EltaMD UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 Tinted Moisturizing Facial Sunscreen
Lower concern for a mineral lotion; no known water-repellent treatment, though no explicit PFAS disclosure.
This tinted mineral moisturizer sunscreen uses zinc oxide and titanium dioxide without waterproofing or stain-resistance marketing. EltaMD offers no PFAS claims and no third-party lab data is publicly available.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
Water-based moisturizing lotion with mineral UV filters (zinc oxide/titanium dioxide)
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What EltaMD UV Daily Facial Sunscreen is made of, ingredients and materials
EltaMD UV Daily uses zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as active UV filters, both FDA-approved mineral blockers that sit on skin rather than absorbing into it. The water-based lotion vehicle carries moisturizers and emulsifiers but avoids chemical absorbers like oxybenzone or avobenzone, which carry their own absorption and endocrine concerns. Tinting agents are typically iron oxides (CI 77491, 77492, 77499), which are inert mineral pigments with minimal systemic absorption through skin. This formulation prioritizes physical barrier sun protection over chemical penetration.
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.
Emulsifier skin irritation or sensitization
Water-based lotions require emulsifiers; EltaMD typically uses mild agents, but sensitive individuals may react to cetyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol, or polysorbate compounds used in stabilization. Incidence is low and product is generally well tolerated, but patch test on small area first if you have very reactive or eczema-prone skin.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Fragrance allergens / fragrance sensitizers
EltaMD UV Daily is typically fragrance-free or has minimal fragrance declaration. No established reports of fragrance-related sensitization linked to this product; mineral sunscreens do not inherently attract fragrance allergen hazards.
Iron oxide pigment systemic toxicity
Iron oxides used for tinting are inert, non-absorbable mineral pigments approved by FDA in cosmetics. Topical skin exposure carries no established systemic toxicity risk; iron oxides do not leach or migrate into living tissue.
Titanium dioxide nanoparticle inhalation (powder formulations)
This product is a lotion, not a powder or spray, so inhalation risk is not applicable. Mineral sunscreen lotions do not aerosolize titanium dioxide in normal use.
Heavy metals
FDA-approved zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are subject to manufacturing and purity standards; no recalls or third-party testing has identified lead, cadmium, or arsenic contamination in commercial sunscreen-grade mineral filters. This concern is primarily relevant to food-grade or unregulated supplements, not cosmetic-grade sunscreens from established brands.
Source, FDA ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
EltaMD is a physician-dispensed dermatology brand (Galderma portfolio) with no major recalls or disclosed safety controversies in publicly available records. The brand does not explicitly publish PFAS statements or third-party testing results, which is typical for sunscreen manufacturers and does not indicate a problem. Dermatologist endorsement and formulary status in clinical settings suggest safety vetting, though transparency on specific chemical sourcing remains limited. No established evidence of formulation shortcuts or cost-driven safety compromises.
How it compares in its category
Mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide/titanium dioxide) are considered a lower-toxicity alternative to chemical sunscreens by dermatologists and environmental health advocates, though they are thicker and sometimes less elegant cosmetically. EltaMD UV Daily positions itself as a daily moisturizer replacement, competing with hybrid sunscreens and lighter mineral options; the tinted formulation reduces cosmetic disadvantages of white cast. Compared to drugstore brands, it trades lower price for dermatologist curation and fewer filler ingredients, though efficacy and UV protection are comparable if used correctly. Water-based formulation is preferable to silicone-based for sensitive or acne-prone skin.
If you buy it
Apply generously (1/4 teaspoon for face) 15 minutes before sun exposure; mineral filters work immediately, unlike chemical sunscreens. Reapply every 2 hours or after swimming or heavy sweating; tinted moisturizer formulation is not waterproof without specification on label. Store in cool, dry place away from direct heat; mineral pigments are stable and do not degrade, but the lotion base should be kept from heat to preserve emulsifier integrity. Discontinue if rash, stinging, or irritation develops; zinc oxide is generally well tolerated but some individuals react to specific emulsifiers or iron oxide tints.
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 Tinted Moisturizing 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.