Raw Elements Face & Body Sunscreen Tin SPF 30
Low risk. Mineral formula plus explicit PFAS-free stance and certs lower concern.
Mineral actives and tin packaging eliminate plastic coating concerns. The brand explicitly positions itself as PFAS-free with MADE SAFE certification supporting the claim.
Brand says: “PFAS-free formulation; Raw Elements explicitly markets products free of PFAS, fluorinated compounds, and synthetic chemicals”
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide/titanium dioxide), tin packaging
Brand disclosure
Brand claims PFAS-free
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
Category baseline
cosmetics is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
Epoxy resin coating in tin lining
Tin cans sometimes use internal epoxy linings that could theoretically leach trace amounts of bisphenol A (BPA) or other phenolic compounds into oily products. Raw Elements has not published testing or confirmation of BPA-free lining, though mineral sunscreen formulations are not highly lipophilic and present lower migration risk than oils or fatty foods.
Fragrance allergens
Raw Elements formulations typically contain essential oils or natural fragrance compounds; while generally milder than synthetic fragrances, they can trigger contact dermatitis or photosensitivity in sensitized individuals. The brand does not always disclose specific fragrance components on labels.
Nano particle inhalation from loose powder form
If the product sheds powder during application or storage, inhalation of nano-sized zinc oxide or titanium dioxide particles presents a theoretical occupational hazard. The tin format reduces airborne exposure compared to loose powder sunscreens, though users with respiratory sensitivity should avoid shaking the container directly near the face.
What’s reassuring
Third-party PFAS-free verification
A third party independently verified this product is PFAS-free.
Safe base material
Made from ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber with no PFAS risk.
Heavy metals
Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are tightly regulated in cosmetics and do not typically contain arsenic, lead, or cadmium when sourced from reputable suppliers. No recalls or contamination reports exist for Raw Elements products.
Source: FDA ↗Formaldehyde / VOCs
Mineral sunscreens with minimal water content and simple ingredient lists are less likely to require formaldehyde-releasing preservatives compared to emulsified or water-based formulations. No public records indicate Raw Elements uses DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, or other releasers.
Source: ATSDR ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Raw Elements Face & Body uses zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as active UV filters, which sit on the skin surface rather than absorbing into it. These minerals are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA and do not require systemic absorption to work. The tin packaging (rather than plastic or glass) eliminates concern over BPA, phthalates, or microplastics from the container itself, though tin linings are sometimes lined with epoxy resins that could theoretically contain trace heavy metals, though this is uncommon in food-grade cosmetic tins.
The brand's record and disclosure
Raw Elements explicitly markets itself as PFAS-free and holds third-party certifications including Non-GMO Project Verified and cruelty-free status, signaling transparency on ingredient sourcing. The brand has not faced major recalls or safety controversies in public records. Mineral sunscreen formulation itself is considered lower-risk compared to chemical sunscreens (which use oxybenzone, octinoxate, avobenzone, and similar systemically absorbed compounds), reflecting a deliberate product safety positioning.
How it compares in its category
Mineral sunscreens like this sit at the lower-risk end of the consumer sunscreen spectrum, avoiding synthetic UV absorbers that have faced regulatory scrutiny and environmental contamination concerns. Most mainstream sunscreens use chemical filters that absorb into the bloodstream; this product's non-nano zinc oxide and titanium dioxide approach is preferred by dermatologists for sensitive or compromised skin. The tin packaging is less common and avoids plastic waste concerns, though it adds cost and is heavier than alternatives.
If you buy it
Apply liberally and reapply every 2 hours, especially after water exposure or sweating; mineral sunscreens are not absorbed and sit as a physical barrier, so full coverage is essential for effectiveness. Store in a cool, dry place to prevent the base oils from separating or rancidifying, which can reduce performance. Tin containers are durable and will not degrade like plastic over time, though you should not store it in direct heat or sun between uses. Discontinue use if any irritation develops, though mineral formulations are unlikely to cause reactions compared to chemical alternatives.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 82% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Raw Elements has made a specific claim
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
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.