Is Scotchgard Safe and Non-Toxic?

Toxicity Summary:

Scotchgard™ refers to many stain repellant products applied to textiles either in the factory or at home.

Based on information from a rep, SDS sheets, and patents, Scotchgard is (or could be) based on:

• Silicones/siloxanes (confirmed)
• (Meth)acrylate polymer (potential, based on patents)
• Polycarbodiimide crosslinker (potential, based on patents)
• Oxime-blocked aromatic polyisocyanates (potential)
• Hydrocarbon Urethane Polymer (based on Scotchgard India SDS)
• Styrene–maleic anhydride (SMA) copolymer (based on an SDS)
• Petrochemical solvents, (confirmed, at least in some products)

Toxicity:

The non-fluorinated polymers used in Scotchgard are chemically stable and considered inert, presenting a low systemic toxicity risk (because of low absorption, low solubility and high molecular weight) through dermal contact, says Dr. Kerdoun, Toxicologist.

The main health concern is limited to the short term inhalation or dermal contact of volatile organic solvents, such as hydrocarbon distillates, which are used as carriers in the high-concentration aerosol sprays that we looked at (not neccesarily all of their products).

Infants (because of undeveloped metabolism), pregnant women and pets are more sensitive to these effects.

Scotchgard is free of PFAS.

We did not find evidence that their formulas would contain bisphenols or phthalates.

Note: Schotchgard is no longer made of PFAS

Scotchgard™ used to be known for their PFAS-based stain guard treatments, particularly perfluorooctanyl, perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS), and an unspecified fluorochemical urethane.

However, they do not use PFAS anymore.

Over the last several years, 3M transitioned Scotchgard products to be formulated without PFAS chemistries.

Today, carpet that is pre-treated with Scotchgard products currently use formulations that do not rely on PFAS, such as a silicone-based formula, for example, said a rep for Scotchgard.

What is Scotchgard Made Of?

Scotchgard™ refers to multiple products used to provide water and stain repellency to different types of materials. Based on indirect and direct information:

• One Scotchgard formula is based on a silicone (said a rep for the company). Three or more of their SDS sheets list a silicone (no CAS number to identify it precisely), but also a resin and crosslinker with it that are also trade secrets.
  • If this lines up with one of their patents, it could be a (meth)acrylate polymer, with a polycarbodiimide crosslinker and a potential additive of siloxanes.
    • If it’s more in line with a patent that is currently pending, it would still be similar but it would be a silicone–acrylate hybrid: the silicone (polydimethylsiloxane) is built right into the polymer, can be cross-linked and hardened (with MDI-derived polycarbodiimide crosslinkers and/or oxime-blocked aromatic polyisocyanates).
• (Two India Scotchgard SDS sheets reveal a Hydrocarbon Urethane Polymer. While these SDS sheets are significantly different than the US ones, this still sounds like it could be in line with the same 2017 patent that describes a long-chain (meth)acrylate polymer that can include urethane groups and/or a urethane-type oligomer.)
• On at least one of the SDS sheets in the US, it list solvents and an undisclosed polymer.
  • Based on the types of solvents listed, the polymer could be an acrylic polymer.
• One SDS sheet for carpets and rugs lists styrene–maleic anhydride (SMA) copolymer (CAS 26022-09-3) as the main active ingredient for stain resistance (with morpholine). This is widely used in the carpet industry as “stain blockers” for nylon. It may be combined with one of their other technologies.
• Solvents
  • Their aerosol sprays, and other products, list petrochemical solvents as the carriers to the water repellent chemicals.

Toxicity/Safety Assessment of Scotchgard

Toxicity review by Dr. Kerdoun, toxicologist:

Exposure to Scotchgard products occurs almost exclusively during application and drying, not during normal post-cure use.

Once cured, the active polymers (silicone, acrylic, urethane, SMA) form high-molecular-weight, insoluble, film-forming networks bound to the substrate.

These polymers are not volatile, are not readily bioavailable, and are not expected to migrate under household conditions.

Therefore, health risk is dominated by short-term inhalation and dermal exposure to solvents and propellants during spraying, rather than chronic exposure to the cured coating.

