SUPCASE · Waterproof Phone & Tech Cases
Apple iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max SUPCASE UBPRO Case with Kickstand and Screen Protector | Rugged | TPU | Qi Wireless
Lower concern. TPU and polycarbonate are inherently PFAS-free materials.
Supcase provides no PFAS disclosure. TPU and polycarbonate are not known PFAS-prone materials, presenting lower PFAS risk than water-repellent coating-treated textiles or Teflon-family coating coatings.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), polycarbonate screen protector
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
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 uses thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), a flexible synthetic rubber polymer, combined with polycarbonate in the screen protector. TPU is inherently chemically stable at normal use temperatures and does not readily leach plasticizers, BPA, or other endocrine disruptors into skin or food contact. Polycarbonate in screen protectors is rigid and non-contact with skin or food, minimizing any leaching risk. Both materials are among the safer choices in the protective accessories category.
The brand's record and disclosure
Supcase is a major accessory manufacturer with no established public record of chemical safety violations, product recalls related to toxic substances, or third-party testing failures. The company does not prominently disclose detailed material sourcing or restricted substance testing, which is typical for the protective case industry but leaves some transparency gaps. No credible reports of formaldehyde, heavy metals, or allergen contamination in Supcase TPU cases have been documented in consumer safety databases or independent testing.
How it compares in its category
Protective phone cases span silicone, TPU, rigid polycarbonate, and hybrid designs. TPU cases like this one occupy the safer middle ground: more stable and less prone to degradation than budget silicone, and avoiding the brittleness and occasional heavy-metal concerns historically reported in lower-cost rigid polycarbonate shells. This product's combination of TPU plus polycarbonate screen protector is a common and well-established safe formula in mainstream mobile accessories.
If you buy it
Avoid prolonged exposure to high heat (direct sunlight in hot cars, dishwashers, or heat guns), which can accelerate polymer aging and potential surface degradation, though not chemical leaching. Clean with mild soap and water; harsh solvents are unnecessary. Replace the screen protector if it develops chips, cracks, or significant cloudiness, as these indicate coating breakdown. The case itself typically lasts 2-3 years before visible wear; replacement is a function of durability, not safety.
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.”
Phthalate plasticizers
TPU formulations in mainstream phone cases are typically phthalate-free or contain minimal phthalates; no recalls or test failures for Supcase cases on this hazard are documented.
Volatile organic compounds (VOC) and off-gassing
New TPU cases may emit mild odors (toluene, xylene) for 24-48 hours; this is cosmetic and not a health concern at normal room ventilation, though sensitive individuals may notice it.
Coating degradation and microplastic shedding
Over extended use (2-3 years), the outer TPU surface can crack or peel in high-flex areas, potentially releasing microscopic polymer fragments; this is a durability issue rather than acute toxicity.
Heavy metals in pigments and colorants
No established reports of lead, cadmium, or chromium in Supcase TPU cases; pigment standards for accessories are less stringent than for toys or cosmetics, but major brands typically meet consumer product safety norms.
Allergic contact dermatitis from dyes or additives
Rare cases of skin irritation from case materials have been anecdotally reported across the TPU accessory category, likely from residual manufacturing chemicals or individual sensitivity; risk is low for most users.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 72% 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.
More waterproof phone & tech 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.