EltaMD UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46
Lower concern; no known PFAS triggers, but sunscreens rarely disclose fluorochemical additives.
This chemical and mineral hybrid sunscreen shows no signs of nonstick coatings, water-repellent treatments, or PFAS components. EltaMD hasn't disclosed any PFAS-related ingredients, and no third-party testing is available.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
Water-based sunscreen lotion; primary actives likely zinc oxide/avobenzone
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.
Fragrance allergens and sensitizers
EltaMD UV Clear contains fragrance compounds and cetyl alcohol, both mild skin sensitizers in some individuals. For people with contact dermatitis or eczema-prone skin, even 'hypoallergenic' sunscreens can trigger flare-ups; patch testing is advisable before full-face use.
Phenoxyethanol preservative safety
Water-based sunscreens often use phenoxyethanol as a preservative to prevent bacterial/fungal growth. At concentrations below 1 percent (typical in cosmetics), it is considered safe by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel, but sensitive individuals may experience mild contact irritation or dermatitis.
Silicone or dimethicone residue buildup on skin
Many modern sunscreens including water-based formulas contain silicones (dimethicone, cyclomethicone) for spreadability and feel. Repeated daily application without regular cleansing can lead to microbial overgrowth or follicular irritation in acne-prone skin, though this is not a systemic toxicity concern.
What’s reassuring
Safe base material
Made from ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber with no PFAS risk.
Zinc oxide nanoparticle inhalation (spray only)
This product is a lotion, not a spray, so inhalation risk of zinc oxide nanoparticles is not applicable. If formulation is ever produced in spray form, inhalation hazard would warrant separate assessment.
Rare allergic reaction to zinc oxide
Zinc oxide is considered hypoallergenic and sensitization is extremely rare. No established recalls or reports of IgE-mediated allergic reactions to EltaMD UV Clear zinc oxide formulation exist in public records.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
EltaMD UV Clear is a water-based lotion sunscreen relying on zinc oxide as its primary UV filter, which is a mineral (physical) blocker rather than a chemical absorber. Zinc oxide sits on skin surface and reflects UV rays without systemic absorption, making it one of the safest active ingredients available. The water base means minimal organic solvent load and lower volatility compared to oil-based or alcohol-dominant formulations, reducing inhalation risk during application.
The brand's record and disclosure
EltaMD is a dermatologist-founded and dermatologist-directed brand with a strong reputation for transparency in ingredient lists and clinical validation. The company does not advertise PFAS-free claims but also has no public recalls or safety controversies tied to this product line. Their formulations are regularly recommended by dermatologists for sensitive skin and rosacea, suggesting internal safety vetting; however, like most sunscreen manufacturers, they do not disclose whether silicones or other ancillary additives contain fluorochemicals.
How it compares in its category
Zinc oxide sunscreens are considered the safest active-ingredient class by dermatological consensus and regulatory bodies (FDA, EU). UV Clear sits at a standard SPF 46 and is broadly equivalent to other mineral sunscreens like CeraVe Face Lotion or La Roche-Posay Anthelios in safety profile, though EltaMD's water base and lack of common irritants (oxybenzone, avobenzone) gives it a slight edge for reactive skin. Most mainstream chemical sunscreens carry higher potential for allergic sensitization and systemic absorption.
If you buy it
Apply a sufficient amount (approximately one-quarter teaspoon for face) 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every 2 hours or after swimming or sweating. Store in a cool, dark place away from direct heat; sunscreen efficacy degrades under prolonged heat above 80F (27C) or in direct sunlight. Discontinue use if rash, itching, or irritation develops and patch-test on inner arm if you have very sensitive skin. Replace annually or when product separates, discolors, or develops an odor, as oxidation can reduce UV protection.
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
- EltaMD 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.