Samsung · Waterproof Personal Electronics
Samsung Galaxy S23 Series Waterproof Phone Case
Skip until Samsung discloses waterproofing chemistry.
Samsung does not publicly disclose PFAS use or absence in this case's waterproof coating. Waterproof phone cases commonly use water-repellent coating treatments that may contain PFAS; no lab data available for this model.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
TPU/silicone elastomer with waterproof 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
Samsung Galaxy S23 cases are constructed from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or silicone elastomer blended with additives for waterproofing and durability. TPU is a durable, flexible polymer with low toxicity in its base form, commonly used in phone cases and outdoor gear. The waterproof treatment chemistry is not publicly detailed by Samsung, this is the critical gap, as waterproofing often involves fluorinated compounds (PFAS or alternatives) applied to seal the material's surface.
The brand's record and disclosure
Samsung has not publicly disclosed the specific waterproofing agent or coating used in this case. The company has faced pressure on PFAS use in textiles and has committed to phasing PFAS in some product lines by 2025, but accessory lines remain opaque. No third-party testing or certification (e.g., OEKO-TEX, bluesign) for this case has been published, limiting independent verification of chemical composition.
How it compares in its category
Most OEM phone cases (Apple, Google, OnePlus) also do not disclose waterproofing chemistry, making Samsung's silence typical rather than exceptional. Third-party alternatives from brands like Spigen or OtterBox rarely disclose PFAS status either, though some now label 'PFAS-free' waterproofing. This category-wide opacity means purchasing any waterproof phone case carries similar transparency risk.
If you buy it
Store the case away from heat sources and direct sunlight to minimize potential off-gassing of volatile additives. Do not microwave or place in high-heat environments. Inspect quarterly for discoloration, stickiness, or odor, signs of degradation that warrant replacement. Wash hands after prolonged contact, especially if case shows visible wear, to avoid skin contact with any degraded coating particles.
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.”
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from elastomer additives
TPU and silicone cases may off-gas plasticizers, UV stabilizers, or waterproofing additives, particularly when new or exposed to heat. Samsung has not disclosed additive packages, so individual chemical risk cannot be assessed.
Skin irritation from contact with uncured or degraded coating
If waterproofing treatment involves reactive surface coatings, residual monomers or degradation byproducts could cause localized dermatitis with prolonged skin contact. Risk increases if case is used intensively or stored in warm conditions.
Microplastic shedding from mechanical wear
Silicone and TPU cases degrade over time with daily handling and can shed microparticles. This is a general property of elastomers, not unique to Samsung, but contributes to personal exposure and environmental release.
Heavy metals in pigmentation (if colored case)
No recalls or public testing data specific to Samsung S23 cases for lead or cadmium in colorants. Color-formulation standards for phone cases are largely unregulated unless case is marketed for children.
Waterproofing chemistry (PFAS or substitute) not disclosed
Waterproof elastomeric coatings almost always require either PFAS or emerging fluorine-free alternatives. Samsung's silence suggests either PFAS use (not yet disclosed) or a proprietary alternative (also not disclosed). Without confirmation, PFAS presence cannot be ruled out.
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 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.