Tarte Skin Treat Poreless Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20
Moderate concern due to brand silence, though no specific formula PFAS risks identified.
Tarte makes no public PFAS claims for this tinted moisturizer. Liquid and cream formulas carry lower inherent PFAS risk than waterproof products, but Tarte provides no formulation or water-resistance transparency.
The safe swap
Raw Elements
Raw Elements Plastic Free Sunscreen Pack SPF 30
100/100 safety
Same rubric that flunked this product. The swap earned Excellent.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
liquid/cream tinted moisturizer with SPF 20 (likely silicone, glycerin, pigment blend)
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
No PFAS disclosure
The company has not publicly discussed PFAS in this product.
Category baseline
cosmetics is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
1,4-dioxane contamination in fragrances or emulsifiers
Tarte's Skin Treat may contain polysorbate emulsifiers or fragrance components that can carry 1,4-dioxane as a non-intentional byproduct. No specific testing disclosed; risk is low but not ruled out without third-party verification.
Allergenic fragrance components
Product contains fragrance blend (not fully disclosed ingredient-by-ingredient). Common allergens in tinted moisturizers include limonene, linalool, and citral; individuals with fragrance sensitivity should patch-test.
What’s reassuring
Heavy metals
Iron oxides and synthetic mica are approved colorants in cosmetics and do not leach into skin from topical application. No recalls or testing reports for Tarte's formulation indicate heavy-metal contamination.
Source: FDA ↗Formaldehyde / VOCs
Tarte does not publicly use formaldehyde preservatives in this product line. Silicone and glycerin-based formulas typically use alternative preservatives (e.g., phenoxyethanol, parabens); no reports of formaldehyde release in this product.
Source: ATSDR ↗Silicone skin barrier disruption (long-term use concern)
Silicone-based cosmetics are non-toxic topically; no established evidence that silicone-based tinted moisturizers disrupt skin barrier or cause accumulation at normal application rates.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Tarte's Skin Treat is a liquid-cream hybrid, typically formulated with silicones (for slip and wear), glycerin (humectant), and inorganic pigments or iron oxides for tint and coverage. The SPF 20 likely uses UV filters such as avobenzone, octinoxate, or zinc oxide, depending on formula iteration. Silicone-based tinted moisturizers are generally stable when applied topically and do not degrade under normal skin conditions, though silicone volatility in hot environments is minimal risk in this use case.
The brand's record and disclosure
Tarte does not publicly disclose detailed PFAS testing or commitment to PFAS reduction, which is the stated moderate concern area. The brand holds no major third-party safety certifications (e.g., Clean Beauty, EWG Verified) and has not faced significant recalls or regulatory action for this product line. Tarte's general ingredient transparency is standard for prestige cosmetics, but lacks proactive heavy-metal or contamination testing disclosure.
How it compares in its category
Tinted moisturizer-sunscreen hybrids are common; Tarte's formulation is typical for silicone-based, mid-tier prestige cosmetics. Competitors like Bare Minerals and IT Cosmetics offer mineral-based alternatives with higher SPF but similar or less transparency on PFAS and heavy metals. Tarte's SPF 20 is relatively low for sole sun protection, making it best paired with standalone sunscreen for outdoor use.
If you buy it
Apply as directed (do not ingest; avoid eye contact). Store in a cool, dry place; heat exposure will not cause chemical instability but may affect texture. Replace if separation, discoloration, or odor change occurs, or annually if used daily. Discontinue if skin irritation develops and patch-test on inner arm first, especially if you have sensitive skin or metal allergies.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 45% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Tarte 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.