Waterproof Case Co. · Waterproof Smartphone Cases
Pelican Marine Waterproof Phone Case
Skip unless brand discloses coating chemistry.
Pelican Marine waterproof cases use water-repellent coating-treated materials, likely polymer shells. Brand discloses no PFAS stance or coating details, making PFAS risk assessment impossible without lab testing.
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 shell with 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
Pelican Marine cases use a rigid polymer shell (likely polycarbonate or polypropylene-based) with an applied waterproof coating or laminate. The coating is the critical component: waterproof treatments historically relied on PFAS or similar long-chain water-repellent chemistry, though non-PFAS alternatives (silicones, polyurethanes, wax-based systems) now exist. Without chemistry disclosure, the exact formulation remains unknown. The polymer shell itself is not a direct toxicity concern for phone contact, but degradation over time or heat exposure can release monomers.
The brand's record and disclosure
Waterproof Case Co. has not published material safety data sheets, PFAS declarations, or third-party certifications for this product. The brand's public stance on PFAS is silent, which is typical for small waterproof-goods manufacturers but falls short of emerging transparency standards. No major recalls or health incidents are on record for Pelican Marine cases. Absence of disclosure does not confirm PFAS use, but it prevents informed assessment.
How it compares in its category
Waterproof phone cases occupy a niche where coating chemistry is rarely disclosed by any manufacturer. Pelican (Waterproof Case Co.) is a mid-tier player; larger brands like OtterBox and Spigen also avoid coating chemistry details, though they occasionally cite 'eco-friendly' or 'non-toxic' formulations without specifics. Cases with fully sealed rubber gaskets and no chemical coatings exist but are rarer and often bulkier. Pelican's rigid construction and low cost are competitive; transparency is not.
If you buy it
Avoid prolonged skin contact with the exterior coating, especially if visibly worn or scratched; wash hands after handling. Do not expose the case to prolonged heat above 60°C (140°F), as this can accelerate coating breakdown and monomer release. Inspect quarterly for coating cracks, peeling, or discoloration; replace if significant damage occurs. Store in a cool, dry place away from strong solvents (acetone, alcohol) which can degrade the waterproof treatment prematurely.
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 (non-PFAS)
Polyurethane, silicone, or other synthetic coatings can shed low-volatility monomers or plasticizers if degraded or scratched. This is most relevant if the case is frequently submerged or exposed to UV; risk is low for typical daily use but increases with age and wear.
Polymer shell monomer release
Polycarbonate shells can release trace bisphenol A (BPA) under stress or heat, though rigid phone cases contact skin only intermittently and cooling quickly. No specific incidents have been reported for Pelican Marine cases; risk is minimal under normal handling.
Coating degradation producing volatile organics
Waterproof coatings can emit low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during curing (first few weeks) or if heated or UV-exposed. Odor (if present) typically fades; health impact from contact with a phone case is negligible, but ventilation during initial use is a minor precaution.
Contact allergens from coating additives
Waterproof coatings may contain colorants, UV absorbers, or catalysts that can trigger skin sensitization in susceptible individuals. No reported cases with Pelican Marine; risk is very low but possible if case is gripped directly for extended periods or if wearer has sensitive skin.
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.