Samsung · Waterproof Electronics Cases
Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Series Waterproof Phone Case
Waterproof phone case with undisclosed coating chemistry. Skip if PFAS-concerned.
Samsung does not disclose PFAS content or water-repellent coating treatment details for this case. Waterproof phone cases typically use fluorinated polymers or coatings; no public testing or certification available for this model.
The safe swap
Mous
Mous MagSafe Compatible Aramid Fibre Phone Case
85/100 safety
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
TPU or silicone elastomer with unspecified 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
Samsung's Galaxy Note 10 case uses TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) or silicone elastomer as the base material, both chemically inert under normal use conditions. The waterproofing mechanism relies on an unspecified topcoat or surface treatment, which is the critical unknown. This coating is likely where PFAS or other water-repellent chemistry resides, since hydrophobic barriers are the functional requirement for waterproofing elastomers.
The brand's record and disclosure
Samsung has not published detailed material safety data sheets or PFAS commitments for this accessory line. The company maintains general sustainability messaging but does not disclose waterproof coating chemistry on product pages or regulatory filings. No recalls or safety violations specific to this case model are on record. This silence on polymer coating details is typical across phone accessory makers but represents a transparency gap.
How it compares in its category
Phone protective cases occupy a lower-risk zone than cookware or textiles because skin contact is brief and heat exposure minimal. Compared to metal-reinforced cases or those with antimicrobial additives, elastomer-based cases carry fewer heavy metal or additive leaching concerns. Most competitors (OtterBox, Spigen) also withhold waterproof coating formulations, so Samsung is not a clear outlier but is also not leading on disclosure.
If you buy it
Keep the case away from prolonged heat sources (car dashboards, direct sunlight in heat) as TPU softens above 80-100°C and any coating may degrade. Inspect the case periodically for cracks, peeling, or discoloration; replace if the waterproof seal appears compromised. Clean with mild soap and water only; avoid harsh solvents that could weaken the elastomer or coating bond. Expect a lifespan of 2-3 years before material fatigue requires replacement.
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 (likely PFAS or PFAS-alternative)
Samsung does not disclose the chemical identity of the waterproofing layer. Most waterproof elastomer coatings historically relied on PFAS; newer alternatives exist but are rarely specified without external pressure. Contact with skin or mouth is limited but not zero, especially for hands holding the device.
TPU degradation and leaching under heat stress
TPU can hydrolyze and break down when exposed to sustained heat, moisture, and UV. Degraded TPU may release oligomers or unreacted monomers. Phone use in high-temperature environments (car interiors, outdoor summer heat) accelerates this process; risk is low for typical indoor use.
Coating adhesion loss and microparticle generation
If the waterproof coating begins to peel or flake with age or mechanical stress, small particles may enter the device charging port or speaker grille. These particles are unlikely to be toxic but represent a functional failure risk rather than a direct health hazard.
Volatile organic compounds (VOC) off-gassing during initial use
New TPU and silicone cases sometimes emit mild solvent or chemical odors for hours to days. Samsung does not disclose presence of unreacted isocyanates or other VOC residues. Airing out the case in ventilation before heavy contact is a reasonable precaution.
Heavy metals in pigments or dyes (if colored case)
No recalls or safety alerts exist for Samsung phone cases involving lead or cadmium in colorants. TPU is commonly colored with organic or mineral pigments; without material certification, risk cannot be ruled out but is not established.
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 Electronics Cases
Mous
MagSafe Compatible Aramid Fibre Phone Case
Aramid fiber (Kevlar-type synthetic polymer)
Lower concern; aramid is inherently PFAS-free but verify final coating.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Pelican
Shield Carbon Phone Case for Samsung Galaxy S24
Polycarbonate shell, foam padding
Lower concern; typical phone case materials rarely contain PFAS.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Amazon Basics
Clear Soft Tpu Smartphone Cover For Iphone 2021
Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)
Lower concern. TPU phone cases rarely use PFAS, but Amazon discloses nothing.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
More waterproof 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.