Water and Stain Protectant vs Leather Lotion 4.0 oz: which is safer?

Merrell Leather Lotion 4.0 oz is our pick: better on PFAS and on the overall hazard picture.

Columbia

Water and Stain Protectant

PFAS grade

F 20/100

Overall grade

F 0/100

Verdict

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Hazard flags

⚑ 4

Material

Unspecified water and stain repellent coating on textile

Confidence

35%

LikelyPFAS-type fluorocarbon coating (non-PFAS-specific assessment)

PossibleCoating degradation and microparticle release

PossibleVolatile organic compound (VOC) off-gassing

Why this grade

Our pick

Merrell

Leather Lotion 4.0 oz

PFAS grade

D 65/100

Overall grade

F 43/100

Verdict

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Hazard flags

⚑ 4

Material

Leather conditioning lotion, composition unspecified

Confidence

45%

ReportedFormulation transparency / undisclosed ingredients

PossibleSkin irritation / sensitization from fragrance or additives

PossibleVolatile organic compounds (VOC) during application

Why this grade

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 stain-resistant footwear: see the full ranking