Swix PS10 Liquid Wax Yellow
Brand PFAS statement on record, which we have not verified.
Swix says it stopped selling PFAS-containing waxes to the mass market by the 2021-2022 season. We record that as an unverified brand claim.
Brand says: “Swix says it stopped selling PFAS-containing waxes to the mass market by the 2021-2022 season.”
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
Hydrocarbon wax blend, paraffin or synthetic base
Brand disclosure
Brand claims PFAS-free
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.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from heating or friction
Hydrocarbon waxes may release low levels of volatile organics when applied to warm skis or during high-friction use. Exposure in well-ventilated outdoor ski conditions is minimal; indoor application or poor ventilation increases inhalation risk.
Coating degradation or residue on ski base
Over time, wax buildup can become uneven or partially degrade, reducing performance. This is a performance issue rather than a safety hazard, but accumulated residue should be removed periodically by scraping or hot-water rinse.
What’s reassuring
Brand-stated PFAS-free
The brand states this product is PFAS-free. We have not verified the claim.
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Skin irritation from dyes or additives
No documented cases of dermatitis or allergic reaction to Swix PS10 are on record. Hydrocarbon waxes are non-sensitizing, but individual sensitivities to colorants are theoretically possible.
Ingestion toxicity (accidental)
Hydrocarbon waxes are minimally toxic if swallowed in small amounts due to poor gastrointestinal absorption. Accidental ingestion during application is unlikely given the product form, but the material poses no systemic hazard.
Heavy metals
No information is available in public records indicating the presence of lead, cadmium, or other heavy metals in PS10's yellow colorant. Yellow ski wax dyes are typically organic or mineral iron oxides, both low-concern materials.
Source, FDA ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Swix PS10 is a hydrocarbon-based liquid wax, typically a paraffin or synthetic blend designed to improve ski glide performance. Hydrocarbon waxes have a long safety history in sports applications because they are chemically inert at room and body temperature, do not dissolve in skin oils, and present no systemic absorption risk during normal use. The yellow colorant is likely an organic dye or mineral pigment, both common in recreational wax products with established safety records.
The brand's record and disclosure
Swix, a Norwegian ski equipment manufacturer, has made a documented claim that PS10 is PFAS-free, which aligns with industry movement away from PFAS "forever chemicals" in sports waxes. The brand has not published detailed material safety data sheets or third-party certifications for this specific product in widely available public sources, but no recalls or adverse event reports are on record for Swix ski waxes. The PFAS-free claim is noted but not independently verified by a third party in accessible records.
How it compares in its category
Ski waxes vary widely in formulation; many traditional competitors still use fluorinated waxes for superior performance, which introduce PFAS concerns. PS10's hydrocarbon-only approach positions it as lower concern in the market, trading some performance optimization for reduced chemical hazard. Most hydrocarbon waxes in the category carry similar toxicity profiles, so PS10 is representative of the lower-risk end of the ski wax spectrum.
If you buy it
Apply in a well-ventilated space to minimize inhalation of any volatile organic compounds released during heating or friction. Store away from direct heat and sunlight to prevent degradation or leaching into contact surfaces. Wash hands after application, and do not ingest. Replace when the product no longer improves glide performance, typically after one season of regular use or when visibly degraded.
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
- Swix has made a specific claim
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
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.