Xcel Review, Is Xcel 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 6 graded products, Xcel 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
Xcel
Men's Axis Full Wetsuit
Neoprene/synthetic rubber with water-repellent coating
PFAS
Neoprene wetsuits' water-repellent coating coatings typically use C6, C8, or emerging…
Coating degradation and microparticle shedding
As water-repellent coating coatings wear over years of saltwater exposure and sun damage…
Skip or research further; wetsuit water-repellent coating coatings commonly use PFAS, no Xcel transparency.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
Xcel
Wetsuits Men's IconX Full Wetsuit
Neoprene/nylon/polyester blend with unspecified waterproof treatment
Fluorinated water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) treatment
Standard neoprene wetsuit finishing uses PFAS-based treatments for water and stain…
Neoprene degradation and off-gassing
Neoprene is chemically inert when new, but oxidative breakdown over time or under UV/heat…
Microplastic shedding from synthetic fibers
Nylon and polyester outer layers shed microfibers during wear and washing, contributing…
Skip until Xcel discloses water-repellent coating chemistry or commits to PFAS-free treatments.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
Xcel
Men's Comp Full Wetsuit
Neoprene/rubber wetsuit with water-repellent coating
water-repellent coating chemistry (undisclosed)
Xcel does not publish water-repellent coating formulation. Most wetsuits historically…
Skin irritation from residual coatings or accelerators
Some users report mild contact dermatitis from new wetsuits, typically from residual…
Skip until Xcel discloses water-repellent coating chemistry or pursue PFAS-free verified wetsuits.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
Xcel
Men's Axis Flatlock Back Zip Full Wetsuit
Neoprene/rubber with water-repellent coating
water-repellent coating degradation and potential microplastic shedding
As the fluorinated water-repellent coating layer wears through normal use and flexing…
Neoprene rubber allergic contact dermatitis
Neoprene is a known contact allergen in some individuals, particularly those with latex…
VOC off-gassing from adhesives or manufacturing residues
New neoprene suits may retain odorous volatile compounds from manufacturing glues and…
PFAS
Wetsuits are worn for hours in direct skin and water contact, potentially transferring…
Moderate concern; typical wetsuit water-repellent coating likely contains PFAS, no data for this model.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
Xcel
Men's Axis Back Zip Full Wetsuit
neoprene/nylon with water-repellent coating water-repellent coating
water-repellent coating chemistry (fluorinated vs. non-fluorinated)
Xcel has not disclosed whether the Axis Back Zip uses PFAS-based water-repellent coating…
Nylon degradation and microfiber shedding
The nylon exterior layer can degrade with UV exposure and repeated flexing, potentially…
Skip unless Xcel provides water-repellent coating treatment transparency; wetsuits typically use fluorinated coatings.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
Xcel
Men's Axis Long John Wetsuit
neoprene/nylon with water-repellent coating treatment (type unspecified)
PFAS
Xcel has not disclosed the water-repellent coating chemistry. Standard industry practice…
Residual solvents and adhesive fumes during manufacture and storage
Neoprene lamination and gluing processes can leave trace organic solvents trapped in the…
Skip until Xcel discloses water-repellent coating chemistry or commits to PFAS-free wetsuit construction.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
Every grade uses the same public rubric. How grades work →