Start Kick Wax Synthetic
Lower concern; synthetic ski wax lacks typical PFAS applications.
Start Kick Wax Synthetic is a hydrocarbon-based kick wax for skis. Conventional ski wax formulations typically don't need Teflon-family coating, making this lower concern than fluoro-wax.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
Synthetic hydrocarbon wax blend
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Start Kick Wax Synthetic is made of, ingredients and materials
Start Kick Wax Synthetic is a hydrocarbon-based wax blend, meaning it derives from refined petroleum products rather than natural beeswax or fluorinated compounds. Synthetic hydrocarbon waxes are chemically stable at ski-use temperatures (applied warm, cooled on snow) and do not volatilize meaningfully during normal application or use. This formulation avoids the thermal decomposition risk present in some Teflon-type coating-containing waxes, which can release fumes if overheated.
What’s concerning
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
Skin contact sensitization or irritation
Hydrocarbon wax blends are generally low-irritant, but individual sensitivity to refined petroleum derivatives or residual processing solvents cannot be ruled out. No allergic reaction reports are on record for this brand specifically.
Microplastics
Ski waxes (all types) produce particles during application, removal, and abrasion on snow; these are wax fragments rather than synthetic microplastics and degrade in the environment, but do contribute to localized snow/water contamination at popular ski areas.
Source, EPA ↗Lack of ingredient transparency
Start does not disclose the complete formulation or presence of minor additives (hardeners, accelerators, antioxidants). Opacity on composition prevents full independent hazard assessment and limits consumer choice based on complete information.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Thermal decomposition / fume release
Hydrocarbon waxes are thermally stable at normal application temperatures. Risk of harmful fume release is negligible compared to fluorinated waxes, provided iron temperature stays below 160°C.
Heavy metals
No cadmium, lead, or antimony contamination is documented in synthetic ski waxes as a category. Color additives in consumer waxes are typically iron oxides or carbon black, not heavy-metal-based pigments.
Source, FDA ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Start is a Finnish ski-wax manufacturer with decades of market presence but maintains minimal public transparency on ingredient sourcing or independent safety testing. No product recalls or documented safety complaints are on record for Start waxes. The brand does not publicize PFAS status or third-party certifications; composition details beyond 'synthetic hydrocarbon' are not readily available in consumer materials.
How it compares in its category
Synthetic hydrocarbon waxes sit in a lower concern tier of ski waxes, they avoid the Teflon-type coating fume risk of fluorinated racing waxes and the potential allergen issues of some natural beeswax blends. They offer moderate glide performance and are marketed as all-condition or base waxes rather than specialized high-fluorine products. Price and safety profile place this product firmly in the recreational/amateur category.
If you buy it
Apply in a well-ventilated space; while decomposition risk is low, standard ski-wax practice is to use a wax iron on low to medium heat (never above 160°C) to avoid any potential off-gassing. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent degradation. Replace when performance visibly declines or the wax becomes discolored or brittle, typically after one or two seasons of use. Wash hands after application to avoid ingestion of wax dust.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 72% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Start has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
What are the PFAS-free alternatives to Start Kick Wax Synthetic?
- 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.