Salomon · Synthetic Athletic Wear
Salomon Active Skin 4
Skip until brand discloses water-repellent coating chemistry or switches to PFAS-free alternatives.
Salomon Active Skin 4 uses water-resistant treatment with no public PFAS disclosure. Unknown water-repellent coating formulation presents uncertain exposure risk.
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Material
Synthetic blend with water-repellent coating finish
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
Category baseline
clothing is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
The Salomon Active Skin 4 is a synthetic blend (likely polyester and elastane base) with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finish applied to the fabric surface. The water-repellent coating chemistry is not publicly disclosed by Salomon, which is the primary concern: many water-repellent coating treatments historically relied on PFAS-based compounds, though some brands have shifted to PFAS-free alternatives. The elastane component adds stretch and breathability; polyester itself is stable under normal wear but can shed microfibers during washing.
The brand's record and disclosure
Salomon (owned by Amer Sports) does not publicly disclose the chemistry of its water-repellent coating finishes or provide PFAS-free product certifications on most apparel lines. The brand has not signed pledges to eliminate PFAS like some competitors (e.g., Patagonia's commitment) and maintains limited transparency on restricted substance lists. This silence on water-repellent coating chemistry is a significant red flag in an industry where transparency is increasingly expected.
How it compares in its category
Active sportswear with water-repellent coating finishes is common; Salomon's positioning is mid-to-premium. Competitors like Arc'teryx, Patagonia, and some newer brands now offer PFAS-free or disclosed water-repellent coating options, setting a higher standard. The Active Skin 4's lack of public chemistry disclosure puts it below leaders in transparency, though the core synthetic blend itself is not unusual or hazardous.
If you buy it
Wash in cool water with gentle detergent; avoid fabric softeners and heat drying, which can accelerate microfiber shedding and degrade elastane. Expect the water-repellent coating finish to diminish after 10-15 washes; reapplication products exist but add another layer of uncertain chemistry. If PFAS exposure is a concern, contact Salomon directly to request water-repellent coating ingredient disclosure before purchase. Store dry and away from direct heat to extend garment life.
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.”
Formaldehyde resins in synthetic fabric finishes
Synthetic blends sometimes receive formaldehyde-based wrinkle or shape-retention treatments; Salomon does not publicly disclose finish chemistry, so presence is unconfirmed but not ruled out.
Azo dyes in colored polyester
Polyester-elastane blends can be dyed with azo colorants, some of which release carcinogenic amines under certain conditions; Salomon's dye standards are not publicly detailed.
Microfiber shedding from synthetic blend
Polyester and elastane garments release microfibers during washing; the Active Skin 4's synthetic construction makes this inevitable, though properly maintained washing (cool water, less frequent) reduces shedding.
Elastane degradation over time
Elastane loses elasticity with repeated washing, heat exposure, and UV exposure; this is cosmetic rather than a safety hazard but can affect garment integrity and eventual discarding.
Undisclosed water-repellent coating chemistry (non-PFAS hazards)
Even PFAS-free water-repellent coating finishes may contain proprietary chemicals with limited toxicology data; Salomon's silence prevents assessment of alternatives being used (e.g., wax-based, silicone-based, other fluorine-free options).
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 35% 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 Synthetic Athletic Wear
Arc'teryx
Men's Cormac Logo Shirt
100% polyester knit, no water-repellent treatment
Lower concern. Basic polyester tee with no water-repellent coating finish.
⚠Risky category by default
HOKA
Men's Race Day Singlet
polyester mesh and fabric
Lower concern. No waterproofing or water-repellent coating treatment typical for race singlets.
⚠Risky category by default
HOKA
Men's Race Day Singlet Crew Neck Running Tank top
Polyester/nylon blend athletic knit, no disclosed water-repellent coating or stain treatment
Lower concern. No performance coatings disclosed on this running tank.
⚠Risky category by default
More synthetic athletic wear 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.