PFAS75/ 100Excellent
Overall63/ 100Good
Tarteguard 30 Sunscreen Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 30

Tarte · Sunscreen

Tarteguard 30 Sunscreen Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 30

Excellent

Low concern; no public PFAS warnings for this product.

Verdict · BuyLotion-based sunscreen with standard cosmetic-grade ingredients; no established safety red flags; PFAS concern lower than apparel/cookware; typical category hazard profile.

This mineral sunscreen lotion contains no disclosed PFAS additives or water-resistance treatments. Lotion sunscreens carry lower risk than waterproof or treated textiles.

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We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade

Material

Lotion base, water, glycerin, mineral oils, emollients

Lab data

No public lab test

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What Tarteguard 30 Sunscreen Spectrum SPF is made of, ingredients and materials

Tarteguard 30 is a water-based lotion combining glycerin (humectant), mineral oils (emollients), and standard UV filters in an emulsified base. The lotion format means ingredients stay on skin rather than absorbing systemically in significant amounts, which reduces exposure risk compared to sprays or absorbed serums. Mineral oil and glycerin are well-established, low-toxicity cosmetic staples with decades of safety history.

What’s concerning

♾️

Category baseline

The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.

80/ 100
♾️

No PFAS disclosure

No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.

85/ 100
⚠️

Fragrance allergens and sensitizers

Tarte products typically include fragrance blends; cosmetic fragrances can trigger contact dermatitis or photosensitivity in sensitive individuals. Specific allergen list (e.g., limonene, geraniol) is not typically disclosed in detail on retail labels; review full ingredient statement or contact Tarte for complete fragrance components.

70/ 100
⚠️

1,4-dioxane as processing residue

Ethoxylated emulsifiers (common in lotion bases) can retain trace 1,4-dioxane as a byproduct, though most manufacturers remove it to undetectable levels. Tarte does not publish third-party contaminant testing for this product. Residual levels in cosmetics are typically well below concern thresholds if present.

70/ 100
⚠️

Skin irritation from UV filters or emollients

Some individuals react to chemical UV filters (oxybenzone, avobenzone) or mineral oil accumulation with irritation or acne. Reaction rates are low in the general population but higher in those with very sensitive or compromised skin barriers. Patch testing is recommended for first-time use.

70/ 100

What’s reassuring

✅

Base material not linked to PFAS

The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.

100/ 100
⛏️

Heavy metals

If this product uses zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as UV filters, manufacturing-grade minerals can occasionally contain trace iron, lead, or cadmium. No recalls or test failures are on record for Tarte sunscreens; reputable manufacturers screen raw materials. Risk is low for topical use on intact skin.

Source, FDA ↗
95/ 100
✅

Photostability of UV filter blend

Sunscreen efficacy depends on filter stability under UV exposure; properly formulated products include stabilizers to prevent breakdown. No public failures are recorded for Tarte Tarteguard; standard industry testing should ensure adequate in-use photostability. Reapplication remains necessary regardless.

95/ 100

How is this PFAS grade calculated?

The brand's record and disclosure

Tarte has not published formal PFAS-specific commitments or third-party certifications (e.g., no EWG Verified badge on this product). The brand does not appear in major cosmetic safety controversies or FDA warning letters in recent years. Ingredient transparency on Tarte's product pages is standard but not exhaustive; full formulation details require label review. No recalls or safety advisories are on record for this specific product line.

How it compares in its category

Mineral sunscreens (zinc/titanium-based) and chemical sunscreens (avobenzone, octinoxate, etc.) both carry similar hazard profiles when formulated as lotions. Tarte's lotion base is more stable and less prone to separation than some spray formats, and easier to control application than powders. SPF 30 is moderate protection; higher SPF products (50+) do not require proportionally more frequent reapplication, making this a reasonable middle-ground choice for daily use.

If you buy it

Apply generously (quarter-teaspoon for face, 1 ounce for full body) and reapply every 2 hours or after water exposure; partial application reduces effective SPF sharply. Store below 77°F (25°C) away from direct sunlight to prevent degradation of UV filter potency over time. Discontinue use if rash or irritation develops; patch-test on inner arm first if you have sensitive skin or known fragrance allergies. Check expiration dating; sunscreen efficacy degrades after 3 years.

What is not known about PFAS in this product?

Basis
Model estimate, 72% confidence, not a lab result
Lab test
None on record for this exact product
Brand statement
Tarte 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 Tarteguard 30 Sunscreen Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 30?

Derma E

Daily Sun Serum SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen

100ExcellentPFAS grade
✓ MADE SAFE
  • 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.

Earth Mama

Baby Face Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 40

100ExcellentPFAS grade
✓ Made Safe
  • 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.