EltaMD UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46 Tinted
Mineral sunscreen with silicone base, no PFAS disclosure on record.
This product uses mineral sunscreen actives and silicone emollients, materials not linked to intentional PFAS use. EltaMD has no PFAS statement on record for this product, and no independent testing is available.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
mineral sunscreen & silicone emollient base
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What EltaMD UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF Tinted is made of, ingredients and materials
EltaMD UV Clear uses zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as mineral UV blockers, which sit on skin rather than absorb into it, making them inherently lower-risk than chemical sunscreens. The silicone emollient base (likely dimethicone) provides spreadability and water resistance without the stability concerns of organic oil bases. The 'tinted' formulation contains iron oxides for color, a well-tolerated pigment class in cosmetics. No Teflon-type coating, Teflon-type coating-derivatives, or known synthetic fragrance allergen flagging in standard formulations of this product line.
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.
Heavy metals
Iron oxides used in 'tinted' formulations are cosmetic-grade and regulated by FDA; however, trace levels of lead or cadmium contamination in pigment supplies remain a minor theoretical concern for any tinted product. No specific testing or recalls reported for this product line.
Source, FDA ↗What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Talc contamination (rare in mineral sunscreens)
EltaMD UV Clear does not list talc in standard ingredient disclosures. Mineral sunscreens using zinc oxide and titanium dioxide do not require talc as a carrier, so risk is not applicable to this product.
Fragrance allergens
UV Clear is marketed as fragrance-free; ingredient list does not include synthetic fragrance compounds. Low risk of fragrance-driven contact sensitization compared to scented sunscreen alternatives.
Silicone emollient systemic absorption or bioaccumulation
Dimethicone (silicone) is not absorbed through intact skin and does not bioaccumulate; it is not a material linked to PFAS. No established hazard at typical dermatological concentrations.
Mineral UV blocker photocatalysis or particle inhalation (powder form)
This product is a liquid/cream formulation, not a powder spray; inhalation and photocatalytic free-radical generation risks associated with loose mineral powder sunscreens do not apply. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide in emulsion form are non-volatile at skin temperature.
How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
EltaMD is a dermatologist-founded brand with a history of transparency on active ingredients and no major safety recalls on record for UV Clear line. The brand does not publicly commit to PFAS-free formulation or independent testing, reflecting industry-wide silence on aqueous film-forming Teflon-family coating use in sunscreens. No documented controversies regarding heavy metals, talc contamination, or formaldehyde releasers in this product. Generally positioned as a medical-aesthetic brand with professional endorsement.
How it compares in its category
Mineral sunscreens like this carry lower inherent hazard risk than chemical (oxybenzone, avobenzone) alternatives, which can absorb systemically and trigger photodegradation. The silicone base is standard for premium sunscreens; no unusual concern vs Neutrogena or CeraVe mineral options. Tinted mineral formulations rely on iron oxides rather than synthetic dyes, reducing azo-dye and heavy-metal-pigment risk. Price point is higher than mass-market but typical for dermatologist-recommended brands.
If you buy it
Apply generously (one-quarter teaspoon for face) and reapply every 2 hours or after water exposure; mineral blockers sit on surface so adequate thickness matters for efficacy. Do not heat above room temperature (avoid leaving in hot car). Silicone base can feel occlusive on oily skin; patch-test on a small area first. Shelf life is typically 3 years; discard if separation, color change, or off-odor occurs; mineral formulations are stable but zinc oxide can settle over time (shake well).
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 68% 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 Tinted?
- 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.