Withings · Waterproof Smart Rings & Bands
Withings PulseRive Blood Pressure Monitoring Smart Rings. - Electronics
Smart ring waterproofing unexplained; PFAS risk unclear without material disclosure.
Withings does not disclose waterproofing treatment specifics or PFAS testing for this smart ring. Electronics waterproofing may contain PFAS; limited public information available.
The safe swap
Fitbit
Oura - Ring 5 - Smart Ring - Size Before You Buy with OR5 Sizing Kit - Size 11 - Silver - (2026)
85/100 safety
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Stainless steel ring with waterproof/water-resistant electronics coating
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 Withings PulseRive is primarily stainless steel, which is chemically stable and does not leach metals like lead or cadmium into skin contact. The critical unknown is the waterproof/water-resistant coating applied to the electronics module. Manufacturers typically use Teflon-family coating-based or silicone-based water barriers; Teflon-family coating raise PFAS concerns, while silicone coatings are generally inert. Withings has not publicly disclosed the specific coating chemistry, leaving this as an unresolved exposure pathway.
The brand's record and disclosure
Withings is a health electronics company owned by Nokia and has maintained a relatively quiet stance on PFAS and other chemical hazards in their products. The company provides standard CE/FCC compliance documentation but does not publish detailed material safety or PFAS testing reports for consumer review. No major product recalls or established safety controversies tied to chemical exposure have been publicly documented for Withings wearables, though the company's transparency on coating and adhesive chemistry lags behind some competitors in the medical device space.
How it compares in its category
Smart rings as a category have minimal regulatory oversight compared to traditional medical devices; the PulseRive sits in this gray zone. Competitors like Oura Ring and Samsung Galaxy Ring similarly do not disclose waterproof coating chemistry. Stainless steel construction is standard and safer than cheaper alloys, but the lack of industry-wide transparency on water-resistant barriers means the PulseRive does not stand out as better or worse than peers in disclosure or material safety profile.
If you buy it
Wear the ring normally; stainless steel does not require special care. Rinse with fresh water after chlorinated pools or saltwater to prevent surface corrosion and coating degradation. Do not intentionally heat the ring above normal skin temperature (around 37C). Monitor for any visible cracks, discoloration, or coating peeling on the electronics edge; if the waterproof seal appears compromised, discontinue use and contact Withings, as exposed electronics may leach solder metals or flux residues.
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 composition (PFAS or alternative) undisclosed
The water-resistant barrier protecting the electronics is not publicly identified. If Teflon-family coating based, PFAS exposure during wear and disposal is possible. Withings' silence on this is a red flag but not evidence of unsafe materials.
Heavy metals in solder or electronic traces (lead, cadmium)
No recalls or reported contamination in the PulseRive. Modern electronics typically use lead-free solder, but if the waterproof seal degrades, internal solder or flux residues could theoretically contact skin. Risk is very low under normal use.
Nickel leaching from stainless steel
Stainless steel can release trace nickel, especially if scratched or if sweat exposure is prolonged. Individuals with nickel contact dermatitis may experience localized reaction, though most stainless steel grades (300 series) used in medical devices have low nickel migration rates.
Adhesive or battery sealant toxins (if seal fails)
Epoxy adhesives and lithium-ion battery seals may contain unreacted monomers or volatile compounds. Risk is minimal if the waterproof coating remains intact; failure of the seal is the trigger for potential exposure.
Skin sensitization from fragrance or antimicrobial coatings (if added)
Withings does not advertise antimicrobial or fragrance treatments on the PulseRive. Stainless steel alone does not typically cause sensitization, but any added surface treatments are undisclosed.
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 Smart Rings & Bands
Fitbit
Oura - Ring 5 - Smart Ring - Size Before You Buy with OR5 Sizing Kit - Size 11 - Silver - (2026)
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⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Fitbit
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⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
More waterproof smart rings & bands 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.