North Glidewax Universal 180g vs Natural Ski Wax and Snowboard Wax: which is safer?

Purl Natural Ski Wax and Snowboard Wax is the clear pick. North Glidewax Universal 180g carries a failing PFAS grade, and we never recommend buying a failing product.

North Glidewax Universal 180g

Burton

North Glidewax Universal 180g

PFAS grade

F 50/100

Overall grade

F 24/100

Verdict

Skip

Hazard flags

⚑ 5

Material

Hydrocarbon-based ski/snowboard wax blend

Confidence

35%

PossibleHydrocarbon oil vapors during application (thermal off-gassing)

PossibleProprietary additive composition unknown

PossibleSkin or eye contact irritation

Our pick

Purl Natural Ski Wax and Snowboard Wax

Purl

Natural Ski Wax and Snowboard Wax

PFAS grade

A 100/100

Overall grade

A 92/100

Verdict

Buy

Hazard flags

⚑ 2

Material

Natural wax blend, hydrocarbon base

Confidence

72%

PossibleVolatile organic compounds (VOCs) from heating

PossibleOxidation byproducts from prolonged air exposure

Both products run through the same public rubric: materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls, plus a beyond-PFAS hazard analysis. Grades are model-based estimates, not lab tests. How grades work →

More ski wax & winter sports wax: see the full ranking