Hertel Rub N Go All-Temperature Ski & Snowboard Wax 2.5 oz, No Iron, 8+ Applications, Made in USA
Lower concern for typical paraffin-based ski wax; no red flags evident.
Hertel Rub N Go is a traditional hydrocarbon ski wax with no disclosed PFAS-containing additives. Ski waxes aren't a typical PFAS application, and standard hydrocarbon waxes pose lower concern.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
Hydrocarbon ski/snowboard wax (paraffin or blend)
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Hertel Rub N Go All-Temperature Ski USA is made of, ingredients and materials
Hertel Rub N Go is a hydrocarbon-based ski wax, typically a blend of paraffin and natural waxes without fluorinated compounds. Paraffin wax is a petroleum byproduct with a long safety history in consumer products. The 'no iron' formulation means it is designed for hand application and solid-state rubbing onto skis or boards, eliminating fume inhalation risk from heated wax steam that iron-on application creates. This material class has minimal chemical reactivity at room temperature and low volatility.
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
Petroleum hydrocarbon residue and skin contact
Paraffin wax can leave oily residue on hands and skis. Extended or repeated skin contact may cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals, but systemic toxicity from paraffin is not established. Wash hands after application to avoid transfer to face or eyes.
Dust inhalation during scraping and buffing
Rubbing and scraping ski wax generates fine particulate matter. Prolonged inhalation in enclosed spaces could irritate respiratory passages. No asbestos or silica contamination is known in paraffin ski waxes, but baseline dust precaution is reasonable.
Thermal decomposition fumes if misused with heat
If heated above 150°C (e.g., on an iron despite 'no iron' label), paraffin wax will smoke and release volatile organic compounds. Proper room-temperature application eliminates this risk entirely.
Microplastic shedding into snow and waterways
All ski waxes, including paraffin-based products, shed into snow and can fragment into microplastics over time. This is an environmental concern rather than a direct consumer health hazard, but worth noting for eco-conscious users.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Lead
Hertel does not disclose additive composition publicly. Paraffin ski waxes typically use minimal additives; heavy metal contamination in this product category is rare and not documented for Hertel. No advisory exists.
Source, ATSDR ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Hertel is a USA-based ski wax manufacturer with a established but modest public profile. The company does not publish detailed safety data sheets or ingredient transparency on its website; Hertel's stance on PFAS content is not publicly stated, typical of smaller wax brands that do not market fluorine-free status. No recalls, lawsuits, or safety controversies involving Hertel ski wax appear in public records. The brand's 'Made in USA' claim is verifiable and supports domestic manufacturing oversight.
How it compares in its category
Paraffin-based non-iron waxes occupy the lower-cost, lower-performance tier of ski wax. They lack the glide speed and durability of fluorinated or fully synthetic alternatives but eliminate fume exposure. Hand-rubbed paraffin waxes are simpler chemically and do not require iron safety management. Most recreational and beginner ski waxes in this price range use similar hydrocarbon bases, making Hertel a category-typical choice rather than a lower or higher concern outlier.
If you buy it
Apply in a dry, well-ventilated space; paraffin wax is not volatile but dust inhalation during scraping is possible, so light dust protection is prudent. Do not heat this product; it is formulated for room-temperature rubbing and will smoke if melted on an iron. Replace when the stick becomes thin or uneven, typically after 8 to 10 full-day ski outings depending on snow and temperature. Store in a cool, dry place; paraffin wax does not expire but will soften if left in direct sunlight or heat.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 72% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Hertel has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
What are the PFAS-free alternatives to Hertel Rub N Go All-Temperature Ski & Snowboard Wax 2.5 oz, No Iron, 8+ Applications, Made in USA?
- hydrocarbon ski wax (non-fluorinated)
- The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and mineral oil vapor
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- hydrocarbon wax blend
- The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
- Thermal degradation and fume emission
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- Wax-based ski base, fluorine-free formulation
- The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
- Inhalation of wax particulates and volatiles during application
More ski & sports wax grades
How we score, every product runs through the same public 0-100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.