La Roche Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60
Lower concern. Mineral formulation carries minimal PFAS risk.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin uses mineral UV filters, not fluorinated polymers or coatings. Public databases show no PFAS concerns, and the formulation contains no known PFAS triggers.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
Water-based sunscreen emulsion (likely zinc oxide or titanium dioxide mineral UV filters with glycerin, silicone, and pl
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
Category baseline
cosmetics is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
The company has not publicly discussed PFAS in this product.
Heavy metals
Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide used in cosmetics can sometimes contain trace lead or cadmium depending on ore source and refining. No specific testing data for this product is publicly available; the risk is present but typically minimal in major brand formulations subject to cosmetic regulations.
Source: FDA ↗Fragrance allergens and undisclosed fragrance components
If this formula contains fragrance, individual components may not be listed; known irritants like limonene or linalool can trigger contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. La Roche-Posay does not routinely disclose fragrance composition.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Water-based emulsions require preservatives to prevent microbial growth; common choices like methylisothiazolinone or phenoxyethanol can irritate sensitive skin or release trace formaldehyde. No specific preservative list is disclosed in standard marketing materials.
Source: ATSDR ↗What’s reassuring
Safe base material
Made from ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber with no PFAS risk.
Silicone accumulation on skin with repeated use
Silicones in this formula improve texture but are not absorbed and can build up on skin if not cleansed thoroughly. This is a cosmetic and cleansing concern, not a systemic toxicity hazard.
Nanoparticle inhalation risk (if aerosolized product exists)
This is a lotion, not a spray; nanoparticle inhalation is not a concern for this specific formulation type.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Anthelios Clear Skin uses mineral UV filters (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) rather than chemical absorbers, which means the active ingredients sit on skin surface rather than being absorbed systemically. The water-based emulsion likely contains glycerin for hydration, silicones for smooth texture, and standard cosmetic preservatives and emulsifiers. Mineral formulations are generally considered lower-risk for systemic absorption concerns, though the overall safety depends on inactive ingredients and manufacturing controls.
The brand's record and disclosure
La Roche-Posay (L'Oreal subsidiary) does not publicly disclose comprehensive ingredient sourcing or contaminant testing data, though the parent company has faced scrutiny over PFAS in some product lines. No significant recalls or contamination incidents specific to Anthelios Clear Skin are on record. The brand markets itself as dermatologist-recommended and suitable for sensitive skin, but transparency on heavy metals, impurities, or fragrance allergens remains limited.
How it compares in its category
Mineral sunscreens like this occupy the safer end of the sunscreen spectrum relative to chemical filters (oxybenzone, avobenzone, etc.), which carry absorption and hormone-disruption concerns. The 'clear skin' variant positions itself between ultra-thick zinc oxide pastes and lightweight chemical formulations. Most major dermatology-grade mineral sunscreens share similar hazard profiles; this product's main differentiator is texture and cosmetic elegance, not safety.
If you buy it
Apply generously (about 1/4 teaspoon for face) and reapply every 2 hours or after water exposure; mineral filters require adequate thickness to be effective. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat; silicone-based formulations can separate if exposed to extreme temperatures but remain safe. If you develop irritation, discontinue and patch-test on a small area first. Check expiration date; sunscreen potency degrades over 1-2 years of typical storage.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 78% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- La Roche-Posay 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.