Waterproof Case Co. · Waterproof Smartphone Cases
Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof Phone Case
Skip until brand discloses waterproof coating materials or certifications.
Waterproof phone cases typically use water-repellent coating coatings that often contain PFAS, but this brand provides no material or coating disclosure. No third-party verification available.
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
waterproofed plastic or elastomer, coating 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
The Nite Ize RunOff uses a waterproofed plastic or elastomer shell with an unspecified coating or treatment to achieve water resistance. The specific waterproofing agent is not publicly disclosed by Waterproof Case Co., making it impossible to rule out PFAS-based chemistries (common in water-repellent coatings). Elastomers and plastics themselves may contain plasticizers or UV stabilizers, but risk depends heavily on the base resin type and additive package, neither of which are detailed in available product literature.
The brand's record and disclosure
Waterproof Case Co. has not published material composition data, waterproofing method certifications, or PFAS avoidance commitments. No public recalls or safety controversies specific to this model are on record. The brand's silence on coating chemistry is a significant transparency gap for a product category where PFAS exposure is a documented concern in water-resistant gear.
How it compares in its category
Waterproof phone cases typically use one of three approaches: thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) seals, silicone gaskets, or chemical coatings. The RunOff's unspecified approach places it in a middle ground where it could be safe or PFAS-laden. Competitors like Lifeproof (owned by OtterBox) publish material data; the lack of equivalent transparency here is a competitive weakness in consumer confidence.
If you buy it
Avoid prolonged exposure to high heat (e.g., leaving in direct sunlight or near heat sources), as elastomer and plastic coatings can degrade and leach additives. Do not soak or submerge beyond the rated depth for extended periods, as repeated water contact can stress coating integrity over months of use. Replace the case if the exterior becomes sticky, cloudy, or develops visible cracks, as these indicate polymer breakdown. Request material composition from the manufacturer before purchase if PFAS concerns matter to you; their silence suggests they have not prioritized this disclosure.
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.”
Coating leachates (unspecified waterproofing agent)
The waterproofing treatment is not publicly identified. PFAS-based water-repellent coatings are common in this product class, but non-PFAS alternatives (silicone, wax, or physical barriers) are also used. Without disclosure, the risk cannot be quantified.
Plasticizer or additive migration from elastomer/plastic
No recalls or reported incidents of additive leaching from the RunOff case are on record. Standard thermoplastic elastomers and engineering plastics are generally stable; risk is low unless the product is exposed to high heat or prolonged solvent contact.
Microplastic shedding from degraded coating
If the waterproof coating or elastomer surface degrades over years of use, microscopic particles may shed into water or contact skin. This is a slow process and depends on UV exposure and physical wear, but is not unique to this brand.
Bacterial or mold growth in sealed compartments
Waterproof cases trap moisture and create an anaerobic environment if not dried thoroughly after opening. While not a material hazard, improper maintenance can promote pathogenic growth inside the case around the phone or speaker vents.
Contact dermatitis from unknown coating or adhesives
No adverse skin reaction reports are publicly documented for the RunOff case. Risk is low for most users, but individuals with sensitivity to elastomers, adhesives, or undisclosed surfactants should patch-test or contact the manufacturer first.
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.