Jason Markk · Fabric Stain Guard Sprays
Jason Markk Repel Refill Shoe & Hat Protectant
Get brand to disclose coating chemistry or provide independent tests.
Jason Markk's spray provides durable waterproofing through an undisclosed proprietary coating. No PFAS claims or third-party testing are available for this product.
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Material
Proprietary water-repellent spray coating
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.
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
Water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and inhalation risk
Spray-applied protectants inherently release propellant and solvent vapors during application. Jason Markk does not disclose VOC content or air quality testing. Inhalation exposure during application is significant and controllable only through ventilation practices.
Flame retardants
Some water-repellent coatings use brominated or chlorinated compounds as co-stabilizers or durability enhancers. Jason Markk does not disclose ingredient chemistry, so the presence of halogenated additives cannot be confirmed or ruled out.
Source, EPA ↗Skin sensitization from residual coating or fragrance
Direct skin contact with wet spray or fully cured coating is unlikely during normal use, but fragrance is sometimes added to shoe care products. Jason Markk Repel has minimal perceptible odor, suggesting low fragrance content, but no allergen declaration is provided.
What’s reassuring
Formaldehyde / VOCs
No public records indicate formaldehyde resins in Jason Markk Repel. Fabric protectants typically do not use formaldehyde-based chemistry, but undisclosed proprietary formulas cannot be ruled out without testing.
Source, ATSDR ↗Azo dyes or toxic colorants in the product itself
The spray itself is clear or nearly colorless and contains no added dyes. No hazard reported or plausible in this product type.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Jason Markk Repel is a proprietary spray-applied water and stain repellent for textiles and footwear. The exact chemical composition is not publicly disclosed, which is standard practice for branded coating products but limits independent safety assessment. Spray application means inhalation exposure is the primary route of concern during use. The product is designed to bond to fabric fibers rather than remain on the surface, suggesting a coating chemistry that cross-links or polymerizes on the substrate.
The brand's record and disclosure
Jason Markk is a premium footwear care brand with no documented recalls or safety complaints in public records. The company does not publicly disclose whether its water-repellent formulation contains PFAS (per fluorinated compounds), does not claim PFOA or PFOS-free status, and provides no third-party testing certificates for VOC or hazardous chemical content. This silent stance on chemistry is a significant transparency gap, especially given industry-wide scrutiny of PFAS in water repellents. No certifications such as Bluesign, OEKO-TEX, or GOTS are advertised.
How it compares in its category
Most spray fabric protectants in the footwear market either use PFAS-based chemistries (cheaper, more durable) or newer paraffin/silicone/fluorocarbon alternatives marketed as PFAS-free. Jason Markk does not declare which approach it uses, placing it in a middle ground of uncertainty. Competitors such as Crep Protect and Sneaker Lab also do not disclose PFAS status, but some brands (e.g., those certified Bluesign) are more transparent. For users seeking proven PFAS-free options, this product does not provide the assurance needed.
If you buy it
Apply in a well-ventilated space or outdoors to minimize inhalation of spray mist and propellant vapors. Do not inhale fumes and allow sprayed items to dry fully (typically 24 hours) in open air before wearing or storing in enclosed spaces. Reapply every 6-12 months depending on wear and washing frequency; reapplication frequency is higher than solvent-based alternatives. Store the bottle in a cool, dry place away from heat and direct sunlight, and follow the label instructions for distance and number of coats to avoid over-saturation.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 42% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Jason Markk has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
Better-graded alternatives in Fabric Stain Guard Sprays
Nikwax
Waterproofing Wax for Leather
wax-based waterproofing
Respiratory irritation or fume inhalation during application
Limited concern
PFAS
Moderate concern
A water-repellent or grease-resistant treatment of unstated chemistry, with a brand PFAS statement we have not verified.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
Timberland
Waximum Waxed Leather Protector
Wax-based leather protector
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from solvents
High concern
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Limited concern
Skin sensitization from undisclosed additives
Limited concern
Wax coating lower concern than synthetic waterproofing, but unconfirmed.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Angelus
Mink Oil Paste Leather Waterproofer and Contitioner 3 oz
mink oil paste, natural oil-based conditioner
Microbial growth (natural oil rancidity)
Limited concern
Skin sensitization (mink oil allergenicity)
Limited concern
Lower concern; natural oil product unlikely to contain PFAS but unverified.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
More fabric stain guard sprays 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.