Samsung · Waterproof Smartwatches & Fitness Trackers
Samsung Galaxy Watch9
Limited PFAS data available; typical smartwatch construction suggests lower concern
Samsung does not disclose PFAS use or testing for Galaxy Watch9. Waterproof watches commonly use water-resistant coatings that may contain PFAS, but specific formulation unknown. No lab data or third-party verification available.
The safe swap
Swatch
Swatch Chrono 42 Quartz Watch
85/100 safety
Same rubric that flunked this product. The swap earned its B.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Stainless steel case, glass display, polymer straps, waterproof sealing compounds
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
The Galaxy Watch9 uses 316L stainless steel for the case, which is highly corrosion-resistant and does not leach heavy metals under normal skin contact. The display is hardened glass (likely Gorilla Glass), chemically inert and non-leaching. The polymer straps (rubber or fluoroelastomer) and waterproof gasket compounds are the primary chemical exposure points; these are typically silicone-based or similar polymers chosen for dermal safety in wearables. No lead, cadmium, or ceramic glazes are present in the construction.
The brand's record and disclosure
Samsung has not published detailed chemical composition or PFAS sourcing statements specific to smartwatch components, which is consistent with industry silence on wearables. The company holds various environmental certifications (ISO 14001) and publishes sustainability reports, but these rarely address microchemical hazards in wearable materials. No major recalls or dermal reactions have been documented for Galaxy Watch models due to case or strap composition. Samsung's general stance on hazardous substances is compliance-focused rather than transparency-focused.
How it compares in its category
Smartwatches as a category involve minimal food contact and no cooking, which eliminates many hazards common to cookware or food storage products. The Galaxy Watch9 is comparable to Apple Watch and Garmin wearables in using inert metals and silicone-based polymers; none of these brands disclose PFAS levels in straps or seals. Stainless steel cases are safer than aluminum or plastic-only designs, which can leach under heat or sweat. Wearables are lower-risk than textiles that absorb sweat and require flame retardants.
If you buy it
Clean the strap and case weekly with mild soap and water to prevent bacterial or mold growth under the band, especially in warm climates or after exercise. Avoid prolonged immersion in chlorine pools or saltwater beyond the IP68 rating; replace straps if they show cracking, discoloration, or odor. The waterproof sealing compounds degrade slowly over years of wear; if water enters the case after 3-5 years, replacement is safer than repair. Store in a cool, dry place when not in use to extend polymer lifespan.
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.”
Polymer strap degradation and allergen release
Silicone or rubber straps can degrade from UV, sweat, or ozone exposure over 2-3 years, potentially releasing oligomers or uncrosslinked polymers. While acute toxicity is low, individuals with sensitive skin or rubber allergies may experience contact dermatitis; replacement straps are readily available.
Waterproof sealing compound leachates
Gaskets and O-rings in the Galaxy Watch9 are proprietary; Samsung does not disclose whether they contain Teflon-type coating, silicone, or other polymers. No documented leaching events or skin reactions are on record for this model, and typical wearable gaskets are designed for low migration under normal perspiration.
Nickel or metal ion release from stainless steel
316L stainless steel contains chromium and nickel; individuals with nickel sensitivity may experience localized contact dermatitis from prolonged skin contact, particularly if the case is scratched or pitted. This risk is well-known and manageable by wearing a protective sleeve or ensuring regular cleaning.
Glass display edge trauma and coating degradation
Gorilla Glass or similar hardened glass can develop micro-cracks or delamination from impact; no major toxicity risk, but exposed edges or internal coatings (typically oleophobic polymers) are not designed for ingestion and should be avoided if glass breaks.
Bacterial growth in strap crevices and seals
Wearables are known to harbor bacteria and fungi in tight strap interfaces if not cleaned regularly; this is a hygiene rather than chemical hazard but can worsen for users with open wounds or compromised skin barriers. Weekly cleaning with soap and water mitigates this risk.
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 Smartwatches & Fitness Trackers
Swatch
Chrono 42 Quartz Watch
Stainless steel case, mineral/plastic crystal, standard watch components
Lower concern. Standard watch materials pose minimal PFAS risk.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Swatch
SEA WASP
Plastic/resin watch case and strap
Typical consumer watch, no known PFAS risk signal identified
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Swatch
Neon Seppia Big Bold Chrono Quartz Watch
Stainless steel case, plastic/resin band, mineral or acrylic crystal
Lower concern. Standard watch materials typically lack intentional PFAS use.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
More waterproof smartwatches & fitness trackers 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.