Withings · Waterproof Fitness Trackers
Withings ScanWatch Hybrid Smartwatch
Unknown waterproof coating; skip if PFAS concerned.
Smartwatch with water-resistant design likely uses water-repellent coating treatment, but Withings discloses no information on PFAS use. Specific coating chemistry unknown.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Stainless steel case, sapphire crystal, synthetic band
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 ScanWatch case is stainless steel (316L or similar medical-grade alloy), which is highly corrosion-resistant and does not leach nickel or other metals under normal wear conditions. The sapphire crystal is synthetically grown aluminum oxide, chemically stable and non-toxic. The synthetic band is typically silicone or elastomer, neither of which releases harmful volatiles at body temperature. The waterproof coating (assumed polymer-based, likely fluorinated) is where chemical ambiguity lies; Withings has not publicly disclosed the specific formulation.
The brand's record and disclosure
Withings is owned by Nokia and focuses on health tracking; the brand has not published material safety data sheets, PFAS testing results, or third-party certifications for this product. No recalls or safety incidents related to the ScanWatch are on record. The company's silence on waterproof coating composition is typical for consumer smartwatch makers but reflects industry-wide lack of transparency rather than a Withings-specific pattern of non-disclosure.
How it compares in its category
Hybrid smartwatches (analog dial + digital) occupy a middle ground between traditional watches and fully digital wearables. Most competitors in this segment (Garmin, Fossil, etc.) use similar stainless steel/sapphire construction and do not disclose waterproof coatings either. The ScanWatch's material palette is standard and low-risk relative to plastic or resin-heavy alternatives; however, it offers no advantage in transparency over comparable hybrid or traditional watches.
If you buy it
Rinse the watch under fresh water after exposure to saltwater or chlorine to prevent corrosion at seams and band interfaces. Avoid prolonged contact with harsh solvents or perfumes, which may degrade the synthetic band. Replace the band if it shows cracking, discoloration, or odor (signs of elastomer breakdown). The sapphire crystal is scratch-resistant but can shatter if dropped; this is a durability issue, not a safety hazard.
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.”
Nickel leaching from stainless steel
316L stainless steel used in medical devices is low-nickel and does not release detectable nickel under normal skin contact. No incidents reported for the ScanWatch or similar hybrid watches in this material class.
Waterproof coating unknown composition (fluorinated polymer risk)
The waterproof polymer coating is not publicly identified by Withings. If fluorinated (Teflon-type coating-based or similar), it could contain PFAS; assessment of non-PFAS hazards from this coating alone is not possible without material disclosure. This is the primary knowledge gap for this product.
Synthetic band material degradation
Silicone or elastomer bands can degrade over 1-2 years of daily wear, especially in humid climates or with exposure to oils and sweat. Degradation itself does not release toxic compounds at body temperature, but visible cracking is a signal to replace the band.
Allergen risk from formulations in band or coating
No allergen incidents or ingredient disclosures related to the ScanWatch band or waterproof coating are on record. Users with silicone sensitivity are rare but should test a small area first.
Contact dermatitis from sweat accumulation under band
This is a hygiene issue rather than a material toxicity issue; regular cleaning of the band and skin contact area prevents irritation. No product-specific reports exist.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 45% 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 Fitness Trackers
Withings
BeamO 3-in-1 Health MultiScan
Medical-grade stainless steel, plastic housing, medical sensors
Medical device with inherently low PFAS risk profile.
✓Naturally PFAS-free material
Whoop
Peak Health and Fitness Wearable 12-Month Membership
silicone band, electronics, stainless steel hardware
Wearable membership with minimal PFAS risk indicators.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Whoop
MG Navigator Band
Elastomer band (silicone-based or similar)
Lower concern fitness band, but brand silence on materials limits certainty.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
More waterproof fitness trackers 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.