EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 Facial Sunscreen
Lower concern for a mineral sunscreen; no known PFAS history, though no explicit assurance from brand.
This mineral sunscreen contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as primary UV filters with no evident PFAS ingredients. EltaMD makes no PFAS disclosures, though mineral formulas generally carry lower PFAS risk than silicone-heavy ones.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
Water-soluble film-forming actives, mineral UV filters (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide), glycerin base
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen is made of, ingredients and materials
EltaMD UV Clear uses inorganic mineral UV filters (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) rather than chemical absorbers like oxybenzone or avobenzone, which reduces risk of hormone-disrupting chemical absorption through skin. The base is glycerin-rich and water-soluble, designed to minimize occlusion on facial skin. No organic sunscreen actives or potentially problematic chemical UV filters are listed in the disclosed formulation, which is the primary safety advantage of mineral sunscreens for daily facial use.
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 and fragrance allergens
Product is labeled fragrance-free; however, full ingredient disclosure does not rule out fragrance masking agents or botanical extracts with volatile organic compounds. Undisclosed allergen risk is low but not zero for sensitive individuals.
Parabens
Specific preservative system not clearly detailed in public ingredient lists; glycerin-rich, water-based formulas typically require preservatives. Risk of contact dermatitis is present for some users, though not class-specific to this product.
Source, FDA ↗Nanoparticle inhalation risk (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide powders during application)
EltaMD UV Clear is a lotion, not a powder sunscreen, so inhalation risk during application is minimal. However, if transferred to loose powder or spray form, nanoparticle respiratory exposure becomes a concern; stick to lotion format.
Skin irritation or contact sensitivity to mineral filters or glycerin base
Mineral sunscreens can cause redness, tightness, or allergic contact dermatitis in a small proportion of users due to the occlusive nature of zinc oxide or individual sensitization. Glycerin-rich bases may also cause irritation in extremely sensitive or barrier-compromised skin.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Heavy metals
FDA-approved mineral UV filters; no established bioaccumulation risk from topical facial use. Systemic absorption of zinc and titanium from intact skin is negligible under normal application.
Source, FDA ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
EltaMD (Obagi/Valeant subsidiary) does not publish explicit PFAS commitments or third-party certifications (EWG verification, reef-safe claims). The brand has not disclosed ingredient sourcing or manufacturing standards in publicly available statements. No recalls or safety controversies specific to this product line are on record. Dermatologist recommendation and clinical backing are well-established, but transparency on chemical additives and processing is limited.
How it compares in its category
Mineral sunscreens are generally considered lower-risk than chemical sunscreen formulations due to lower systemic absorption of actives. EltaMD UV Clear positions itself in the premium dermatologist-recommended tier, comparable to brands like CeraVe Mineral and La Roche-Posay Anthelios in terms of filter type. Most alternatives in this tier offer similar mineral-only formulations; differentiation is mainly in vehicle texture, added actives, and brand transparency rather than safety profile.
If you buy it
Apply generously (about 1/4 teaspoon for face) and reapply every 2 hours after water exposure or sweating; mineral filters do not degrade rapidly in heat but require even coverage for efficacy. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent glycerin separation or thickening. Discontinue use if rash or irritation develops; mineral sunscreens can occasionally cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals due to occlusion or rare sensitivity to zinc oxide. Replace annually or if the texture becomes grainy or separated, indicating possible additive breakdown.
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
- EltaMD has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
What are the PFAS-free alternatives to EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 Facial Sunscreen?
- 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.