Swix F4 60g Rub-On Glidewax 60 g
A coating of undisclosed chemistry, with a brand PFAS statement 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. Its record describes a coating of undisclosed chemistry, which is still counted.
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 ski wax blend, composition unspecified
Brand disclosure
Brand claims PFAS-free
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Swix F4 60g Rub-On Glidewax 60 g is made of, ingredients and materials
Swix F4 is a rub-on ski wax composed of hydrocarbon blends (paraffin and/or synthetic hydrocarbons); Swix does not publicly disclose full ingredient specifications. Hydrocarbon waxes are generally low-hazard when used as intended, but composition opacity prevents independent verification of contaminants or additives. The F4 designation indicates a mid-temperature wax formulation for specific snow conditions, not a material safety marker.
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
Unknown / proprietary coating
A coating is recorded with no disclosed chemistry.
Hydrocarbon vapor inhalation (acute)
Heating or friction-applying hydrocarbon wax can release volatile organic compounds; risk is minimal at typical ski-tuning temperatures and in ventilated spaces but increases with heat guns or extended indoor use.
What’s reassuring
Brand-stated PFAS-free
The brand states this product is PFAS-free. We have not verified the claim.
Skin irritation from repeated contact
No reported cases for Swix F4; hydrocarbon waxes are generally dermatologically inert, though prolonged skin contact or sensitivity to specific hydrocarbon fractions is theoretically possible but undocumented.
Heavy metals
Swix does not disclose raw material sourcing or analytical testing for metals or additives; contamination is not on record but cannot be ruled out without third-party certification.
Source, FDA ↗Microplastic or silica shedding
Rub-on waxes do not contain declared polymeric fillers or silica; shed wax particles are hydrocarbon-based and biodegrade slowly in water, but health risk to user is negligible.
How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Swix claims PFAS-free formulations across its modern wax range, but this claim has not been independently verified by third-party testing we can cite. The brand has not published detailed safety data sheets or third-party certifications (e.g., Bluesign, OEKO-TEX) for ski waxes. No recalls or established safety incidents are on record for Swix F4 specifically.
How it compares in its category
Rub-on hydrocarbon waxes like F4 are among the simpler formulations in ski wax, avoiding spray application hazards and complex binder chemistry. Competitor brands (Toko, Voelkl, Dominator) use similar hydrocarbon blends with similar disclosure practices. Some environmentally focused brands publish PFAS test results; Swix has not, making category comparison difficult on this axis.
If you buy it
Apply in a well-ventilated space; heating wax above ~70°C releases hydrocarbon vapors that can irritate airways but are not acutely toxic at normal ski-tuning exposures. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight; wax does not degrade significantly at room temperature. Rub-on application limits skin contact; wash hands after use. Replace when worn off the ski base or if beading breaks down (typically after 50, 150 km depending on snow type).
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 45% 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.
What are the PFAS-free alternatives to Swix F4 60g Rub-On Glidewax 60 g?
- 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.