Drunk Elephant Framboos Glycolic Resurfacing Night Serum
Lower concern. Liquid cosmetic serum unlikely to contain PFAS.
Framboos is a liquid glycolic acid night serum with no known PFAS application. No brand disclosure or third-party testing found to confirm either way.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
aqueous serum with glycolic acid, plant extracts, humectants
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Drunk Elephant Framboos Night Serum is made of, ingredients and materials
Framboos is a water-based serum centered on glycolic acid (an alpha hydroxy acid) combined with plant extracts, humectants, and preservatives. Glycolic acid is a well-established exfoliant with a long safety history in cosmetics; its primary concern is irritation and photosensitivity risk with overuse, not chemical toxicity. The aqueous base and absence of oil or silicone-heavy formulation mean no Teflon-type coating, aluminum leaching, or volatile organic compound off-gassing typical of certain powder or spray cosmetics.
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
Product contains fragrance derived from plant extracts (raspberry ketones, naturals). Individual allergic or sensitizing reactions to fragrance are possible but not unique to this brand; full fragrance composition is not itemized on label, limiting ability to identify specific allergenic components.
Irritation and chemical burn from overuse
Glycolic acid at the concentration used can cause skin irritation, erythema, and photosensitivity when applied too frequently or in combination with other actives. This is a use-related hazard, not a contamination hazard, and is well-documented in scientific literature and user reports. Proper dilution, frequency, and sunscreen use mitigate risk.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Heavy metals
No recalls, regulatory findings, or test reports on record for heavy metal contamination (lead, cadmium, arsenic) in Framboos. Plant-derived ingredients (raspberry, rose, papaya) can accumulate trace metals from soil, but no established evidence of unsafe levels in this formulation.
Source, FDA ↗1,4-dioxane (trace contaminant)
This serum does not list ethoxylated surfactants or PEG-based emulsifiers as primary ingredients, which are the main sources of 1,4-dioxane. No test data or regulatory findings on record suggest contamination in this product.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Framboos does not list DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea, or other known formaldehyde-releasing preservatives in its disclosed ingredient list. Primary preservatives are glycerin and plant extracts, which do not generate formaldehyde.
Source, ATSDR ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Drunk Elephant markets itself as a 'clean beauty' brand and publishes ingredient transparency; however, the brand does not publicly disclose PFAS testing or PFAS-free certification, nor does it provide third-party heavy metal or contamination testing results. The brand has faced no major recalls or regulatory actions on record for this product. Marketing claims of 'clean' do not equal independent verification, but ingredient lists are accessible and standard.
How it compares in its category
Glycolic acid serums are common in the exfoliant segment; Framboos sits in the mid-to-premium price tier. Comparable products (The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7%, Paula's Choice 8% AHA) use similar formulation logic and face similar hazard profiles. No established evidence that Framboos carries higher heavy metal, 1,4-dioxane, or formaldehyde releaser risk than mass-market alternatives; transparent ingredient labeling is a modest advantage over some budget brands.
If you buy it
Use as directed (typically 2-3 times weekly); do not exceed recommendations as glycolic acid increases photosensitivity and can irritate if overused. Store in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight to preserve stability; serum shelf life is typically 12-18 months opened. Discontinue if redness, burning, or rash develops and do not mix with other strong actives (vitamin C, retinoids) without spacing. Sunscreen (SPF 30+) is essential during and after use due to exfoliant-induced UV sensitivity.
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
- Drunk Elephant has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
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- Lead
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