Google · Waterproof Personal Electronics Cases
Google Pixel 10 Pro XL IP68 Waterproof Full‐Body Case
IP68 waterproofing raises concern; Google discloses no PFAS details.
IP68-rated phone cases typically use water-repellent coating coatings that often contain PFAS. Google provides no material transparency or PFAS claim, leaving waterproofing chemistry unclear.
The safe swap
Rhinoshield
iPhone 17 Pro Max SolidX
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
Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or silicone with unspecified waterproof treatment
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
This case is constructed from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or silicone elastomer, both soft polymers chosen for grip and shock absorption. The IP68 waterproofing requires a chemical treatment, likely a Teflon-family coating or hydrophobic nano-coating, applied to seal seams and pores. Google has not disclosed the specific waterproof agent or whether it contains PFAS (perfluorinated chemicals), which are known to persist in the environment and bioaccumulate. The material itself is non-toxic under normal use, but the durability and composition of the waterproof layer remains opaque.
The brand's record and disclosure
Google does not publish detailed safety data sheets or material disclosures for its accessory products, including this case. The company has made public commitments to reduce PFAS in apparel and textiles, but extends no such commitment to phone accessories or their coatings. No independent recalls or health warnings specific to this case have been issued. Google's silence on waterproofing chemistry is consistent with industry practice but leaves consumers without assurance that PFAS-free alternatives were chosen.
How it compares in its category
Phone cases are typically silicone, TPU, or polycarbonate blends; this one uses the more flexible and grip-friendly end of the spectrum. Most mainstream brands (Apple, Samsung, OtterBox) also do not disclose waterproof coating chemistry, making this case representative rather than unique in its opacity. Cases that explicitly advertise PFAS-free waterproofing or use mechanical seals rather than chemical coatings do exist but are less common and often pricier. Google's case sits in the middle: trusted brand, standard materials, but no differentiation on chemical safety.
If you buy it
Avoid prolonged exposure to heat above 60°C (140°F) or direct sunlight for extended periods, as TPU can soften and the coating may degrade. Inspect the seams and corners every 6, 12 months for peeling, cracking, or discoloration; if coating visibly deteriorates, waterproofing is compromised and replacement is warranted. Clean with mild soap and lukewarm water only; avoid strong solvents, bleach, or abrasive scrubbing, which can strip the waterproof layer. Do not assume it will survive submersion in chlorinated pools or salt water repeatedly; rinse with fresh water after such exposure.
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 degradation and uncontrolled leaching
The waterproof treatment is the weakest link; once it degrades (cracks, peels, or flakes), chemicals from the underlying polymer or residual coating residues may leach onto skin or into the phone's charging contacts. No long-term stability data is available for this specific product.
Thermal decomposition of TPU/silicone when overheated
Prolonged exposure above 70°C can cause TPU and some silicones to release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or break down into irritant byproducts. Phone cases left in hot cars or near heat sources carry this risk, though it is low under typical use.
Phthalates in flexible TPU formulations
Modern TPU cases increasingly use phthalate-free plasticizers, but older or lower-cost TPU formulations may still contain them. Google does not specify the plasticizer package, so exposure cannot be ruled out with certainty, though risk is minimal during normal contact.
Undisclosed PFAS in waterproof treatment
Teflon-family coating coatings used for water resistance in consumer goods commonly contain PFAS or PFAS alternatives; Google's silence on this point means PFAS presence cannot be excluded and raises warranted consumer concern.
Microabrasion and particulate shedding
Silicone and TPU do not typically shed microplastics under normal use or even moderate wear. Risk is near-zero unless the case is aggressively abraded or compressed repeatedly, which is not expected during phone protection.
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 Cases
Rhinoshield
iPhone 17 Pro Max SolidX
TPE/thermoplastic elastomer protective case
Phone case; typical TPE has low PFAS risk but no brand disclosure available.
✓Naturally PFAS-free material
Rhinoshield
iPhone 16 Pro SolidX
TPU, polycarbonate, and glass back
Phone case, lower concern for PFAS exposure risk.
✓Naturally PFAS-free material
Spigen
Cryo Armor Case for iPhone 15 Pro Max
TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) bumper with polycarbonate back panel
Lower PFAS concern; standard phone case materials lack obvious PFAS indicators.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
More waterproof personal electronics 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.