Raw Elements Tinted Face Moisturizer Sunscreen Tin
Low risk. Mineral formula and stated PFAS-free positioning, but no third-party verification.
The brand states this tinted mineral sunscreen is PFAS-free. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are naturally lower-risk actives, though no third-party lab testing or certification is documented.
Brand says: “Raw Elements is known for PFAS-free marketing; product formulated without intentional PFAS”
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
mineral sunscreen ingredients (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) in cosmetic base
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.
Fragrance allergens and undisclosed components
If this product contains fragrance, specific allergen components are not itemized on product labels; 'fragrance' can mask 30+ undisclosed chemicals under US regulations. Without full ingredient transparency, fragrance-sensitive consumers cannot assess individual allergen risk.
Skin irritation from mineral particulates or base ingredients
Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are non-irritating for most users, but the moisturizer base (oils, butters, or emulsifiers) may trigger sensitivity in acne-prone or reactive skin types. Tin packaging does not pose leaching risk under normal use.
What’s reassuring
Brand-stated PFAS-free
The manufacturer claims this product contains no PFAS.
Safe base material
Made from ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber with no PFAS risk.
Heavy metals
Tinted sunscreens may incorporate iron oxides or synthetic dyes for color; Raw Elements does not disclose pigment sourcing or third-party heavy metal testing on record. Mineral iron oxide pigments are generally low-risk, but absence of published testing prevents definitive assessment.
Source: FDA ↗Formaldehyde / VOCs
No documented use of formaldehyde releasers (such as DMDM hydantoin) in Raw Elements products based on available ingredient lists. Mineral sunscreen formulas tend to favor gentler preservatives, but full preservative system not disclosed.
Source: ATSDR ↗Talc contamination (if used as anti-cake agent)
No talc identified in publicly available Raw Elements ingredient disclosures for this product. Mineral sunscreens sometimes use talc as an anti-caking agent; absence of talc claim is reassuring, though third-party verification is absent.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Raw Elements Tinted Face Moisturizer Sunscreen uses zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as UV filters, which sit on the skin surface rather than absorbing into it. These mineral actives have decades of safety history in cosmetics and are approved by the FDA as Category I (safe and effective) sunscreen ingredients. The tinted formulation incorporates pigments and a moisturizer base, which may include water, plant oils, or waxes; the tin packaging protects contents from light and air exposure, reducing oxidation of oils and potential preservative degradation.
The brand's record and disclosure
Raw Elements publicly claims a PFAS-free formulation and positions itself as a clean beauty brand; however, no independent third-party certification (such as EWG Verified or NSF/ANSI 305) is documented for this product. The company does not appear in major safety recalls or regulatory enforcement actions as of available public records. Limited transparency on full ingredient disclosure and manufacturing testing makes independent verification difficult, though mineral sunscreen formulas are inherently lower-risk than chemical sunscreen alternatives.
How it compares in its category
Mineral sunscreens like this one are generally considered safer than chemical sunscreens because zinc oxide and titanium dioxide do not penetrate skin and do not bioaccumulate. However, they typically leave a white or tinted cast and may feel heavier than chemical alternatives. Raw Elements' tinted version addresses the aesthetic drawback common to mineral formulas, positioning it competitively for consumers seeking non-nano mineral coverage without PFAS exposure risk.
If you buy it
Apply generously (one-quarter teaspoon for face) and reapply every two hours or after water exposure, as with all sunscreens. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat; tin packaging is durable and should not leach into product under normal conditions. Do not apply to very young children without pediatric sunscreen guidance, and discontinue use if irritation or rash develops. Sunscreen efficacy degrades over time; replace annually or per manufacturer guidance.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 72% 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.