Pelican · Waterproof Smartphone Cases
Pelican Voyager MagSafe Case for Apple iPhone 16e / iPhone 15 / iPhone 14 /
Skip until Pelican discloses waterproof coating chemistry.
Pelican Voyager cases use thermoplastic elastomer and polycarbonate with waterproof treatments, but brand does not disclose coating composition. PFAS risk in water-repellent coating coatings is common; no public lab data available.
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) and polycarbonate with 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
This case combines thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) for shock absorption and polycarbonate for rigid structure, both widely used in phone accessories with good chemical stability under normal conditions. The waterproof coating is the material wildcard: Pelican does not publicly specify whether it uses PFAS-based hydrophobic treatments (common in the industry) or alternative chemistries. TPE and polycarbonate themselves do not leach regulated plasticizers like BPA or phthalates under typical phone-use temperatures, but the unidentified coating introduces unknown risk.
The brand's record and disclosure
Pelican is known for rugged protective equipment but has not published material safety data sheets, PFAS disclosures, or third-party certifications for their phone cases. The brand has not responded to industry pressure for coating transparency. This contrasts with some competitors (e.g., Spigen, OtterBox) who have begun labeling PFAS-free or PFOA-free formulations. Silence on this point is a red flag given that waterproof coatings are a primary PFAS application.
How it compares in its category
Pelican cases sit in the premium protective segment alongside OtterBox and LifeProof. Most competitors in this tier use undisclosed waterproof coatings, making transparency a weak sector norm. Cases made from silicone or uncoated TPE alone (without waterproof treatment) eliminate coating hazard but sacrifice water resistance; Pelican's coating trade-off is typical but not best-in-class on disclosure. Budget brands (Spigen, Caudabe) often omit waterproofing entirely, reducing chemical exposure but lowering protection.
If you buy it
Avoid prolonged skin contact with the case; wash hands after extended handling, especially before eating or touching eyes, to mitigate any residual coating transfer. Do not heat the case above 60°C (140°F); dishwashers or hot car interiors pose no acute risk but are unnecessary. Replace the case if the TPE degrades, cracks, or becomes sticky, which signals potential leaching of additives. Store in a cool, dry place and avoid prolonged direct sunlight, which can degrade TPE over years.
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.”
Undisclosed waterproof coating chemistry
Pelican has not disclosed whether the waterproof treatment uses PFAS compounds. Industry standard for water-resistant phone cases often relies on fluorinated polymers; this coating is the primary unknown hazard in the product.
BPA / phthalates in base plastics
TPE and polycarbonate used in phone cases are not formulated with BPA or high-risk phthalates under current manufacturing practices. No recalls or contamination reports for Pelican cases on this hazard.
Microplastics or shedding TPE
TPE can degrade or shed microparticles over years of use, especially in high-stress areas like grip zones. While not acute, prolonged direct skin contact with degraded material warrants replacement.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) off-gassing
New TPE and polycarbonate cases may emit trace VOCs (especially in a sealed box during shipping). Off-gassing is minimal under typical room-temperature storage but may be noticeable in a hot car. Airing the case for 24-48 hours reduces exposure.
Adhesive or bonding agent residues
TPE-to-polycarbonate bonding and logo adhesives can contain uncured epoxies or isocyanates if low-cost production is used, but no field reports of dermatitis or sensitization from Pelican cases are on record.
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.