Holmenkol · Ski Wax
Holmenkol Grip Wax
Lower PFAS concern; traditional wax formulation unlikely to contain intentional fluorochemicals.
Holmenkol Grip Wax is a hydrocarbon-based ski/snowboard wax designed for friction control. The brand makes no PFAS claims or disclosures. Grip waxes are not typically formulated with Teflon-type coating or Teflon-family coating, they rely on natural and synthetic waxes, so PFAS risk is lower than for water-repellent or nonstick products,…
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Hydrocarbon wax blend (ski/snowboard grip wax)
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
Holmenkol Grip Wax is a hydrocarbon-based blend designed for ski and snowboard base friction and traction. Unlike fluorinated waxes, it relies on paraffin and other saturated hydrocarbon chains, which carry no known acute toxicity or persistent bioaccumulation concerns. The wax melts at moderate temperatures (typically 40-60°C) and is applied by friction or gentle heating, so complete combustion or fume generation is unlikely during normal ski prep.
The brand's record and disclosure
Holmenkol is a long-established German ski-wax manufacturer with no major product recalls or safety controversies on record. The company does not publicly disclose detailed ingredient lists or third-party test results for this product, which is standard practice in the ski-wax industry but limits independent verification. No certifications (e.g., eco-label, toxicology testing) are prominently advertised for Grip Wax.
How it compares in its category
Grip wax products typically use hydrocarbon blends and are considered lower-risk than liquid or aerosol wax sprays, which pose inhalation hazards. Holmenkol's formula sits in the mainstream category: solid wax, no fluorine additives, no reported heavy-metal contamination. It is functionally and chemically comparable to competitors like Swix, Toko, and Briko-Maplus in the non-fluorinated grip-wax segment.
If you buy it
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat or sunlight to prevent unwanted softening or oxidation. Apply with minimal heating (fingering, cork application, or low-temp iron) to avoid smoke or thermal degradation. Wash hands after application to avoid skin contact over prolonged periods. Replace when the wax becomes waxy or loses grip effectiveness, typically every 1-2 ski seasons depending on use frequency.
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.”
Hydrocarbon skin contact and sensitization
Prolonged skin contact with mineral oil and paraffin wax can cause mild irritation or contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. Risk is low with brief handling, but gloves are recommended during application.
Thermal degradation fumes if overheated
If applied with excessive heat (e.g., iron set above 60°C or open flame), hydrocarbon waxes may release volatile organic compounds or smoke. Risk is minimized by following low-heat application guidance.
Heavy-metal impurities in hydrocarbon feedstock
Refined hydrocarbon waxes are not documented to concentrate lead, cadmium, or other heavy metals. No contamination has been reported for Holmenkol products.
Microplastic or particulate shedding
Solid wax does not shed microplastics. Wear particles from the wax layer on skis are hydrocarbon-based and not classified as synthetic microplastics.
Inhalation hazard from aerosol or powder dust
Grip Wax is a solid block; no aerosol propellants, powder particles, or volatile solvents are involved in normal use.
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
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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
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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
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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.