Pelican · Waterproof Smartphone Cases
Pelican Protector MagSafe Case iPhone 17
No public PFAS disclosure. Waterproof phone cases often use water-repellent coating coatings.
Pelican does not publicly disclose PFAS use or avoidance in this MagSafe case. Waterproof phone cases typically contain water-repellent coating treatments that may include PFAS; contact Pelican directly for coating specifics.
The safe swap
Mophie
Mophie Juice Pack Battery Case for iPhone 15
85/100 safety
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or polycarbonate blend with waterproofing 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 uses a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or polycarbonate blend, both of which are chemically stable at room temperature and do not leach BPA, phthalates, or heavy metals under normal phone-use conditions. The waterproofing treatment is the concern: Pelican does not publicly disclose the chemistry of its water-repellent (water-repellent coating) coating, which in the mobile accessory industry is often a fluorinated polymer or PFOA-family compound. TPE and polycarbonate themselves are inert, but the coating's composition remains opaque.
The brand's record and disclosure
Pelican is known for rugged outdoor cases and equipment but has not published transparency reports on chemical composition, PFAS use, or third-party testing for phone cases. The brand has no established certifications (such as bluesign or GOTS) for consumer product safety disclosure. No major recalls or safety controversies specific to this case model are on record, but the silence on water-repellent coating chemistry is notable for a premium product at this price point.
How it compares in its category
Premium phone cases commonly use TPE or polycarbonate blends with proprietary waterproof treatments; Pelican's offering is typical in this regard. Some competitors (e.g., OtterBox, Spigen) also do not disclose water-repellent coating chemistry, making the category-wide issue transparency gaps rather than Pelican-specific failure. Cases without explicit waterproofing claims avoid this hazard entirely but sacrifice water resistance that many buyers prioritize.
If you buy it
Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or high heat (above 60 degrees Celsius / 140 degrees Fahrenheit), as TPE can soften and coatings may degrade, potentially releasing coating particles. Clean with mild soap and cool water only; do not use solvents or acetone, which can strip the water-repellent coating and cause microplastic shedding. Inspect the case quarterly for cracking, peeling, or discoloration, and replace if the waterproof seal visibly degrades. If PFAS exposure concerns you, contact Pelican directly for coating composition; silence suggests PFAS-containing chemistry is likely.
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.”
PFAS in waterproofing (water-repellent coating) coating
Pelican does not disclose the chemical composition of its water-repellent coating. Fluorinated polymers and legacy PFOA/PFOS derivatives are standard in phone-case waterproofing; absence of a public statement or third-party test strongly suggests PFAS presence.
Coating degradation and microplastic shedding
As the water-repellent coating ages or flakes due to heat, UV, or mechanical wear, small particles may shed into skin contact areas or be ingested if the case fragments. No failure timeline is published; degradation varies by use pattern.
Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) thermal softening
TPE is non-toxic but can soften above 60 degrees Celsius, potentially causing shape distortion and loss of protective function. This is a performance hazard rather than a chemical toxicity hazard; no health incidents are on record.
Heavy metals or additives in polycarbonate/TPE formulation
Polycarbonate and TPE do not inherently contain lead, cadmium, or antimony when manufactured to standard specifications. Pelican's production is unlikely to include such additives, but material certifications are not publicly available to confirm.
Contact allergens or irritants from coating or adhesives
No reported cases of skin sensitization or irritation from Pelican MagSafe cases. The coating and adhesives used are not publicly identified, so allergen risk cannot be fully ruled out for sensitive individuals.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 42% 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.