Waterproof Case Co. · Waterproof Smartphone Cases
Outdoor Products SmartPhone Watertight Phone Case
Waterproof coating likely contains PFAS; no disclosure provided.
Waterproof phone cases typically use water-repellent coating treatments containing PFAS. Brand provides no information about composition or PFAS avoidance. Recommend contacting manufacturer for coating details.
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
Plastic case with unspecified waterproof coating/treatment
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 a rigid or semi-rigid plastic shell (likely polycarbonate, TPU, or similar thermoplastic) with an unspecified hydrophobic surface treatment to repel water. The waterproof coating is the critical unknown: modern phone case coatings often use fluorinated polymers or silicone-based treatments, with fluorinated options carrying PFAS concerns. Without material disclosure from the manufacturer, the exact chemistry cannot be confirmed, but waterproofing efficacy typically requires either PFAS-based treatments or newer fluorine-free alternatives that are less common and not identified here.
The brand's record and disclosure
Waterproof Case Co. has not publicly disclosed the chemical composition of its waterproof coatings, treatment formulations, or any third-party testing results. There is no visible commitment to PFAS avoidance or phase-out in available brand materials. No major recalls or safety controversies are on record for this specific product line. The silence on PFAS is notable given that waterproofing is the product's core function and fluorinated compounds are industry-standard in that application.
How it compares in its category
Phone cases as a category carry lower chemical risk than cookware or cosmetics because they do not contact food or skin directly over extended periods. However, waterproof phone cases specifically occupy a higher-hazard niche because waterproofing coatings are a known PFAS vector. Alternatives using PFAS-free hydrophobic treatments (e.g., some newer silicone-based or ceramic nano-coatings) exist but are not widely marketed; most budget-tier waterproof cases likely contain similar PFAS-based coatings without disclosure.
If you buy it
Store the case at room temperature; do not intentionally heat it or leave it in direct sunlight for extended periods, as this may accelerate coating degradation and potential leaching of treatment chemicals. Inspect the case regularly for cracks, peeling, or visible wear in the coating; replace if the waterproof seal is compromised. Wash the case occasionally with plain water and dry it; avoid harsh solvents or abrasive scrubbing that could damage the coating. If the case is used with a phone that generates heat (e.g., during charging or heavy use), ensure adequate ventilation around the case to prevent trapping moisture.
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 phone cases commonly use fluorinated polymers or water-repellent treatments that contain PFAS. No ingredient disclosure provided by Waterproof Case Co. confirms this concern cannot be ruled out and is consistent with industry practice.
BPA/BPS in plastic base material
The case plastic (polycarbonate or TPU) may contain residual BPA or replacement bisphenols if recycled or lower-cost virgin resin is used. No material certification or testing is on record for this product.
Phthalates in flexible plastic components
If the case incorporates flexible TPU or rubber seals, phthalate plasticizers may be present to improve flexibility. Not confirmed for this specific product, but common in budget waterproof cases.
Coating degradation and leaching
Waterproof coatings on phone cases degrade with age, UV exposure, and mechanical wear. As the coating breaks down, microparticles or volatile treatment chemicals may be released. This is not unique to this brand but inherent to coated plastic cases.
Microplastic shedding from worn coating
Over time, the waterproof coating may flake or shed microparticles into water or dust, particularly if the case is frequently submerged or dropped. Risk is higher if the coating is poorly adhered or low-durability.
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.