(Source)

1. Toxicity review of SMA

Toxicity review by Dr. Kerdoun, toxicologist:

Styrene-maleic anhydride (SMA) copolymer

As a cured polymer it is generally of low systemic toxicity, but unreacted monomers (styrene, maleic anhydride) are irritants.

SMA polymers are not bioavailable in polymerized form. 

SMA is not expected to be a systemic toxicant and has a low toxicity in cured consumer coatings, but can be a skin/eye irritant in concentrated form.

It is considered safe in long-term toxicity studies when injected in rats (which is a much more direct exposure route than topical use).

(Source, Source and Source)

2. Toxicity review for acrylic urethane with silicone:

Toxicity review by Dr. Kerdoun, toxicologist:

Once the solvent evaporates and the polymer/crosslinker is cured/dry, the remaining polymer film is generally considered inert and safe for human and animal contact.

Acrylic and Acrylic-Urethane Polymers

Cured polymer: low systemic toxicity once cured.

Urethane and urea linkages formed via blocked isocyanates or carbodiimides are consumed during curing.

Residual free isocyanates are expected to be negligible in finished products when used as directed.

Monomer/residuals & crosslinkers: potential low-level residuals (unreacted isocyanates, blocked isocyanates, or carbodiimide by-products) are possible; these are typically present at trace levels in finished products and largely react during curing. 

If formaldehyde-releasing curing agents or certain crosslinkers are used, a small amount of formaldehyde could be present. 

Solvents could be eye and skin irritants

(Source and Source)

3. Toxicity Review of Silicone-Based Polymers

Toxicity review by Dr. Kordoun, toxicologist:

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and related siloxane polymers are widely used.

They have low acute and chronic toxicity, negligible oral absorption and no evidence of carcinogenicity was observed.

Silicone-based Scotchgard coatings present minimal toxicological concern after curing.

(Source, Source and Source)

Reference: Shastri, P. V. (2002). Toxicology of polymers for implant contraceptives for women. Contraception, 65(1), 9-13.

The highest toxicological concern in Scotchgard products comes from solvents and aerosol propellants, not the active stain-repellent polymers.

Common solvents identified:

• Hydrotreated light petroleum distillates
• Heptane
• Isobutane / propane
• Acetone
• Ethyl and butyl acetate

Dr. Kerdoun says, all of these solvents have a similar risk.

They will pose acute inhalation and CNS effects (dizziness, drowsiness), respiratory irritation, aspiration risk, and flammability. Hydrotreated light petroleum distillates and aromatic hydrocarbons can cause CNS depression; acetone/ethyl acetate are volatile organics that irritate mucous membranes.

These effects are the primary short-term concerns for consumer use, not the cured polymer.

Proper ventilation is critical during application until the product is thoroughly dry.

(Source and Source)

Reference: Hume, A. S., & Ho, K. (2019). Toxicity of solvents. In Basic Environmental Toxicology (pp. 157-184). CRC Press.

Is Scotchgard Safe for Babies?

The main risk is hand-to-mouth ingestion of dust or small fragments, says Dr. Kerdoun.

Cured polymers are poorly bioavailable.

Hence, ingestion of intact cured fragments is unlikely to contribute significant systemic exposure.

The bigger concern is inhalation/ingestion of solvent vapors or high VOC concentrations during (or shortly) after spraying.

Infants’ developing systems can be more vulnerable. So the ventilation is really important here. 

Same thing for pregnant women, says Dr. Kerdoun.

Source

Reference: Laslo-Baker, D., Barrera, M., Knittel-Keren, D., Kozer, E., Wolpin, J., Khattak, S., … & Koren, G. (2004). Child neurodevelopmental outcome and maternal occupational exposure to solvents. Archives of pediatrics & adolescent medicine, 158(10), 956-961.

Is Scotchgard Safe for Pets?

Route of exposure could be by inhalation of solvent vapors, dermal or oral exposure to wet residues.

Pets (like infants) are often closer to the floor where exposure is highest.

(Source)

Referenc: Bates, N. (2016). Risks from exposure to petroleum distillates in pets. Companion Animal, 21(12), 706-711. 

