Spigen · Waterproof Personal Electronics Cases
Spigen A601 Universal Waterproof Case
Unknown waterproof treatment; Spigen discloses nothing about PFAS.
Spigen A601 uses unspecified waterproofing coatings typical in phone cases. No PFAS disclosure or testing data available from brand or third parties.
The safe swap
Spigen
Spigen Cryo Armor Case for iPhone 15 Pro Max
85/100 safety
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
TPU/silicone waterproof case, unspecified coating/sealant
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 A601 uses thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and silicone as its primary materials, both widely used in consumer phone cases because they are soft, flexible, and inherently water-resistant. TPU does not contain BPA or phthalates by default, though some formulations can include plasticizers; Spigen does not disclose which additives are in their specific TPU blend. The critical unknown is the waterproof sealant or coating applied to seams and edges, which Spigen does not name publicly and could potentially contain fluorinated compounds (PFAS) to enhance water repellency.
The brand's record and disclosure
Spigen is a large accessory manufacturer with no public certifications for chemical safety (such as OEKO-TEX or SVHC compliance statements) and does not disclose material composition, additive lists, or manufacturing standards on their product pages or website. The company has not faced major recalls for chemical contamination in their cases, but their silence on waterproofing chemistry is notable given industry awareness of PFAS use in water-resistant textiles and coatings. No third-party testing of Spigen cases for heavy metals, formaldehyde, or fluorinated compounds has been published.
How it compares in its category
Universal waterproof cases are a commodity category; most competitors (LifeProof, OtterBox, Catalyst, Spigen) use TPU or silicone and do not disclose sealant chemistry publicly, making Spigen typical rather than exceptional. Higher-end brands like Catalyst and OtterBox publish more detailed material specifications but still do not routinely test for or disclose PFAS. Spigen's price point and market position suggest cost-driven manufacturing, which sometimes correlates with less rigorous chemical oversight than premium brands, though evidence is limited.
If you buy it
Inspect seams and coating for visible damage before use; if cracks or peeling appear, replace rather than repair (to maintain waterproof integrity). Avoid prolonged contact with skin if you have sensitive skin or dermatitis, as TPU can occasionally retain dust or microbes in textured surfaces. Do not expose the case to temperatures above 60C (140F) or direct UV for extended periods, as TPU can degrade and potentially leach components. Rinse after saltwater exposure and allow to air-dry fully to prevent bacterial or mold growth in the seal.
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.”
Unidentified waterproof coating or sealant (potential PFAS)
Waterproof casings often use fluorinated compounds; Spigen does not disclose the chemistry of their sealant. Without testing or disclosure, PFAS presence cannot be ruled out, particularly in seams and edge treatments.
TPU plasticizer leaching into skin or liquids (BPA/phthalates/alternatives)
TPU base material does not inherently contain BPA. However, some TPU formulations include plasticizers; Spigen does not specify their additive package, so alternative plasticizers used cannot be verified as safe. Direct skin contact is generally brief, lowering risk.
Microplastic shedding from TPU surface degradation
TPU cases can degrade over 1-2 years with UV exposure and mechanical wear, potentially releasing microplastics; this is relevant if the case is left in sunlight or if fragments enter waterways during disposal.
Heavy metals in pigments (if case is colored/dyed)
No published testing of Spigen A601 for lead or cadmium in colorants. TPU cases typically use approved colorants, but Spigen does not certify compliance with toy safety or textile heavy metal limits.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) off-gassing from fresh case
New TPU and silicone cases can release odors and VOCs during the first few days of opening. Spigen does not publish off-gas testing; risk is low but mitigated by airing the case outdoors before first use.
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 Cases
Spigen
Cryo Armor Case for iPhone 15 Pro Max
TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) bumper with polycarbonate back panel
Lower PFAS concern; standard phone case materials lack obvious PFAS indicators.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Spigen
Galaxy S26 Series Mag Fit Case
Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and polycarbonate
Lower concern phone case, no known PFAS risk identified.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Samsung
Ghostek Nautical Slim Case for MagSafe for Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Polycarbonate and TPU blend (typical phone case polymers)
Lower concern; rigid phone cases rarely use PFAS.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
More waterproof personal 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.