PFAS40/ 100Poor
Overall10/ 100Bad
Dakine Race Run Spray On Wax

Dakine · Ski & Sports Wax

Dakine Race Run Spray On Wax

Poor

Skip. Spray wax formulation opaque; potential water or stain repellent chemistry.

Verdict · SkipOpaque formulation, undisclosed chemistry, potential PFAS-containing water/stain repellent agents, and silent brand transparency make this a high-uncertainty purchase.

This spray-on wax has undisclosed coating chemistry. No PFAS transparency; potential water-repellent treatment raises concern without brand clarity.

The better-graded swap

Dakine Indy Hot Wax

Dakine

Dakine Indy Hot Wax

85/100 safety

85Excellent

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

Spray-on wax coating, formulation undisclosed

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.

90/ 100
♾️

No PFAS disclosure

No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.

85/ 100
♾️

Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment

Water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.

65/ 100
💨

Solvent and propellant inhalation (VOC exposure)

Spray-on wax products universally contain volatile organic compounds and pressurized propellants (often hydrocarbons or compressed gases). Uncontrolled inhalation during application poses acute respiratory irritation and headache risk, especially in poorly ventilated spaces. No specific safety data is published for this product.

20/ 100
🏷️

PFAS

Spray-on waxes designed for water repellency often rely on fluorinated compounds or newer non-fluorinated repellents (silicones, etc.). The Waxel product does not disclose which approach is used. If fluorinated, legacy PFAS risk exists; if novel alternatives, long-term safety data may be limited.

Source, ATSDR
70/ 100
🫧

Microparticle or aerosol deposition on skin and respiratory tract

Spray application creates fine aerosol particles that settle on skin, lungs, and untargeted surfaces. While typical wax particles are low-toxicity, the lack of formulation data prevents assessment of additives (silica thickeners, metal oxides, dyes) that might be present and inhaled.

70/ 100
🏷️

Allergen or sensitization potential from undisclosed additives

Fragrance, preservatives, or dyes may be present in the spray formulation to improve cosmetic appeal or stability. Without a full ingredient disclosure, the risk of contact sensitization cannot be ruled out, particularly for individuals with chemical sensitivities.

70/ 100

What’s reassuring

Fabric degradation or finish sensitivity

No reported cases of damage to athletic or outdoor fabrics from this specific product. However, repeated spray-wax application can occlude fabric breathability and accelerate wear if not applied correctly or removed periodically.

95/ 100

The full breakdown

What it's made of and why it matters

Dakine Race Run Spray On Wax is an aerosol-based coating product with a non-disclosed formulation. Spray-on waxes typically contain hydrocarbon waxes, silicones, propellants, and solvents; many in this category include water or stain repellent chemistry that may incorporate PFAS compounds (perfluorinated compounds used to achieve durable water repellency). Without an ingredient list or Safety Data Sheet publicly available for this specific Waxel product, the actual chemical composition cannot be verified. The lack of transparency is the primary safety concern.

The brand's record and disclosure

Waxel (the manufacturer behind the Dakine Race Run line) has not publicly disclosed a formulation list, Safety Data Sheet, or PFAS policy for this product. No third-party certifications (such as Bluesign, GOTS, or OEKO-TEX) appear to be claimed. No recalls or established safety controversies are on record for this specific product, but the absence of transparency regarding PFAS use in water-repellent formulations suggests a company posture of minimal disclosure rather than a commitment to reduced chemical concern.

How it compares in its category

Spray-on waxes for athletic or outdoor apparel fall into a low-regulation category where formulation diversity is high. Competitors vary widely, some brands (Nikwax, for instance) publish ingredient disclosures and explicitly avoid PFAS; others remain similarly opaque. The fact that Waxel does not voluntarily disclose places this product in the less-transparent tier. Traditional paste or liquid waxes applied by hand generally carry lower inhalation risk and allow easier ingredient verification.

If you buy it

Use only in well-ventilated areas or outdoors; aerosol propellants and solvent vapors pose respiratory irritation risk even when PFAS is not a concern. Avoid inhaling spray mist directly. Allow treated fabric to dry fully (at least 2-4 hours) before wearing or packing. Do not use on synthetic fabrics near heat sources. Reapply only when water repellency visibly diminishes; overuse accumulates product buildup. If respiratory irritation, skin sensitization, or odor sensitivity occurs, discontinue use and wash the treated item.

What we don’t know

Basis
Model estimate, 35% confidence, not a lab result
Lab test
None on record for this exact product
Brand statement
Dakine has made none

Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.

Better-graded alternatives in Ski & Sports Wax

Swix PS10 Yellow Wax

Swix

PS10 Yellow Wax

Hydrocarbon-based ski wax (paraffin/synthetic blend)

PFAS Grade100Excellent
Overall Grade84Excellent
⚠️

Combustion by-products during hot application

Limited concern

70
⚠️

Skin and eye contact irritation

Limited concern

70
⚠️

Ingestion toxicity (accidental exposure)

Limited concern

70
⚠️

Microabrasive particulates from worn base or scraping

Limited concern

70

Brand PFAS statement on record, which we have not verified.

Brand claims PFAS-free (unverified)

Swix PS7 Violet Ski Snowboard Glide Wax

Swix

PS7 Violet Ski Snowboard Glide Wax

Hydrocarbon wax blend (paraffin/synthetic hydrocarbon base)

PFAS Grade100Excellent
Overall Grade92Excellent
⚠️

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from heating

Limited concern

70
💨

Inhalation of wax dust during application

Limited concern

70

Brand PFAS statement on record, which we have not verified.

Brand claims PFAS-free (unverified)

Maplus Arctic Base Fluor Free 1 kg

Maplus

Arctic Base Fluor Free 1 kg

ski wax base, fluorine-free formulation

PFAS Grade100Excellent
Overall Grade92Excellent
💨

Hydrocarbon volatiles and inhalation risk

Limited concern

70
♾️

PFAS

Limited concern

70

Brand PFAS statement on record, which we have not verified.

Brand claims PFAS-free (unverified)

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.