It is important to keep pets away during application and until dry.

Birds are really vulnerable to the VOCs and fumes from solvents.

Their respiratory systems (air sacs) make them much more sensitive to airborne toxins than humans.

Small amounts of exposure can be rapidly fatal.

It is important to remove birds from the home while spraying and until fully ventilated and dry. (Source)

If you have a bird and you are using one of the types of Scotchgard that you spray yourself at home, please consult with a vet on the exact guidelines.

Conclusions:

• The main PFAS-free stain and water-resistant coatings in Scotchgard may be based on acrylic, urethane, and siloxanes or styrene–maleic anhydride (SMA) copolymer used in some formulas.
• We would not expect non-fluorinated stain-resistant coatings to contain bisphenols like BPA
• We would not expect non-fluorinated stain-resistant coatings to contain phthalates
• It is possible for stain-resistant coatings to contain very low or trace amounts of formaldehyde

Toxicity:

• The non-fluorinated polymers used in Scotchgard are chemically stable and considered inert, presenting a low systemic toxicity risk (because of low absorption, low solubilty and high molecular weight) through dermal contact.
• The main health concern is limited to the short term inhalation or dermal contact of volatile organic solvents, such as hydrocarbon distillates, which are used as carriers in the high-concentration aerosol sprays.
• Infants (because of undeveloped metabolism), pregnant women and pets are more sensitive to these effects

Reference Materials:

ScotchGard SDS sheets

Scotchgard™ Fabric Water Shield (2025)

• Hydrotreated Light Petroleum Distillates 64742-47-8 60 – 70
• Petroleum Gases, Liquified, Sweetened 68476-86-8 23 – 27
• Proprietary Silicone Mixture 2 – 7
• Proprietary Resin 0.5 – 4
• Proprietary Crosslinker < 1

Scotchgard™ Outdoor Water Shield (2025)

• Ingredient C.A.S. No. % by Wt
• Hydrotreated Light Petroleum Distillates 64742-47-8 60 – 70
• Petroleum Gases, Liquified, Sweetened 68476-86-8 23 – 27
• Proprietary Silicone Mixture 2 – 7
• Proprietary Resin Trade Secret 0.5 – 4
• Proprietary Crosslinker < 1

Scotchgard(TM) Leather & Suede Protector

Acetone 67-64-1 30 – 60
C8-9 Alkane/Cycloalkane 64742-49-0 15 – 40
ISOBUTANE 75-28-5 10 – 30
Heptane 142-82-5 7 – 13
HYDROTREATED LIGHT PETROLEUM DISTILLATES 64742-47-8 5 – 10
Ethyl Acetate 141-78-6 1 – 5
N-Butyl Acetate 123-86-4 1 – 5
Polymer Trade Secret 1 – 5

Scotchgard™ Rug & Carpet Protector:

• WATER 7732-18-5 85 – 95
• ISOBUTANE 75-28-5 2 – 5
• STYRENE-MALEIC ANHYDRIDE COPOLYMER 26022-09-3 1 – 5
• MORPHOLINE 110-91-8 < 0.2

Scotchgard™ Auto Fabric & Carpet Water Shield (2025)

• Hydrotreated Light Petroleum Distillates 64742-47-8 60 – 70
• Petroleum Gases, Liquified, Sweetened 68476-86-8 23 – 27
• Proprietary Silicone Mixture 2 – 7
• Proprietary Resin 0.5 – 4
• Proprietary Crosslinker < 1

Scotchgard™ Protector Water Repellent PM-3705 (India Version of SDS, 2025)

Water 7732-18-5 60 – 70
Hydrocarbon Urethane Polymer Trade Secret 20 – 30
Propane-1,2-diol 57-55-6 5 – 10
Polyethylene glycol trimethylnonyl ether 60828-78-6 < 2
Quaternary ammonium compounds, cocoalkylbis(hydroxyethyl)methyl, chlorides 70750-47-9 < 1

Scotchgard™ Protective Material for Leather PM3870 (India Version SDS, 2025)

Water 7732-18-5 60 – 70
Hydrocarbon Urethane Polymer Trade Secret 20 – 25
Ethylene glycol 107-21-1 < 10
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-[3,5-dimethyl-1-(2-methylpropyl)hexyl]-.omega.-hydroxy60828-78-6 < 1.2
2-Octyl-3(2H)-Isothiazolone 26530-20-1 < 0.02

Scotchgard Patents

1. 1. Treatment of fibrous substrates with acidic silsesquioxanes emulsions (US6468587B2)

This 2001 patent describes a novel process for applying an aqueous acidic treatment comprising a silsesquioxane to a fibrous substrate; preferably carpet, to produce fibers that are totally and uniformly treated.

