Dexcraft · Waterproof Personal Electronics
Overboard Waterproof Phone Case
Skip until brand discloses waterproof coating chemistry.
Dexcraft does not publicly disclose the waterproof treatment used on this phone case. Unknown coatings in waterproof products present potential PFAS exposure risk.
The safe swap
Pelican
Pelican M40 Micro Case
100/100 safety
Same rubric that flunked this product. The swap earned its A.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Polymer case with unspecified 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
Overboard cases use a polymer shell (likely polyurethane or PVC-based) with an unspecified waterproof coating applied to seams and surfaces. The coating chemistry is not publicly disclosed by Dexcraft, which is the primary concern: waterproof treatments on phone cases often rely on Teflon-family coating (Teflon-type coating or other PFAS compounds) to repel water, though some brands use non-fluorinated alternatives. Without transparency, you cannot confirm whether the coating degrades over time or leaches into contact surfaces.
The brand's record and disclosure
Dexcraft has made no public statements about PFAS content, polymer sourcing, or coating composition. No independent certifications (e.g., STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX, Cradle to Cradle, or bluesign) are advertised for this product line. The brand's silence on waterproof coating chemistry is a red flag in a product category where PFAS are common practice, making it impossible to assess chemical safety against industry benchmarks.
How it compares in its category
Waterproof phone cases typically fall into two tiers: budget polymer cases (like this one) with sealed seams and coatings, and premium options from brands like LifeProof or Spigen that disclose non-fluorinated coatings or use mechanical sealing only. Overboard's Dexcraft case is mid-market but offers less transparency than competitors; many rival cases explicitly state PFAS-free or Teflon-family coating-free formulations. The lack of disclosure puts it below more forthcoming brands in terms of chemical traceability.
If you buy it
Keep the case out of direct heat (sunlight, car dashboards) to minimize coating degradation and potential leaching into your phone or hands. Avoid placing it in contact with food or skin for extended periods until you confirm coating stability through extended use. Replace the case if you notice coating cracking, peeling, or discoloration, as compromised waterproofing may fail and coating fragments could shed. Clean with cool water and mild soap only; avoid harsh solvents that may degrade the waterproof layer faster.
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.”
Waterproof coating leachates (likely fluorochemicals or plasticizers)
Dexcraft does not disclose the waterproof coating formulation. Polymer-based waterproof coatings commonly contain PFAS or phthalate plasticizers; without testing or brand transparency, leaching risk into phone contact surfaces cannot be ruled out, especially if coating degrades over time or under UV exposure.
Polymer case base leaching (PVC or polyurethane)
If the case shell is PVC, it may contain phthalates or other plasticizers, particularly if it has flexibility. Polyurethane cases can off-gas volatile organic compounds, especially when new or exposed to heat. No material certification or composition data is available from Dexcraft to assess this risk.
Coating adhesion and microparticle shedding
Budget waterproof phone cases are commonly reported to shed coating particles when seams fray or the surface cracks after months of use. If the Overboard coating contains fluorochemicals or heavy metal pigments for opacity, shedding poses direct contact risk with skin and phones.
Thermal degradation under prolonged heat
Phone cases exposed to high temperatures (car interiors, direct sun) accelerate polymer and coating degradation. Polyurethane and unspecified waterproof coatings may release gases or leachates when heated; Dexcraft provides no guidance on temperature limits or thermal stability.
Heavy metals in pigments or colorants
No recalls or test results for lead or cadmium in Overboard/Dexcraft cases are on record. However, budget polymer cases with colored or opaque coatings sometimes use low-cost pigments with heavy metal content; Dexcraft's silence on this makes assessment impossible.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 35% 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 Personal Electronics
Pelican
M40 Micro Case
Polypropylene copolymer plastic case with solid construction, no Teflon-family coating
Lower PFAS concern. Rigid PP case with no waterproofing treatment.
✓Naturally PFAS-free material
Urban Armor Gear (UAG)
Pathfinder MagSafe Case for iPhone
Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and metal alloy components
Lower concern. TPU phone case has minimal PFAS risk profile.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Urban Armor Gear (UAG)
Pathfinder Case for Galaxy
TPU polymer, impact-resistant composite
Lower concern, but no PFAS transparency from UAG.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
More waterproof personal electronics 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.