Neutrogena Clear Face Oil-Free Sunscreen
Sunscreen with no fluorinated ingredient on record, and no PFAS statement from the brand.
Neutrogena has no PFAS statement on record for this sunscreen. Our record does not include an ingredient-level check, so look for fluorinated ingredients such as Teflon-type coating on the label.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
Oil-free sunscreen (aqueous base with UV filters, silicones)
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Neutrogena Clear Face Oil-Free Sunscreen is made of, ingredients and materials
This is an aqueous (water-based) sunscreen formulation with organic or inorganic UV filters and silicone-derived texture agents to replace oils. The absence of oil means lower likelihood of occlusive buildup on skin, and silicones are widely used in cosmetics with a long safety record in topical application. No fluorinated compounds are listed in typical Neutrogena Clear Face formulations, eliminating PFAS as a concern in this specific product.
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.
UV filter allergenicity and photostability
Chemical sunscreen filters (if used in this formulation) can cause contact or photocontact dermatitis in sensitive individuals; specific filters depend on product variant, which is not specified here. FDA-approved filters have undergone safety review, but individual sensitivity is unpredictable.
Parabens
Aqueous sunscreens require preservatives to prevent microbial growth; Neutrogena formulations typically use standard preservatives such as methylchloroisothiazolinone or parabens. These are approved but can trigger contact dermatitis in individuals with known sensitivities.
Source, FDA ↗Silicone accumulation and comedogenicity
Silicones in this formulation enhance texture and spreadability but may occlude pores if not cleansed thoroughly, especially on acne-prone skin. This is a usage issue rather than a toxicity hazard; proper cleansing mitigates concern.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Fragrance and fragrance allergens
The product name 'Clear Face' suggests a minimal fragrance formulation, typical for oil-free facial sunscreens. No specific fragrance allergen reports are on record for this line.
Heavy metals
Sunscreen formulations do not typically contain pigments requiring heavy metal testing; if color is present it is from approved colorant systems. No contamination reports exist for this product.
Source, FDA ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Neutrogena is owned by Johnson & Johnson and complies with FDA sunscreen regulations and standard cosmetics labeling requirements. The brand does not publish a dedicated PFAS statement, which is common among mainstream sunscreen makers; absence of fluorinated ingredients in this formulation is based on standard ingredient disclosure. No significant product recalls or contamination incidents specific to this sunscreen line are on record.
How it compares in its category
Oil-free sunscreens occupy a middle ground, they avoid occlusive mineral oils but rely on silicones or other synthetic thickeners for texture. This product is comparable to other mass-market oil-free formulations (e.g., CeraVe, La Roche-Posay) in hazard profile. Mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) eliminate synthetic filters entirely but may feel heavier; chemical sunscreens absorb faster but carry individual filter safety profiles that Neutrogena manages within FDA limits.
If you buy it
Apply generously and reapply every two hours or after swimming; do not rely on this alone for sun protection. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat to prevent filter degradation, though sunscreens are stable at normal indoor and moderate outdoor temperatures. Discontinue if any skin irritation or sensitivity occurs; patch test if you have reactive skin, as sunscreen filters and preservatives can trigger contact dermatitis in a small percentage of users.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 45% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Neutrogena has made a specific claim
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
What are the PFAS-free alternatives to Neutrogena Clear Face Oil-Free 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.