Holmenkol Cross Country Ski Grip
Avoid due to unknown coating chemistry and no brand transparency.
Holmenkol doesn't disclose what coats or additivizes this grip wax. Without testing or public claims, PFAS risk cannot be determined.
The better-graded swap
Rex
Rex Power Grip Wax
85/100 safety
Same rubric that flunked this product. The swap earned Excellent.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Wax-based ski grip (likely hydrocarbon blend; coating composition unspecified)
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Holmenkol Cross Country Ski Grip is made of, ingredients and materials
Holmenkol Cross Country Ski Grip is a hydrocarbon-based wax designed to improve traction on ski bases. The exact resin or binding agent in the coating formulation is not publicly disclosed by Holmenkol, making it difficult to assess whether synthetic binders, colloidal additives, or other chemicals are present. This opacity is the primary concern; typical ski grip waxes are paraffin or synthetic wax blends that adhere to ski bases through mechanical or weak adhesion, not chemical bonding that would pose leaching risks during normal use.
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.
Unknown / proprietary coating
A coating is recorded with no disclosed chemistry.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from unknown binders
The undisclosed coating chemistry may contain synthetic resins or solvents that off-gas, particularly if stored in warm conditions or during application. Ski grip waxes typically do not pose inhalation risk during normal use, but the lack of ingredient transparency prevents full assessment.
Skin irritation or sensitization from contact
Hydrocarbon wax blends are generally low in acute toxicity, but additives (colorants, slip agents, antioxidants) in the formulation could trigger contact dermatitis or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. No adverse reports exist for this product specifically.
Microplastic or wax particle shedding into snow and water
Ski wax, including grip formulations, sheds during use and contributes microplastic pollution in snowmelt and aquatic systems. This is an environmental rather than direct-health hazard but reflects the product's lifecycle impact.
PFAS
Although rated Good on PFAS transparency, the lack of explicit PFAS-free certification means fluorocarbon binders or water-repellent coatings cannot be ruled out. Competing brands increasingly offer certified PFAS-free ski waxes.
Source, ATSDR ↗What’s reassuring
Heavy metals
No reports of lead, cadmium, or other heavy metals in Holmenkol grip waxes are documented. Standard paraffin or synthetic wax products rarely contain such contaminants, but the absence of testing disclosure means this cannot be confirmed for this specific product.
Source, FDA ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Holmenkol is a German ski maintenance brand with a long history but does not publicly communicate composition details, certifications (such as Bluesign or eco-labels), or testing for hazardous chemicals on their website or product labeling. No recalls or adverse health reports linked to this specific product are documented in public safety databases. The brand's silence on PFAS, flame retardants, or heavy metal additives in grip coatings is notable given industry trends toward fluorocarbon-free alternatives.
How it compares in its category
Ski grip waxes vary widely in formulation; some brands (notably Scandinavian manufacturers) now market PFAS-free or fluorocarbon-free options with transparent ingredient lists. Holmenkol's lack of public disclosure puts it in a middle ground where competitors like Swix and Toko have begun publishing environmental or safety certifications. For a performance-focused skier, this product is functionally competitive but lags in transparency compared to premium eco-conscious alternatives.
If you buy it
Apply grip wax in thin, even layers to the kick zone of the ski base at room temperature; overheating during application or storage in direct sunlight may accelerate any volatile organic compound release from the coating, though risks are low during normal use. Replace the grip layer when it becomes shiny, no longer provides traction, or is visibly contaminated with dirt or salt. Store in a cool, dry place away from heat sources. Wash hands after application, and avoid breathing dust if scraping or reworking the layer.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 35% 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.
What are the PFAS-free alternatives to Holmenkol Cross Country Ski Grip?
- 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.