2. FLUORINE-FREE FIBROUS TREATING COMPOSITIONS INCLUDING A POLYCARBODIIMIDE AND AN OPTIONAL PARAFFIN WAX (WO2016130352)

A 2016 patent describing a fluorine-free composition includes at least one polycarbodiimide compound derived from a carbodiimidization reaction of a carbodiimidization reaction mixture comprising at least one oligomer, wherein the oligomer comprises at least one isocyanate end group and at least two repeating units, wherein each of the at least two repeating units comprises at least one hydrocarbon group having at least 16 carbon atoms. The composition may also include at least one paraffin wax. Such compositions are useful for treating fibrous substrates to enhance their water-repellency.

3. Fluorine-free fibrous treating compositions, treated substrates, and treating methods (WO2018031534A1)

A fluorine-free, water-repellent finish composed of (A) a film-forming polymer made from long-alkyl (meth)acrylates (side chains ~C1–C60, typically C16–C40, optionally bearing urethane/urea groups and minor functional comonomers like glycidyl methacrylate or N-methylol acrylamide), combined with at least one crosslinker: (B) a blocked-isocyanate oligomer produced by oligomerizing those long-alkyl (meth)acrylates using a mercaptan chain-transfer agent, then reacting with a polyisocyanate (preferably aromatic, e.g., MDI/PAPI) and blocking the NCO groups (e.g., MEKO) and/or (C) a polycarbodiimide formed by carbodiimidizing analogous isocyanate-ended oligomers (again typically from MDI). Optional isocyanate-reactive co-components can include long-chain alcohols, poly(oxyalkylene) segments, or polydimethylsiloxane (siloxane) segments, and the product is formulated as an aqueous dispersion with surfactants, optionally paraffin wax (mp ~40–75 °C), coalescents, antifreeze, and biostabilizers. The composition is broadly tunable, with A and B/C each present across wide weight-percent ranges, but the essence is a long-alkyl (meth)acrylate backbone plus isocyanate- or carbodiimide-based crosslinking for durable, fluorine-free repellency.

4. Fluorine-free oil-repellency for technical textiles: a work in progress (pending) (EP4301795)

This new/updated patent shifts the chemistry from the previous 2018 WO 2018031534A1 “long-alkyl (meth)acrylate + isocyanate/ polycarbodiimide crosslinker” platform to a silicone-acrylate copolymer platform designed to add some oil repellency without fluorine. It builds copolymers from (i) PDMS mono(meth)acrylates (MW ~300–10 000), (ii) a C5–C16 hydroxyalkyl (meth)acrylate, (iii) optionally a C3–C10 acid-functional (meth)acrylate (or salt), and (iv) either a C10–C30 linear alkyl (meth)acrylate or specially chosen methylated aromatic/cyclic (meth)acrylates that can crystallize/orient methyl groups at the surface to yield measurable oleophobicity (AATCC 118 rating ≥ C). In contrast, WO 2018031534A1 targets high (durable) water repellency using long-chain (meth)acrylate polymers (C16–C40) plus blocked isocyanate oligomers and/or polycarbodiimides as crosslinkers; it does not rely on silicone segments and places little emphasis on oil repellency. New elements are: silicone backbones, the purposeful use of rigid/crystalline hydrophobes to boost oil repellency, and reduced reliance on isocyanate/carbodiimide crosslinkers.

Corinne Segura is an InterNACHI-certified Healthy Homes Inspector with certifications in Building Biology, Healthier Materials and Sustainable Buildings, and more. She has 10 years of experience helping others create healthy homes. You can book a consult here.

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