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
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 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
Safe base material
Made from ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber with no PFAS risk.
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 ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
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.
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 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.