Sealskinz · Waterproof Winter Gloves
LeMieux Sealskinz Waterproof Glove
High PFAS risk; waterproof coating chemistry undisclosed by brand.
The brand provides no disclosure of water-repellent coating chemistry or PFAS status. Waterproof textiles commonly use legacy PFAS-based treatments without transparency.
The better-graded swap
Patagonia
Patagonia R4 Yulex Regulator Three Finger Mitts
90/100 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
Waterproof membrane (water-repellent coating, unspecified chemistry)
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What LeMieux Sealskinz Waterproof Glove is made of, ingredients and materials
Sealskinz Waterproof Gloves use a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coating applied to an unspecified membrane base layer. water-repellent coating coatings have historically relied on PFAS chemistry (PFAS "forever chemicals") to achieve water resistance, though some brands have migrated to PFAS-free alternatives. Sealskinz does not publicly disclose the chemistry of its waterproof membrane or confirm PFAS-free status, which is the core safety concern here.
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.
PFAS
Water-repellent coating membranes in waterproof textiles are a known and persistent source of PFAS exposure. Sealskinz' silence on membrane chemistry and lack of PFAS-free certification makes high PFAS content probable unless evidence states otherwise.
Source, ATSDR ↗Microplastic shedding from degraded coating
As the water-repellent coating breaks down over time (especially with washing and wear), synthetic fibers and coating particles may shed. This is a general risk in synthetic waterproof textiles but severity depends on coating durability and user care.
VOC off-gassing from synthetic membranes
New waterproof gloves may emit odors and volatile compounds during initial use and storage. This is typical of synthetic polymer coatings and usually diminishes after airing out, but unspecified membrane chemistry leaves this unquantified.
What’s reassuring
Skin sensitization from coating residues or dyes
No specific recalls or complaints are on record for Sealskinz gloves causing dermatitis. However, undisclosed chemical composition makes it impossible to rule out azo dyes, heavy metal mordants, or residual surfactants in the material.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Formaldehyde-releasing resins are sometimes used in fabric finishing and water-repellent treatments. No documented cases in Sealskinz products, but undisclosed manufacturing process makes this unverifiable.
Source, ATSDR ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Sealskinz (owned by Knox Industries, a UK heritage glove maker) has not published transparency statements on PFAS use, PFAS phase-out timelines, or third-party testing of its waterproof coatings. The brand lacks certifications such as BLUESIGN, GOTS, or OEKO-TEX that would indicate chemical audit and restriction protocols. This silence on a known and replaceable hazard in waterproof textiles is a significant red flag for informed buyers.
How it compares in its category
Waterproof glove alternatives vary widely, Hestra, Outdoor Research, and Arc'teryx now disclose PFAS-free or low-PFAS waterproof membranes in their product lines. Budget and mid-market brands (including many Sealskinz models) often remain silent on coating chemistry. Sealskinz occupies the middle tier by price and reputation but lags in transparency compared to premium outdoor brands that actively market PFAS avoidance.
If you buy it
Store gloves in a cool, dry place away from direct heat sources; waterproof coatings can degrade faster when exposed to high temperature or prolonged sunlight. Wash by hand in cool water with gentle soap; machine washing and hot water accelerate coating breakdown. Replace when water no longer beads on the outer surface (typically 2-3 seasons of heavy use). Consider these gloves a temporary solution until the brand discloses or switches to PFAS-free membranes.
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
- Sealskinz has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
What are the PFAS-free alternatives to LeMieux Sealskinz Waterproof Glove?
- Polyester fleece (recycled)
- The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
- Heavy metals
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- Yulex (synthetic rubber), neoprene-free alternative
- The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
- Allergic contact dermatitis (rubber/guayule sensitivity)
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- Polyester fleece (Synchilla®); no water-repellent treatment disclosed
- The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
- Microplastics
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
More waterproof winter gloves 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.