Waterproof Case Co. · Waterproof Smartphone Cases
Body Glove Tidal Waterproof Phone Case for iPhone
Skip. Waterproof phone cases often use PFAS; no transparency here.
Body Glove's waterproof case lacks material disclosure or PFAS transparency. Waterproof phone cases commonly contain Teflon-family coating coatings or water-repellent coating treatments that may include PFAS, but this brand provides no information to assess risk.
The safe swap
Mophie
Mophie Juice Pack Battery Case for iPhone 15
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
Polymer case with waterproof coating, composition unspecified
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
Body Glove Tidal cases are polymer (likely TPU or PVC elastomer) with an unspecified waterproof coating. The coating is the critical unknown: waterproof polymers often rely on fluorinated compounds (PFAS) or silicone-based systems to repel water. Since the brand does not disclose coating chemistry publicly, the actual protective layer's safety profile cannot be verified. Degradation of this coating over time, through UV exposure, flexing, or cleaning, could expose the underlying polymer or release residual coating particles.
The brand's record and disclosure
Waterproof Case Co. (the manufacturer behind Body Glove phone cases) does not publish material safety data sheets, chemical composition, or PFAS policy for consumer phone cases. No third-party certifications (e.g., Cradle to Cradle, bluesign) are listed. The brand has not faced public recalls specifically for chemical leaching from phone cases, but the absence of disclosure means compliance cannot be independently verified. This silence on PFAS and polymer choice is typical for this product category but leaves consumers without assurance.
How it compares in its category
Waterproof phone cases occupy a difficult middle ground: they must block water without adding bulk, which favors synthetic coatings over mechanical seals. Body Glove Tidal is mainstream and affordable, but competes against brands that also rarely disclose coating chemistry (OtterBox, LifeProof). A small number of manufacturers now specify silicone-based or PFOA-free waterproofing, which narrows the field. For this product segment, Body Glove Tidal is neither leading nor lagging in transparency.
If you buy it
Inspect the case quarterly for cracks, peeling, or separation of the coating from the polymer base. Do not expose to sustained heat (e.g., car dashboards in direct sun), as thermal cycling degrades polymer flexibility and coating adhesion. Replace the case every 2 to 3 years or if waterproof integrity is visibly compromised. Clean only with cool water and mild soap; avoid harsh solvents or abrasive pads that accelerate coating wear. Store in a cool, dry place away from prolonged sunlight when not in use.
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.”
Waterproof coating leachables (fluorinated or silicone)
Unspecified waterproof coating may contain PFAS or other synthetic additives that can migrate into skin or water if the case degrades. No manufacturer data available to rule out or confirm specific chemicals.
Polymer off-gassing (TPU or PVC)
Elastomeric polymers in phone cases can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particularly during first weeks of use or if exposed to heat. Ventilation in normal use limits exposure, but confined spaces (e.g., sealed bags, car compartments) may concentrate fumes.
Microplastics from coating degradation
As the waterproof coating flexes and wears, small particles may detach and contact skin or enter water if the case is submerged. Long-term health effects of microplastic ingestion are still being studied, but accumulation is a concern with disposable cases replaced every few years.
Heavy metals in pigments or additives
No recalls or public complaints specific to Body Glove Tidal cases for cadmium, lead, or other heavy metals. Standard polymer colorants are unlikely to leach in phone case use, but unverified manufacturing standards mean this cannot be ruled out with certainty.
Bacterial or mold growth in waterproof seals
Waterproof cases create sealed environments where moisture can trap bacteria or fungi if the case is not fully dried after water exposure. Regular drying and ventilation reduce this risk significantly but do not eliminate it entirely.
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 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.