Do waterproof outdoor jackets contain PFAS that get absorbed through your skin?

What's actually in it

Waterproof and water-repellent outdoor jackets often rely on PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) to keep rain and moisture out. These chemicals create an invisible barrier on the fabric that makes water bead up and roll off. Brands use names like "DWR" (durable water repellent) to describe this coating, but the active ingredient is usually a PFAS compound.

PFAS don't break down in the environment or in your body. They build up over time, which is why they're called "forever chemicals." You can absorb them through your skin, especially when you sweat during activity and the jacket is pressed against your body.

What the research says

A 2026 study in Environ Res from the Korean National Environmental Health Survey looked at the connection between outdoor clothing use and PFAS levels in the blood. People who wore outdoor clothing more frequently had significantly higher serum levels of several PFAS compounds, including PFOA and PFOS.

This is one of the first large population studies to directly link wearing PFAS-treated clothing to measurable increases in blood contamination. The finding is important because it confirms that skin contact with treated fabrics is a real route of exposure, not just a theoretical one.

Higher PFAS blood levels have been associated with thyroid disease, immune suppression, elevated cholesterol, and increased cancer risk. Kids and pregnant women are especially vulnerable.

Several outdoor brands now offer PFAS-free waterproof jackets using alternatives like wax coatings or silicone-based treatments. Look for labels that say "PFC-free" or "fluorine-free" when shopping for rain gear.