Leather Lotion 4.0 oz vs Waterproof Leather & Suede Protector Spray: which is safer?

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

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

Tarrago

Waterproof Leather & Suede Protector Spray

PFAS grade

F 20/100

Overall grade

F 0/100

Verdict

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Hazard flags

⚑ 4

Material

Proprietary waterproof/stain-resist coating on leather/suede

Confidence

45%

LikelyPFAS in waterproofing chemistry

ReportedVolatile organic compound (VOC) inhalation from solvents and propellants

PossibleFormaldehyde or formaldehyde releasers in resin binders

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