Rip Curl Review, Is Rip Curl Non-Toxic?
PFAS Authority is a scoring system, not a laboratory. We do not test products ourselves. Grades are model-based, built from published ingredients, materials, certifications, brand disclosures and third-party lab results where they exist. See the rubric.
Across 8 graded products, Rip Curl averages Bad (20/100). On disclosure, the brand says nothing publicly about PFAS. None of its products grade Good or better yet. Grades are model-based estimates, not lab results.
Graded and flagged Poor and Bad, we’d swap these
Rip Curl
Women's Rip Curl Classic Surf Swimsuit
Nylon/polyester blend with water-repellent coating finish
PFAS
Fluorocarbon water-repellent coating finishes on textiles are known to shed into wash…
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Nylon and polyester swimwear often undergo resin-based finishing for durability and shape…
Azo dyes in color fastness
Nylon/polyester blends often use azo dyes for color intensity. While restricted azo dyes…
Microplastic shedding from fiber degradation
Nylon and polyester release microfibers in normal washing and wear. This swimsuit is not…
Moderate concern; typical surf swimsuit with nondisclosed water-repellent treatment.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
Rip Curl
Women's Surf Stripe UPF Surf Suit
Polyester blend with water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) treatment
water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) chemical composition - undisclosed
Water-resistant swimwear almost universally relies on PFAS-based water-repellent coating…
Microplastic shedding from polyester fibers
All polyester textiles shed microplastics when worn and washed, and water-sports apparel…
Avoid or ask Rip Curl directly; no PFAS disclosure on water-repellent swim item.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
Rip Curl
Women's Premium Surf Short Jane Swimsuit
Nylon/polyester blend with water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finish
PFAS
Water-repellent swimwear fabrics commonly rely on water-repellent coating coatings…
water-repellent coating degradation and re-release
As the water-repellent coating finish wears through repeated washing and UV exposure, any…
water-repellent coating swimwear typically contains PFAS; Rip Curl keeps details hidden; ask before purchase.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
Rip Curl
E-Bomb 4/3 Zip Free Wetsuit
neoprene with waterproof/water-repellent coating (unspecified)
PFAS
Rip Curl does not disclose coating chemistry. Neoprene wetsuits in this category commonly…
Neoprene degradation and leaching
Neoprene itself is generally stable, but over time (especially with UV exposure or heat)…
Colorant or dye leaching
The E-Bomb comes in multiple colors, typically achieved with textile dyes applied to…
Skip until Rip Curl clarifies waterproofing chemistry; wetsuits commonly use PFAS-based water-repellent coating.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
Rip Curl
Dawn Patrol Chest Zip Wetsuit
Neoprene with water-repellent coating water-repellent coating
PFAS
The water-repellent coating finish is the primary unknown hazard vector. Rip Curl does…
Microplastic shedding from coating or material
As water-repellent coating coatings age and neoprene flexes repeatedly, microscopic…
Skip until Rip Curl discloses water-repellent coating chemistry or commits to PFAS-free standards.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
Rip Curl
Flashbomb Chest Zip Fullsuit Wetsuit
Neoprene/rubber with unspecified water-resistant coating
PFAS
Rip Curl has not disclosed water-repellent coating chemistry for this model. Standard…
Coating degradation and microparticles
As water-repellent coating coatings break down over months or years of saltwater and UV…
Bacterial or mold growth if improperly stored
This is a usage and maintenance hazard, not a manufacturing defect. Neoprene is porous…
Skip until Rip Curl discloses wetsuit coating chemistry or certifies PFAS-free status.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
Rip Curl
Women's Classic Surf One-Piece Swimsuit
Polyester/nylon blend with likely water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finish
water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) fluorochemical coating
Standard on performance swimwear for water beading and durability. Specific PFAS compound…
Polyester/nylon fiber degradation and microfiber shedding
Polyester blends are prone to microfiber loss during washing and wear, especially in…
Moderate concern, typical surf swimwear likely uses water-repellent coating, Rip Curl makes no PFAS disclosure.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
Rip Curl
Women's Bossa Nova One-Piece Swimsuit
Nylon/polyamide swimsuit with water-repellent coating water-repellent finish
PFAS
water-repellent coating finishes on nylon swimwear commonly use PFAS compounds. No public…
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Some water-repellent coating and water-repellent treatments historically used…
water-repellent coating migration into water/skin
If water-repellent coating contains PFAS, degraded or worn coatings may leach low levels…
Moderate PFAS concern, swimwear water-repellent coating finishes often contain PFAS; Rip Curl makes no public disclosure.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
Every grade uses the same public rubric. How grades work →