Wetsuits, ranked by PFAS safety
15 products graded from Bad to Excellent, safest first. None grade Good or better yet, so we show the full ranking and the least-concerning options first.
Start here
The best non-toxic wetsuits, ranked safest first
Graded and flagged Poor and Bad, we’d swap these
Patagonia
Men's Yulex Regulator Lite Front-Zip Full Wetsuit
Yulex (synthetic rubber, PTMEG-based), neoprene-free
Lower concern; Yulex rubber base avoids traditional neoprene, but water-repellent coating silence limits confidence.
⚠Risky category by default
Patagonia
Men's Yulex Regulator Lite Long John Wetsuit
Yulex (synthetic rubber), neoprene-free alternative
Lower concern; Yulex is PFAS-free by design, but no explicit brand confirmation provided.
⚠Risky category by default
Patagonia
Men's R2 Yulex Regulator Front-Zip Full Wetsuit
Yulex (synthetic rubber), neoprene-free base
Lower concern; Yulex is a synthetic rubber alternative without known PFAS use, but water-repellent coating unverified.
⚠Risky category by default
O'Neill
Epic Back Zip Full Wetsuit
Neoprene with water-repellent coating-treated nylon exterior
water-repellent coating surface coating degradation and leaching
High concern
Neoprene off-gassing and volatile organic compounds
Limited concern
Nylon microfiber shedding during wear and washing
Limited concern
High PFAS risk from waterproof treatment; no brand transparency available.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
O'Neill
Reactor 3/2mm Back Zip Full Wetsuit
Neoprene wetsuit with water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) treatment
PFAS
Limited concern
Neoprene manufacturing byproducts and off-gassing
Limited concern
Skin irritation from finish treatments or latex sensitivity
Limited concern
Microplastic shedding during wear and laundering
Limited concern
Unknown PFAS risk in water-repellent coating; no brand disclosure of treatment specifics.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
O'Neill
Hyperfreak Fire 4/3 Chest Zip Wetsuit
Neoprene/synthetic rubber with water-repellent coating
PFAS
High concern
Neoprene degradation and microplastic shedding
Limited concern
Bacterial or fungal growth if not maintained
Limited concern
High PFAS risk typical of sealed wetsuits; no O'Neill commitment to PFAS-free water-repellent coating.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
Rip Curl
E-Bomb 4/3 Zip Free Wetsuit
neoprene with waterproof/water-repellent coating (unspecified)
PFAS
High concern
Neoprene degradation and leaching
Limited concern
Colorant or dye leaching
Limited concern
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
Limited concern
Microplastic shedding from coating or material
Limited concern
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
Limited concern
Coating degradation and microparticles
Limited concern
Bacterial or mold growth if improperly stored
Limited concern
Skip until Rip Curl discloses wetsuit coating chemistry or certifies PFAS-free status.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
Xcel
Men's Axis Full Wetsuit
Neoprene/synthetic rubber with water-repellent coating
PFAS
High concern
Coating degradation and microparticle shedding
Limited concern
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
High concern
Neoprene degradation and off-gassing
Limited concern
Microplastic shedding from synthetic fibers
Limited concern
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)
Limited concern
Skin irritation from residual coatings or accelerators
Limited concern
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
Limited concern
Neoprene rubber allergic contact dermatitis
Moderate concern
VOC off-gassing from adhesives or manufacturing residues
Limited concern
PFAS
High concern
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)
Limited concern
Nylon degradation and microfiber shedding
Limited concern
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
Limited concern
Residual solvents and adhesive fumes during manufacture and storage
Limited concern
Skip until Xcel discloses water-repellent coating chemistry or commits to PFAS-free wetsuit construction.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
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