Is HexClad Non-Toxic? A Clear Look At TerraBond, The Lawsuit, And Safety

HexClad cookware has become very popular, possibly at least in part because it is promoted by celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay. The brand promises a mix of stainless steel strength and nonstick ease. Many home cooks love its look and performance.

However, one important question remains: Is HexClad actually non-toxic — or is it just marketed that way?

To answer that, we need to look at the TerraBond ceramic coating, third-party testing claims, manufacturing transparency, and the HexClad lawsuit.

Let’s take a closer look.

Is HexClad Actually Non-Toxic?

To begin with, HexClad says its cookware no longer uses PTFE, a “forever chemical” used in traditional non-stick coatings like Teflon. That is a positive change.

However, the company now uses something called TerraBond ceramic whose full composition is not publicly disclosed.

Because the coating formula is proprietary and not fully transparent, I cannot confidently call HexClad non-toxic.

In other words, while newer HexClad cookware may be safer than older PTFE pans, there is not enough information to confirm it is fully non-toxic.

What Is HexClad Made Of?

HexClad non-stick pans are known for their hybrid construction which consists of a layer of aluminum sandwiched between two layers of stainless steel. The interior features a unique hexagonal pattern, created through laser etching, which is then coated with a nonstick surface.

Let’s break it down:

• Stainless steel exterior – to provide durability and resistance to rust and staining
• Aluminum core – to ensure even heat distribution
• Laser-etched hexagon pattern to enhance the non-stick surface and allow for the use of metal utensils
• TerraBond ceramic nonstick coating.

What Is TerraBond Ceramic? (And Is TerraBond Toxic?)

TerraBond ceramic is HexClad’s current, allegedly nonstick coating. The company says it is free from PTFE, PFAS, lead, and cadmium.

That sounds reassuring. However, when asked “What is TerraBond made of?” the company describes its formula as “proprietary.”

Specifically, in May 2025, I reached out to the company requesting the full composition of its ceramic coating and received the following response:

This raises an important question: Is TerraBond toxic?

At this time, we do not know the full ingredient list. Without full disclosure, it is difficult to fully evaluate safety. Transparency matters.

Moreover, ceramic coatings in general can break down over time. Theoretically, high heat can weaken the surface, and when coatings degrade, they may release particles or fumes (although I have no knowledge that this happens with HexClad). Learn more in my blog post Is Ceramic Coating Safe?.

The HexClad Lawsuit Explained

In 2023, HexClad cookware faced a class action lawsuit. The complaint alleged that the company’s advertising about its nonstick cookware was misleading (source).

The lawsuit said HexClad marketed its pans as non-toxic, PFAS-free, and PFOA-free, even though some products previously used chemicals in the PFAS family.

To resolve these claims without a lengthy trial, HexClad agreed to a settlement providing cash payments to eligible buyers. As of February 2026, the settlement received final approval in court. This means the case is mostly resolved, though payments and administration may continue into 2026 (source).

Overall, the HexClad lawsuit did not affirmatively find that HexClad cookware is unsafe. Instead, it focused on the accuracy and clarity of HexClad’s marketing language about safety.

Third-Party Testing And Detection Limits — What We Don’t Know

HexClad states that its cookware was third-party tested for “forever chemicals” and that results were “non-detect.”

At first glance, this sounds reassuring. However, we need to understand what “non-detect” means.

A “detection limit” is the smallest amount for which a lab measures a chemical. If a chemical is below that level, the lab reports “not detected.”

But “not detected” does not always mean “zero.”

For example:

• Lab A can detect down to 1 ppm.
• Lab B can detect down to 0.01 ppm.

If a product contains 0.05 ppm of a substance:

• Lab A reports “non-detect.”
• Lab B detects it.

Therefore, detection limits matter. Without knowing those limits, we cannot fully interpret the test results.

Is HexClad Made In China?

According to the company, HexClad products are designed in Los Angeles and South Korea. However, they are manufactured in China.

Manufacturing in China does not automatically mean a product is unsafe. Many high-quality products are made there.

However, quality control and transparency are key.

How HexClad Compares To Truly Non-Toxic Cookware

If you want cookware with maximum transparency, consider materials that do not rely on synthetic coatings, such as:

• stainless steel
• glass
• cast iron
• carbon steel
• uncoated titanium

These materials do not use nonstick chemical layers. Instead, they rely on seasoning, proper heating, or natural surfaces.

For example, stainless steel can cook beautifully when preheated correctly. See here how my husband uses this cookware to make fried eggs effortlessly slide off a stainless-steel frying pan.

Next, glass is fully inert for baking. And cast iron, carbon steel, and uncoated titanium develop a natural nonstick patina.

You can learn more about these materials in my Guide To Safe Cookware.

Who HexClad Might Work For — And Who Should Avoid It

HexClad cookware may work well for people or cooks who:

• want convenience
• cook at medium heat
• like hybrid stainless and nonstick features.

However, HexClad may not be ideal if you:

• avoid proprietary coatings
• cook on high heat
• strictly adhere to low-tox living standards.

Understanding your own priorities is important.

Final Takeaway: Is HexClad Safe?

What we know is that, reportedly, HexClad cookware is no longer PTFE-based, which sounds good. Instead, it uses something HexClad calls TerraBond ceramic coating whose composition, however, is undisclosed, and detailed lab detection limits are not publicly available.

Therefore, while HexClad cookware may be safer than conventional nonstick pans, I cannot confidently call HexClad safe.

If full transparency and coating-free materials matter most to you, safer and more transparent cookware options exist.

For instance, I interchangeably use stainless steel cookware and cast-iron cookware in my kitchen. For baking and table setting, I use beautiful French glassware.

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