EltaMD UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40
Lower-concern formula; no known PFAS risk factors, but no explicit brand commitment.
This mineral sunscreen carries no waterproofing, water-repellent treatment, or nonstick coating claims. It relies on zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which aren't PFAS-associated. EltaMD hasn't publicly disclosed PFAS status or third-party verification.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
Water-based UV filter formulation with mineral sunscreen actives
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What EltaMD UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 is made of, ingredients and materials
EltaMD UV Daily uses zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as mineral (physical) UV filters, which sit on skin rather than absorb into it, reducing systemic exposure concerns. The water-based formulation means no oil-soluble chemical filters (like oxybenzone or avobenzone) that require metabolic processing. Mineral sunscreens of this type have a long safety history in cosmetic dermatology and are often recommended for sensitive or reactive skin.
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 (if present)
EltaMD UV Daily contains fragrance but does not disclose specific fragrance ingredients; individuals with fragrance sensitivity or contact dermatitis should patch-test first, though dermatologist-formulated products typically use mild fragrance loads.
Preservative-related irritation (if applicable)
Water-based emulsions require preservatives to prevent microbial growth; EltaMD does not publicly disclose all preservatives in this product. Common preservatives in cosmetics (phenoxyethanol, methylisothiazolinone) can trigger sensitivity in a small subset of users; patch-test if you have a history of preservative reactions.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Mineral nanoparticle systemic absorption
Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide in sunscreen remain on the skin surface as intended; no established evidence of significant systemic absorption of these minerals from topical sunscreen use in healthy intact skin. FDA continues to review systemic absorption data, but no safety signal has triggered a recall or warning.
Heavy metals
Pharmaceutical-grade zinc oxide and titanium dioxide from reputable suppliers have minimal heavy metal contamination; no recalls or test data suggest lead, cadmium, or arsenic in this product. Brand sourcing practices are not publicly disclosed, so risk is low but not zero.
Source, FDA ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
EltaMD is owned by dermatologists and markets itself on ingredient transparency and clean formulation; ingredient lists are publicly available and reviewed by dermatological bodies. The brand does not make explicit PFAS commitments in public statements, but the water-based mineral format is inherently low-risk for PFAS contamination compared to fluorinated chemical filters or water-resistant formulations relying on Teflon-family coating coatings. No major safety recalls or controversies are on record for this product line.
How it compares in its category
Mineral sunscreens like this occupy the lower-concern end of the UV-protection spectrum; they avoid synthetic chemical filters with higher dermal absorption and metabolic concerns. Compared to spray sunscreens (inhalation risk) or reef-toxic formulations (oxybenzone, octinoxate), water-based mineral options are considered lower-hazard. The trade-off is slightly lower elegance and potential white cast, but safety profile is stronger than typical chemical sunscreen alternatives.
If you buy it
Apply liberally (about one-quarter teaspoon for face) and reapply every 2 hours or after water exposure; mineral filters do not degrade on skin the way chemical filters do, so reapplication is for coverage, not degradation. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat to prevent any emulsion separation, though mineral sunscreens are stable across normal home temperatures. Replace annually if stored in high heat or direct sunlight; expired sunscreen may lose potency rather than become hazardous.
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 Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40?
- 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.