Hertel · Ski Wax
Hertel Rub N Go All-Temperature Ski & Snowboard Wax 2.5 oz — No Iron, 8+ Applications, Made in USA
Lower PFAS concern for typical paraffin-based ski wax; no red flags in public data.
Hertel's Rub N Go is a traditional hydrocarbon ski wax formulation with no disclosed PFAS-containing additives. Ski waxes are not a typical PFAS application; however, the brand makes no explicit PFAS claim and provides no third-party testing.
Shop Hertel on Amazon →Material
Hydrocarbon ski/snowboard wax (paraffin or blend)
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Category baseline
other is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Hertel Rub N Go is a hydrocarbon-based ski wax, typically a blend of paraffin and natural waxes without fluorinated compounds. Paraffin wax is a petroleum byproduct with a long safety history in consumer products. The 'no iron' formulation means it is designed for hand application and solid-state rubbing onto skis or boards, eliminating fume inhalation risk from heated wax steam that iron-on application creates. This material class has minimal chemical reactivity at room temperature and low volatility.
The brand's record and disclosure
Hertel is a USA-based ski wax manufacturer with a established but modest public profile. The company does not publish detailed safety data sheets or ingredient transparency on its website; Hertel's stance on PFAS content is not publicly stated, typical of smaller wax brands that do not market fluorine-free status. No recalls, lawsuits, or safety controversies involving Hertel ski wax appear in public records. The brand's 'Made in USA' claim is verifiable and supports domestic manufacturing oversight.
How it compares in its category
Paraffin-based non-iron waxes occupy the lower-cost, lower-performance tier of ski wax. They lack the glide speed and durability of fluorinated or fully synthetic alternatives but eliminate fume exposure. Hand-rubbed paraffin waxes are simpler chemically and do not require iron safety management. Most recreational and beginner ski waxes in this price range use similar hydrocarbon bases, making Hertel a category-typical choice rather than a safer or riskier outlier.
If you buy it
Apply in a dry, well-ventilated space; paraffin wax is not volatile but dust inhalation during scraping is possible, so light dust protection is prudent. Do not heat this product; it is formulated for room-temperature rubbing and will smoke if melted on an iron. Replace when the stick becomes thin or uneven, typically after 8 to 10 full-day ski outings depending on snow and temperature. Store in a cool, dry place; paraffin wax does not expire but will soften if left in direct sunlight or heat.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
Petroleum hydrocarbon residue and skin contact
Paraffin wax can leave oily residue on hands and skis. Extended or repeated skin contact may cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals, but systemic toxicity from paraffin is not established. Wash hands after application to avoid transfer to face or eyes.
Dust inhalation during scraping and buffing
Rubbing and scraping ski wax generates fine particulate matter. Prolonged inhalation in enclosed spaces could irritate respiratory passages. No asbestos or silica contamination is known in paraffin ski waxes, but baseline dust precaution is reasonable.
Additive heavy metals (lead, cadmium) in colorants or hardeners
Hertel does not disclose additive composition publicly. Paraffin ski waxes typically use minimal additives; heavy metal contamination in this product category is rare and not documented for Hertel. No advisory exists.
Thermal decomposition fumes if misused with heat
If heated above 150°C (e.g., on an iron despite 'no iron' label), paraffin wax will smoke and release volatile organic compounds. Proper room-temperature application eliminates this risk entirely.
Microplastic shedding into snow and waterways
All ski waxes, including paraffin-based products, shed into snow and can fragment into microplastics over time. This is an environmental concern rather than a direct consumer health hazard, but worth noting for eco-conscious users.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 72% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
Safer alternatives in Ski Wax
Start
Star Nf Non-Fluoro Ski Glide Wax 60 G
hydrocarbon ski wax (non-fluorinated)
Lower concern, non-fluoro wax avoids PFAS-laden fluorinated alternatives, but verify formulation transparency.
⚠Risky category by default
Start
Kick Wax Synthetic
Synthetic hydrocarbon wax blend
Lower concern. Synthetic ski wax lacks typical PFAS applications, but composition opacity warrants caution.
⚠Risky category by default
Start
Basewax
Wax-based product (beeswax, plant waxes, or mineral wax blend)
Lower-concern choice; wax-based products typically don't require PFAS, but verify ingredient list.
⚠Risky category by default
More ski 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.