Catalyst · Waterproof Phone & Tech Cases
Catalyst Total Protection Waterproof Case for iPhone 13 Pro
Unknown waterproof coating; PFAS risk unclear without disclosure.
Catalyst does not disclose PFAS use or coating chemistry. Waterproof cases often use water-repellent coating treatments that may contain PFAS, but this brand provides no transparency on materials or testing.
The safe swap
Spigen Tough Armor
iPhone 17 Series Tough Armor T AI MagFit Case
85/100 safety
Same rubric that flunked this product. The swap earned its B.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Silicone, polycarbonate, and proprietary waterproof coating
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
other 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
Catalyst uses silicone as the primary impact-absorbing layer, polycarbonate as the rigid protective shell, and applies an undisclosed proprietary waterproof coating. Silicone itself is generally stable and non-leaching under normal phone-use temperatures. Polycarbonate can shed tiny particles if repeatedly dropped or scratched, but phone case contact with skin or food is minimal. The waterproof coating's composition is the critical unknown: waterproof electronics cases often rely on Teflon-family coating or other polymers that may contain PFAS to achieve water repellency.
The brand's record and disclosure
Catalyst has not publicly disclosed the chemical composition of its waterproof coating or stated a position on PFAS use. The brand has no widely documented recalls for toxic leaching or chemical hazards in phone cases. Without third-party testing or material transparency, it is impossible to verify whether the waterproof layer contains PFAS, fluorine-free alternatives, or other concerning additives. Lack of disclosure is not proof of hazard but signals low priority on chemical transparency for this product line.
How it compares in its category
Waterproof phone cases face a generic trade-off: achieving water-tight seals and durability typically requires durable polymer coatings, many of which historically relied on PFAS chemistry. Catalyst sits in the mid-range consumer market alongside OtterBox and Spigen. Some competitors (notably Pela and a few smaller brands) have committed to PFAS-free designs, while most major players remain silent on coating chemistry. Price and drop-test performance are Catalyst's marketing strengths; chemical safety is not part of the conversation.
If you buy it
Keep the case away from prolonged heat (over 60°C) to minimize any volatilization of coating polymers. Inspect regularly for cracks, peeling, or wear, especially around seams and edges; discontinue use if coating integrity is visibly compromised. Wash hands after extended handling, particularly before eating, as a precaution against potential particulate transfer. If waterproof integrity fails, replace the case rather than attempting to repair or seal additional layers.
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.”
Coating leachables (waterproof layer)
Proprietary waterproof coating is not disclosed. PFAS is a known concern in waterproof electronics coatings, but Catalyst has not ruled it in or out. Direct skin contact is low-risk for a phone case, but exposure during manufacturing and disposal remains unknown.
Polycarbonate microparticles
Polycarbonate can degrade and shed if repeatedly dropped or scratched, but phone case exposure to skin is minimal and ingestion risk is negligible. No recalls or complaints on record for this product.
Silicone degradation under heat or UV
Silicone is chemically stable at normal use temperatures and sunlight exposure. No evidence of off-gassing or leaching from Catalyst silicone cases in standard conditions.
Adhesive or seal contamination
Waterproof seals and adhesives used to bond layers could theoretically release volatile compounds during manufacturing or after long storage, but no complaints or testing results are publicly available for this product.
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.
Safer alternatives in Waterproof Phone & Tech Cases
Spigen Tough Armor
iPhone 17 Series Tough Armor T AI MagFit Case
Polycarbonate and TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane)
No PFAS risk signals detected in this rigid plastic case.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Spigen Tough Armor
Samsung Galaxy S24
Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and polycarbonate (PC)
Lower concern. Phone case, not high-risk product category.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Spigen Tough Armor
Spigen Galaxy S23 Series Case Tough Armor
Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and polycarbonate blend
Lower concern; no known PFAS-prone materials or treatments identified.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
More waterproof phone & tech cases 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.