Coppertone Pure and Simple Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
Lower risk since mineral filters don't typically require PFAS additives.
Non-nano zinc oxide and titanium dioxide block UV without needing PFAS. The brand hasn't made formal PFAS-free claims or sought third-party verification.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
Mineral UV filters (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide), lotion base
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Coppertone Pure and Simple Lotion SPF is made of, ingredients and materials
Coppertone Pure and Simple uses zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as UV filters, which sit on the skin surface rather than absorbing into it. These inorganic minerals do not require chemical penetration enhancers or PFAS-based additives for efficacy. The lotion base (water, glycerin, and emollient compounds) is standard cosmetic-grade formulation; mineral sunscreens generally avoid the synthetic organic UV absorbers that carry their own absorption and bioaccumulation concerns.
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 and undisclosed fragrance components
Product is marketed as fragrance-free or lightly fragranced, but full fragrance ingredient list is not publicly disclosed. Mineral sunscreens often contain masking fragrances or botanical extracts; individual sensitivity is unpredictable without full component disclosure.
Parabens
Lotion formulations require preservatives to prevent bacterial and fungal growth; specific preservative system for Coppertone Pure and Simple is not detailed on packaging or brand materials. Common preservatives in mass-market lotions include parabens or isothiazolinones, which carry documented contact sensitivity in sensitive populations.
Source, FDA ↗What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Talc or talc-like mineral contamination
No evidence that Coppertone Pure and Simple contains talc. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are distinct minerals; however, talc contamination in mineral sunscreens has been documented in some products, so batch-level verification is not available here.
Heavy metals
Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are the active ingredients, not contaminants. USP or cosmetic-grade mineral oxides used in FDA-compliant sunscreens are subject to purity standards, but Coppertone does not publish metal assay data for this product.
Source, FDA ↗Coating or vehicle stability over shelf life
Mineral sunscreens are photostable and do not degrade under UV exposure the way chemical sunscreens do. No recalls or stability issues are on record for this product; standard expiration dating applies.
How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Coppertone has not published formal ingredient transparency reports or third-party safety certifications (such as EWG Verified or reef-safe labeling) for this line. The brand has no documented recalls or regulatory actions specific to Pure and Simple. Coppertone's parent company (Beiersdorf) maintains general cosmetic safety compliance but does not publicly disclose fragrance allergen lists or manufacturing process controls for this product line.
How it compares in its category
Mineral sunscreens as a class present lower systemic absorption risk than chemical sunscreens (oxybenzone, avobenzone). Among mineral products, zinc oxide formulations are generally regarded as less likely to cause irritation than titanium dioxide alone. Coppertone Pure and Simple sits in the mass-market mineral segment; premium alternatives (Blue Lizard, Badger) offer more detailed ingredient sourcing and third-party testing transparency, though efficacy is comparable.
If you buy it
Apply generously (quarter-teaspoon per face) to ensure SPF rating is met; reapply every two hours or after swimming. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat or sunlight to prevent separation or oxidation of the mineral filters. Mineral sunscreens can leave a white cast on skin; this is the physical barrier itself, not a sign of degradation. Discontinue use if rash or irritation develops, as contact sensitivity to zinc oxide is possible but uncommon.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 72% 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 Pure and Simple Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50?
- 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.