Mpowerd · Waterproof Smartphone Cases
Mpow Waterproof Phone Case
Unknown waterproof coating composition; skip without brand transparency
Mpow does not disclose the coating chemistry used for waterproofing this phone case. Standard industry practice for waterproof consumer electronics often involves PFAS-based water-repellent coating treatments, though not always confirmed here.
The safe swap
Mophie
Mophie Juice Pack Battery Case for iPhone 15
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
Polymer case with waterproof coating, composition unspecified
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
Mpow's case uses an unspecified polymer shell with a waterproof coating of unknown chemical composition. Waterproof coatings on phone cases are typically polyurethane, silicone, or Teflon-family coating-based; the brand does not publicly disclose which. Without transparency, the risk profile for PFAS or other coating leachates cannot be assessed. Polymer casings themselves (likely TPU or PVC) are generally stable when not exposed to heat or prolonged skin contact.
The brand's record and disclosure
Mpowerd (Mpow) does not publicly maintain material safety datasheets, chemical disclosure statements, or PFAS testing reports on their website or product documentation. No independent certifications (such as Oeko-Tex or GreenGuard) are listed for this product. The brand has no known major recalls or safety controversies on record, but silence on coating composition is a material disclosure gap for a waterproof product.
How it compares in its category
Most budget waterproof phone cases (Spigen, OtterBox, LifeProof) similarly lack detailed coating disclosures, making Mpow typical rather than exceptional in this regard. Mid-to-premium alternatives sometimes specify materials (e.g., Oeko-Tex certified TPU) but rarely disclose waterproofing chemistry either. The category as a whole has weak transparency on waterproof coatings, which is a known pain point for PFAS advocacy.
If you buy it
Avoid prolonged skin contact with the interior coating; use as a protective barrier, not a wearable accessory. Do not expose to heat sources (direct sun, hot water, near heaters) as coating stability at temperature is unknown. Replace if coating begins to peel or discolor. Store in a cool, dry place and rinse with cool water only if needed; do not use soap or alcohol on the seams.
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.”
Polymer coating leachates (PFAS or Teflon-family coating residue)
Waterproof coating chemistry is proprietary and undisclosed. If Teflon-family coating-based (common for water repellency), PFAS exposure risk exists, especially if case is handled frequently or used in warm conditions. Brand does not publish composition or third-party test data.
Degradation and microplastic release
Polymer casings and coatings can degrade with age, heat exposure, or UV light. Small particles or coating flakes could theoretically be ingested if case is heavily worn or chewed; risk is low but monitoring for visible wear is prudent.
Skin contact irritation from coating additives
No reported dermatological incidents are on record for Mpow cases. However, unknown coating additives (plasticizers, UV stabilizers, or processing aids) could theoretically cause contact sensitization in prolonged skin contact scenarios; this is not established for this specific product.
Heavy metals in pigments or additives
Phone case polymers and coatings are not typical sources of heavy metal contamination. Mpow has no published recalls or test failures for lead, cadmium, or antimony. No evidence of risk, but lack of testing data means it cannot be ruled out.
Bacterial or fungal growth in seals
Waterproof seals trap moisture in gaps and corners. If case is not dried thoroughly after water immersion or is left in humid conditions, microbiome growth is possible. This is a maintenance issue rather than a manufacturing defect, but users should air-dry the case after use.
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 Smartphone Cases
Mophie
Juice Pack Battery Case for iPhone 15
Lithium-ion battery, plastic housing, metal contacts
No known PFAS use; battery cases rarely require fluorinated coatings.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Mophie
Juice Pack Battery Case for iPhone 15 Pro
Lithium-ion battery, plastic housing, rubber grips
Lower concern. Battery cases lack typical PFAS-prone coatings; no public disclosure available.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Pelican
Shield Phone Case for Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus
Polycarbonate shell, rubber grip
Lower concern; typical phone case with no known PFAS applications.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
More waterproof smartphone 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.