Specialized Review, Is Specialized 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 4 graded products, Specialized 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
Specialized
Men's RBX Comp Rain Jacket
Polyester with water-repellent coating water-repellent finish
PFAS
Polyester rain jackets commonly use C6 or legacy fluorocarbon water-repellent coating…
Azo dyes in polyester
Polyester apparel frequently uses azo dyes for coloring. While most azo dyes sold in…
Antimony catalyst residues in polyester
Polyester is synthesized using antimony trioxide as a catalyst; residual antimony can…
Formaldehyde / VOCs
water-repellent coating and other textile finishes sometimes incorporate…
Skip until Specialized discloses water-repellent coating chemistry.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
Specialized
Men's Trail Rain Jacket
polyester with water-repellent coating treatment
water-repellent coating degradation and reapplication chemical exposure
Over time, water-repellent coating treatments wear away and consumers often reapply…
Fragrance or chemical sensitivity from water-repellent coating or finishing agents
Some users report mild odor or skin irritation from new jackets, likely from residual…
Rain jacket with likely water-repellent coating.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
Specialized
Race Series Rain Jacket men
Polyester with water-repellent coating treatment (brand/type unspecified)
PFAS
Unspecified water-repellent coating treatment on polyester rain jacket; historical…
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Polyester production can involve formaldehyde-releasing resins in dyes or finishing…
Microplastic shedding
Polyester garments shed microfibers in the wash, especially if the water-repellent…
Rain jacket with unspecified water-repellent coating treatment, PFAS details unavailable.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
Specialized
Men's SL Neoshell Rain Jacket
nylon ripstop with Neoshell membrane, water-repellent coating
PFAS
Standard Teflon-family coating water-repellent coating on nylon ripstop rain jackets…
Formaldehyde / VOCs
The bonding process between nylon and Neoshell membrane, and any wrinkle-resistance or…
Azo dyes in colored nylon
The dyed nylon ripstop may contain azo dyes, which can release carcinogenic amines under…
VOC off-gassing from adhesives and coatings
New jackets may emit volatile organic compounds from laminate adhesives and…
water-repellent coating rain jackets typically contain PFAS; brand silent on composition.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
Every grade uses the same public rubric. How grades work →