Samsung · Waterproof Personal Electronics
Gorilla Cases Galaxy Note 20 Ultra Waterproof Case
Skip. Unknown waterproof treatment likely contains PFAS.
Gorilla Cases does not disclose waterproofing methods. Waterproof phone cases typically use Teflon-family coating or PFAS-based water-repellent coating treatments. No independent verification available.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or TPE 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 is constructed from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), both soft plastics chosen for shock absorption and flexibility. The waterproof capability comes from a coating applied to the seams and materials, which is industry-standard but typically undisclosed in composition. TPU and TPE themselves are not known to leach harmful plasticizers or BPA under normal phone-use conditions (room temperature, no heating), though the waterproof treatment layer remains a black box.
The brand's record and disclosure
Samsung has not published material safety data sheets or chemical composition details for this accessory line. The brand maintains silence on waterproof treatment chemistry, which is typical across phone case manufacturers but leaves consumers without transparency on potential PFAS or other fluorinated coatings. No public safety recalls or health complaints specific to this case model are documented, though this absence of data is not confirmation of safety.
How it compares in its category
Phone cases are among the least regulated personal-contact products; waterproof variants universally require undisclosed chemical treatments. This Gorilla case compares to OtterBox, Spigen, and other mainstream brands in offering similar TPU/TPE construction with unknown coatings. Alternatives such as uncoated silicone cases or hard plastic shells avoid the waterproofing step entirely, but provide less water protection; there is no widely available phone case market segment that discloses waterproof treatment chemistry.
If you buy it
Keep the case away from heat sources above 60 degrees Celsius (140 F); high temperatures can degrade TPU and potentially release or volatilize coating compounds. Replace the case if seams crack, as waterproof integrity loss signals material breakdown. Wash occasionally with cool soapy water and dry fully; avoid prolonged submersion beyond the stated depth rating. If you are pregnant, immunocompromised, or have chemical sensitivities, the unknown waterproof coating makes this a higher-risk choice.
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.”
Waterproof coating composition (unknown)
The waterproof treatment is not publicly disclosed by Samsung and likely contains fluorinated compounds (PFAS or Teflon-family coating); direct skin contact is intermittent, but leaching into phones or hands during prolonged wet use is plausible in humid conditions.
TPU/TPE plasticizer leaching
TPU and TPE do not typically contain phthalates or BPA, and no established evidence links these polymers to leaching at room temperature or during normal phone handling.
Thermal degradation of polymers
Prolonged exposure to heat (e.g., phone left in car or direct sunlight) can degrade TPU and coating layers, potentially releasing volatile organic compounds or coating fragments; risk increases above 60 C.
Microplastic shedding from coating wear
As the waterproof coating or TPU surface ages and cracks, microscopic particles may shed, particularly if the case is frequently flexed or dropped; ingestion risk is low, but accumulation in the environment is a concern.
Heavy metals in pigments or dyes
No specific testing of this case for lead, cadmium, or other metals in its colored TPU or printed branding is publicly available; risk is low given modern manufacturing standards, but unverified.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 45% 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
Pelican
M40 Micro Case
Polypropylene copolymer plastic case with solid construction, no Teflon-family coating
Lower PFAS concern. Rigid PP case with no waterproofing treatment.
✓Naturally PFAS-free material
Urban Armor Gear (UAG)
Pathfinder MagSafe Case for iPhone
Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and metal alloy components
Lower concern. TPU phone case has minimal PFAS risk profile.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Urban Armor Gear (UAG)
Pathfinder Case for Galaxy
TPU polymer, impact-resistant composite
Lower concern, but no PFAS transparency from UAG.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
More waterproof personal electronics 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.