Sea to Summit · Waterproof Smartphone Cases
Sea To Summit TPU Guide Waterproof Case for iPhone 5
Waterproof TPU case, coating composition unclear, PFAS unknown
Sea to Summit TPU case uses an unspecified waterproof treatment. Brand discloses no PFAS information, making PFAS risk for coating uncertain without lab testing.
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
TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) 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 TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), a synthetic rubber polymer that does not contain BPA, phthalates, or PVC. TPU itself is considered among the safer plastics for consumer contact use. The waterproof capability relies on an unspecified topcoat or laminated layer; Sea to Summit has not publicly disclosed whether this coating contains PFAS-based water repellents (common in waterproof gear) or alternative chemistries. The lack of transparency around coating composition is the primary concern.
The brand's record and disclosure
Sea to Summit is an outdoor gear manufacturer with no published materials safety certifications (e.g., OEKO-TEX, bluesign) on file for this product line. The brand has not issued public statements regarding PFAS avoidance or chemical transparency in consumer cases. No recalls or reported health complaints specific to this case model are documented in public records. Their silence on waterproof coating chemistry is typical of outdoor brands but limits independent assessment.
How it compares in its category
TPU-based phone cases are generally safer than PVC alternatives and comparable to silicone cases in toxicity profile. However, most competitors (Apple, OtterBox, Spigen) explicitly state whether their waterproof coatings are PFAS-free; Sea to Summit does not. Hard-shell alternatives with mechanical waterproofing (e.g., LifeProof cases) avoid coating chemistry entirely, though they offer less flexibility. This case occupies the middle ground: TPU base is sound, but unknown coating adds ambiguity absent in transparent competitors.
If you buy it
Do not expose the case to sustained heat above 50C (122F), as TPU can begin softening and coatings may release volatile compounds. Clean with cool water and mild soap; avoid solvents, bleach, or abrasive scrubbing that can degrade the waterproof layer. Inspect the seams and coating annually for cracks or peeling; replace if visible damage occurs. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to slow UV degradation of the TPU and coating bond.
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.”
PFAS in waterproof coating
Waterproof TPU cases commonly use fluorochemical or Teflon-type coating-based topcoats, but Sea to Summit has not disclosed coating type. Risk is plausible but unconfirmed; direct skin contact exposure is low, but coating off-gassing during hot weather is a minor concern.
TPU thermal instability
TPU softens above 60C and can emit organic volatile compounds (likely plasticizers or processing residuals) when heated. iPhone use typically keeps case near body temperature; risk is low unless case is left in direct sunlight or hot vehicles.
Microplastic shedding from coating degradation
Over years of use, UV exposure and flexing can cause the waterproof coating to peel or fragment. TPU itself does not readily break into microplastics, but a failing topcoat may shed particulates; this is a pollution concern rather than acute toxicity.
Contact allergens (TPU additives)
TPU formulations occasionally include release agents or stabilizers that can trigger contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. No specific complaints for this model are documented, and TPU as a base polymer is less allergenic than latex or natural rubber.
Heavy metals in pigments (coloring)
TPU cases are dyed or tinted; older cosmetic-grade colorants occasionally contained cadmium or lead. Sea to Summit cases are made to consumer safety standards, and no recalls for heavy metal content are on record, but certification data is absent.
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 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.