Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defense SPF 30
Lower PFAS concern, though review the ingredient list before buying.
Physical sunscreens with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide carry lower PFAS risk than chemical versions. Drunk Elephant has not disclosed PFAS testing or avoidance claims.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
mineral-based UV filters, glycerin, silicones
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
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.
Heavy metals
Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are generally recognized as safe by regulatory bodies, but mineral-grade supplies can occasionally carry trace heavy metals depending on mining and refining practices. No specific testing or contamination reports exist for Umbra Sheer; this is a category-level concern rather than a product-specific one.
Source: FDA ↗Fragrance allergens
Product contains fragrance ingredients listed generically on labels. Drunk Elephant does not disclose specific fragrance components publicly, so individuals with fragrance sensitivities cannot verify safety without contacting the company or reviewing detailed ingredient disclosure documents.
What’s reassuring
Safe base material
Made from ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber with no PFAS risk.
Talc contamination in mineral powders
No recalls or reports of talc contamination in this specific product. Mineral sunscreens can theoretically carry talc impurities if sourced from contaminated suppliers, but Drunk Elephant does not disclose talc as an ingredient and no public incidents have been documented for this brand.
Silicone accumulation on skin over time
No established health hazard from topical silicone use in sunscreens at recommended concentrations. Silicones are not classified as skin toxins or penetrators; however, individuals concerned about buildup may prefer silicone-free mineral sunscreens as an alternative.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
No formaldehyde-releasing preservatives are disclosed in publicly available ingredient information for this product. If present, they would typically be listed; their absence on labels suggests low or no risk, though verification through the manufacturer would confirm.
Source: ATSDR ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Umbra Sheer uses zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide as UV filters, which sit on skin rather than absorbing into it, making them considered safer than chemical UV absorbers. The formula contains glycerin (humectant) and silicones (spreaders/texture agents), both inert and commonly used in cosmetics. This mineral-based approach avoids oxybenzone, octinoxate, and other chemical filters linked to endocrine concerns, and reduces but does not eliminate PFAS exposure risk common in some sunscreen formulations.
The brand's record and disclosure
Drunk Elephant markets itself as a clean beauty brand and does not explicitly disclose PFAS content in public marketing or ingredient transparency statements reviewed. The brand has not faced major safety recalls or regulatory actions specific to sunscreen products. However, their public stance on PFAS is silent, meaning independent verification of PFAS-free claims is not readily available; consumers should cross-check the ingredient list or contact the company directly for PFAS assurance if that is a priority.
How it compares in its category
Mineral sunscreens are generally considered the lower-risk option versus chemical sunscreens for skin absorption and endocrine concerns. Umbra Sheer's formula aligns with mainstream mineral-based products from brands like EltaMD, La Roche-Posay Anthelios, and Neutrogena Ultra Sheer; it occupies the mid-to-premium price tier. The inclusion of silicones improves spreadability compared to thicker mineral formulas, which is a practical advantage but does not affect safety hazard profile.
If you buy it
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat; mineral sunscreens do not degrade significantly from light or moderate temperature shifts. Reapply every two hours or after water exposure; do not rely on single application for full protection. If skin irritation or sensitivity develops, discontinue and consult a dermatologist. Check the printed ingredient list or manufacturer website for PFAS-specific assurance if avoiding PFAS is a personal health priority.
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
- Drunk Elephant 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.