Holmenkol Betamix Red Ski Wax
No known PFAS in this wax product. No brand disclosure available.
Hydrocarbon formula carries no known PFAS markers. The brand provides no PFAS statement.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
hydrocarbon-based ski wax blend
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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.
Volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions
Hydrocarbon wax blending may include trace solvents or volatile components, though ski waxes are far less volatile than liquid degreasers. Actual VOC burden during or after application is not quantified in public data for this product.
Skin or eye irritation from wax dust
Dry wax application or grating can produce fine particulate that may irritate mucous membranes if inhaled or contact eyes directly. This is a mechanical hazard typical to all solid wax products, not a chemical toxicity issue.
Thermal decomposition by excessive ironing
Extreme heat (above 200°C) may cause hydrocarbon wax to scorch or release fumes; however, proper iron temperatures (120-160°C) fall well below decomposition thresholds and present lower concern if manufacturer guidance is followed.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Heavy metals
No recalls or safety reports document heavy metal residues in Holmenkol Betamix or competitor hydrocarbon ski waxes. Paraffin and microcrystalline wax grades used in skiing are generally well-refined; public safety data for this product class is absent but no incidents are documented.
Source, FDA ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Holmenkol Betamix Red is a hydrocarbon-based paraffin blend formulated for intermediate snow temperatures. The wax is composed of refined mineral waxes (paraffin and microcrystalline) mixed with additives for glide and durability. Hydrocarbon ski waxes are chemically stable at typical use temperatures and do not volatilize significantly during application or skiing, making acute inhalation risk low compared to fluorocarbon alternatives.
The brand's record and disclosure
Holmenkol is a German ski-maintenance company with a longstanding presence in the sport but limited public transparency on material safety testing or third-party certifications. The brand does not publicly disclose detailed ingredient lists or safety data sheets for consumer products. No major recalls or safety incidents are on record for Betamix wax products, and the company has not made explicit statements regarding PFAS avoidance, though hydrocarbon formulations inherently avoid fluorinated compounds.
How it compares in its category
Hydrocarbon waxes like Betamix Red represent the mainstream choice for recreational skiers and are chemically simpler than fluorocarbon racing waxes. Compared to fluorinated waxes, hydrocarbon products pose no PFAS exposure and lower inhalation risk, though they generally offer less glide performance at very cold or icy conditions. They are functionally equivalent to other non-fluorinated competitor waxes (e.g., Toko, Swix paraffin blends) with similar lack of public safety disclosure.
If you buy it
Apply wax in a well-ventilated space; while hydrocarbon waxes produce minimal fumes, basic ventilation is standard practice. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat or sunlight to maintain consistency. Iron application should follow manufacturer guidance (typically 120-160°C); excessive heat is unnecessary and may degrade the wax base, though this does not create a safety hazard. Replace wax when skis lose glide or coating becomes visibly patchy, typically after 3-5 ski days of regular use.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 72% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Holmenkol has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
Better-graded alternatives in Ski & Sports Wax
Swix
PS10 Yellow Wax
Hydrocarbon-based ski wax (paraffin/synthetic blend)
Combustion by-products during hot application
Limited concern
Skin and eye contact irritation
Limited concern
Ingestion toxicity (accidental exposure)
Limited concern
Microabrasive particulates from worn base or scraping
Limited concern
Brand PFAS statement on record, which we have not verified.
✓Brand claims PFAS-free (unverified)
Swix
PS7 Violet Ski Snowboard Glide Wax
Hydrocarbon wax blend (paraffin/synthetic hydrocarbon base)
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from heating
Limited concern
Inhalation of wax dust during application
Limited concern
Brand PFAS statement on record, which we have not verified.
✓Brand claims PFAS-free (unverified)
Maplus
Arctic Base Fluor Free 1 kg
ski wax base, fluorine-free formulation
Hydrocarbon volatiles and inhalation risk
Limited concern
PFAS
Limited concern
Brand PFAS statement on record, which we have not verified.
✓Brand claims PFAS-free (unverified)
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.