Waterproofing Company · Stain-Resistant Footwear
NIKWAX Nubuck & Suede Waterproofing Spray
PFAS status unknown; brand does not disclose treatment chemistry.
Nikwax uses silicone-based water-repellent coating but provides no public disclosure of PFAS content. No independent lab data or certifications available to confirm safety.
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Material
Silicone-based waterproofing treatment (composition undisclosed)
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
Nikwax Nubuck & Suede Waterproofing is a silicone-based spray treatment; the exact chemical formulation is proprietary and not publicly disclosed by the brand. Silicone waterproofing treatments are generally considered lower-toxicity alternatives to fluorocarbon coatings, but lack of ingredient transparency prevents full hazard assessment. The product is solvent-based (wax and silicone suspended in a carrier fluid), which means volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are released during application.
The brand's record and disclosure
Nikwax (owned by Waterproofing Company) has a reputation for water-based and lower-impact textile treatments but does not publicly disclose full formulation details or PFAS testing for this product. The brand holds no major certifications (Bluesign, OEKO-TEX, etc.) for this spray. No recalls or safety controversies are on public record for this specific product, but silence on PFAS and VOC content is a red flag in the waterproofing category, where fluorocarbon use was historically common.
How it compares in its category
Spray-on silicone treatments occupy a middle ground between highly fluorinated waxes (higher PFAS risk) and water-based gel treatments (lower VOC). Nikwax's silicone approach is less volatile than solvent-heavy aerosol sprays but more so than brush-on liquids. Competitors like Crep Protect and Grangers also use silicone or wax bases with similar disclosure gaps; this product is typical for the spray category rather than an outlier.
If you buy it
Apply outdoors or in well-ventilated spaces to minimize inhalation of VOCs during spraying. Allow treated garments to dry fully (2-4 hours minimum) in open air before wearing or storing. Do not apply near heat sources or open flame. Reapply annually or after heavy wear, as silicone coatings degrade over time and lose water-repellency. Wash treated garments separately to avoid transferring residue; some users report slight stiffness after treatment.
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.”
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from solvent carrier
Silicone-based sprays rely on solvent carriers; inhalation during application can cause headache, dizziness, and respiratory irritation. Brand does not quantify VOC content or list solvent type.
Formaldehyde in finish resins
No public evidence that this product contains formaldehyde releasers; silicone and wax waterproofing typically avoid formaldehyde. Unconfirmed for this product specifically due to undisclosed formula.
Skin and eye irritation from direct contact
Spray application poses splash risk; product safety data sheet is not publicly available, limiting guidance on acute irritation potential. Standard precaution is glove use and eye protection.
Coating buildup and microabrasion on fabric
Repeated applications of silicone or wax can stiffen delicate nubuck and suede, potentially causing fiber damage or loss of breathability over time. User reports suggest this is minor but present.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 45% 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.
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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.