Waterproofing Wax for Leather vs Crease Release: which is safer?
The Laundress Crease Release is the clear pick. Nikwax Waterproofing Wax for Leather carries a failing PFAS grade, and we never recommend buying a failing product.
Nikwax
Waterproofing Wax for Leather
PFAS grade
Overall grade
Verdict
Hazard flags
Material
Confidence
PossibleRespiratory irritation or fume inhalation during application
ReportedPFAS in water repellency treatment
Our pick
The Laundress
Crease Release
PFAS grade
Overall grade
Verdict
Hazard flags
Material
Confidence
PossibleFragrance allergens
PossibleSilicone buildup on fabric over time
PossibleInhalation of spray mist during application
Where these two actually differ
- We flag Respiratory irritation or fume inhalation during application and PFAS in water repellency treatment on the Nikwax and not on the The Laundress.
- We flag Fragrance allergens, Silicone buildup on fabric over time and Inhalation of spray mist during application on the The Laundress and not on the Nikwax.
- The Nikwax is wax-based waterproofing where the The Laundress is aqueous spray formulation (likely water, silicones, fragrance, emulsifiers), which is most of the difference in these two grades.
Both products run through the same public rubric: materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls, plus a beyond-PFAS hazard analysis. Grades are model-based estimates, not lab tests. How grades work →
More fabric stain guard sprays: see the full ranking