertone Complete SPF Sunscreen Lotion is made of, ingredients and materials
Coppertone Complete SPF 50 is a water-resistant oil-in-water emulsion combining UV-absorbing actives (likely avobenzone and/or octinoxate based on SPF 50 formulation) with emollients, thickeners, and preservatives. The lotion base means no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) typical of sprays, and no fluorinated water-repellent coatings are on record. Stability of the UV filter package over time in heat and light exposure is standard industry concern for all chemical sunscreens.
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.
UV filter photostability and breakdown
Avobenzone and octinoxate, standard in chemical sunscreens, degrade on exposure to sunlight and heat over time, reducing efficacy. Coppertone does not publish photostability test data; this is a category-wide concern, not brand-specific.
Fragrance allergens (contact sensitization)
Coppertone Complete formulations contain added fragrance. Fragrance is a known contact allergen; incidence in sunscreen users varies. Full fragrance ingredient list is typically proprietary; patch testing is recommended for sensitive individuals.
Preservative irritation or preservative-dependent rash
Lotion formulations require preservatives to prevent microbial growth. Coppertone does not disclose preservative type on publicly available product pages. Parabens and other common preservatives can cause contact dermatitis in a small percentage of users.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
No formaldehyde-releasing preservative compounds (e.g., imidazolidinyl urea, dmdm hydantoin) are on record in Coppertone Complete SPF 50 published ingredient declarations. Industry trend has moved away from this class, but full preservative system is not always disclosed.
Source, ATSDR ↗Heavy metals
Chemical sunscreen lotions typically do not contain pigment-based colorants. No record of lead, cadmium, or arsenic contamination in Coppertone Complete formulations; regulatory oversight of sunscreen actives includes heavy metal limits.
Source, FDA ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Coppertone is owned by Beiersdorf and has a long market history with routine FDA compliance for OTC sunscreen actives. The brand does not publish ingredient sourcing statements or independent third-party certifications (e.g., EWG verification). No major recalls or disclosed formulation controversies specific to this SPF 50 lotion line are on record, though the brand has faced no public PFAS disclosure or commitment.
How it compares in its category
This product sits in the mass-market segment with chemical UV filters rather than mineral-only (zinc/titanium). Comparable alternatives (Neutrogena, Coppertone Sport) use similar avobenzone or octinoxate-based chemistry. Water-resistant lotion formulations are generally lower concern for formaldehyde release or phthalate leaching than some spray or fragrance-heavy sunscreens, though emulsifier and preservative packages vary.
If you buy it
Apply generously 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every 2 hours or immediately after water immersion, as water resistance is labeled but not permanent. Store in cool, dry conditions away from direct heat or vehicle interiors to minimize UV filter degradation. Do not apply to infants under 6 months; use protective clothing instead. Discontinue if irritation or rash develops and check the ingredient list against known personal sensitivities to fragrance or preservatives.
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
- Coppertone has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
What are the PFAS-free alternatives to Coppertone Complete SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion?
- 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.