40/ 100
F
OverallF28/100
Google Pixel Waterproof Case

Google · Waterproof Personal Electronics Cases

Google Pixel Waterproof Case

F · High PFAS

Waterproof case, coating materials unspecified by Google. Limited information.

Verdict: SkipTPU case with undisclosed waterproof coating presents unknown PFAS risk and limited transparency; safe if used as intended, but coating chemistry unverified.

Google does not disclose waterproofing chemistry for this case. Waterproof coatings often contain PFAS, but Google's specific formulation is unknown. No third-party testing available.

The safe swap

iPhone 17 Pro Max SolidX

Rhinoshield

iPhone 17 Pro Max SolidX

100/100 safety

A

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

TPU/rubber waterproof case with undisclosed 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.

Hurts the grade

Category baseline

other is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.

Hurts the grade

No PFAS disclosure

No public statement about PFAS in this product.

Hurts the grade

The full breakdown

What it's made of and why it matters

Google's waterproof case is constructed from TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), a flexible synthetic rubber polymer commonly used in phone protection. The case includes an undisclosed waterproof coating or treatment that enables water resistance. TPU itself is generally considered non-toxic in normal use, but the unidentified coating is the transparency gap: waterproofing treatments often rely on fluorochemical compounds (including PFAS-class substances) to achieve water and oil repellency, and Google has not publicly specified what coating is applied.

The brand's record and disclosure

Google has not published material safety data sheets, chemical disclosures, or certifications for this accessory. The company has made no public statements about PFAS use in phone cases or waterproofing treatments. This silence contrasts with major outdoor gear and apparel brands that have begun phasing out long-chain PFAS; Google's lack of disclosure on this product makes independent verification of safer alternatives impossible. No recalls or safety incidents have been formally reported for this specific case.

How it compares in its category

Waterproof phone cases across brands typically rely on TPU or silicone bodies with fluorochemical or paraffin-based water-repellent coatings. Cases marketed with explicit fluorine-free or PFAS-free waterproofing (rare) are available from niche manufacturers but command price premiums. Google's case occupies the mainstream segment where coating composition is routinely undisclosed industry-wide. Comparable OEM cases (Apple, Samsung) similarly do not publish coating chemistry, making this product typical rather than exceptional in opacity.

If you buy it

Use the case as designed: protect the phone during water exposure, then remove and allow to air dry. Do not expose to sustained heat (avoid saunas, dishwashers, or prolonged direct sunlight). Inspect the coating annually for visible cracks, peeling, or degradation; if integrity is compromised, the waterproof function is lost and replacement is warranted. Wash the case with mild soap and water if soiled; avoid solvents or harsh scrubbing that can degrade the coating.

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.”

Possible

Undisclosed waterproofing coating chemistry

Waterproof TPU cases commonly use fluorochemical treatments; Google has not disclosed whether PFAS, short-chain fluorochemicals, or non-fluorine alternatives are used in this specific product, precluding informed assessment of coating safety.

None known

TPU polymer degradation and leaching

TPU itself is not known to leach harmful chemicals under normal phone case use conditions. No published incidents of toxicant release from TPU waterproof cases have been recorded.

Possible

Coating integrity loss over time

Waterproof coatings on TPU degrade with age, heat, UV exposure, and physical wear. Once the coating fails, water ingress can damage the phone and the case loses its protective function; replacement is then necessary.

None known

Allergen contact (rubber/TPU sensitivity)

TPU is not a known latex allergen, but some individuals may experience localized skin irritation from prolonged contact with synthetic rubbers; this is product-agnostic and uncommon.

Possible

Microplastic shedding from worn coating

As waterproof coatings flake or degrade, they may shed microparticles during handling or care. The extent and composition of shed particles are not characterized for this product.

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

iPhone 17 Pro Max SolidX

Rhinoshield

iPhone 17 Pro Max SolidX

TPE/thermoplastic elastomer protective case

A
B
PFASAll
A · Very low PFAS3 flags

Phone case; typical TPE has low PFAS risk but no brand disclosure available.

Naturally PFAS-free material

iPhone 16 Pro SolidX

Rhinoshield

iPhone 16 Pro SolidX

TPU, polycarbonate, and glass back

A
B
PFASAll
A · Very low PFAS3 flags

Phone case, lower concern for PFAS exposure risk.

Naturally PFAS-free material

Spigen Cryo Armor Case for iPhone 15 Pro Max

Spigen

Cryo Armor Case for iPhone 15 Pro Max

TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) bumper with polycarbonate back panel

B
C
PFASAll
B · Low PFAS3 flags

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.