Withings · Waterproof Smartwatches & Fitness Trackers
Withings Smartwatch Withings Scanwatch Wristband Withings ScanWatch 38mm Black
Unknown waterproof treatment method; insufficient disclosure to assess PFAS risk.
Withings does not disclose PFAS content or water-resistant treatment details for this wristband. Smartwatch bands often use water-repellent coating coatings that may contain PFAS, but no public data confirms this product's composition.
The safe swap
Swatch
Swatch Chrono 42 Quartz Watch
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
Rubber/elastomer wristband, likely water-resistant treated
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 38mm wristband is rubber or synthetic elastomer, likely fluoroelastomer or silicone-based, with an unspecified water-resistant or hydrophobic surface treatment. Elastomers themselves are generally inert in normal wear; the hazard profile depends almost entirely on the coating or treatment applied for water resistance. Withings has not disclosed whether this treatment uses PFAS-based durable water repellents (DWRs), which are common in wearable wristbands to maintain sweat and water shedding.
The brand's record and disclosure
Withings has not publicly committed to PFAS-free manufacturing, nor has it disclosed the specific water-resistant treatment chemistry for the ScanWatch wristband. The company does not appear on major PFAS-disclosure registries or certifications (such as ZDHC Gateway or Bluesign for textiles/elastomers). Given the product's water-resistant specification and lack of transparency, precaution is warranted until the brand clarifies its water-repellent coating sourcing.
How it compares in its category
Smartwatch wristbands vary widely in material and disclosure. Competitors like Garmin and Fitbit also use rubber elastomers but similarly rarely disclose water-resistance treatment chemistry. Some premium or eco-focused brands now use silicone without persistent DWRs, though these may show reduced longevity. The ScanWatch wristband is typical in its opacity; the category-wide problem is insufficient transparency rather than exceptional risk.
If you buy it
Wash the wristband regularly with mild soap and water to minimize buildup of sweat or contaminants that could concentrate any leachables. Avoid prolonged immersion in hot water (>40°C / 104°F), which can accelerate elastomer degradation and potential leaching of treatment compounds. Replace the wristband if it shows cracking, discoloration, or loss of water beading. Store away from direct sunlight and heat when not worn, as UV and thermal stress degrade elastomer bonds over 2-3 years.
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 water-resistant treatment
The ScanWatch wristband's water-resistance method is undisclosed. PFAS-based durable water repellents are industry-standard in wearable elastomers; without brand confirmation of PFAS-free alternatives, exposure risk cannot be ruled out, particularly from skin contact and potential leaching during washing or sweating.
Elastomer degradation and leaching
Synthetic rubber and fluoroelastomer wristbands can degrade over 2-3 years of use, especially under UV, heat, or sweat exposure. Degradation may release oligomers or residual monomers (e.g., vinyl fluoride from fluoroelastomer) into skin contact; risk is low at normal wear temperatures but increases if the wristband is damaged or excessively heated.
Skin irritation and sensitization from treatment residues
Water-resistant coatings on elastomers may contain uncrosslinked oligomers, catalysts, or surfactants that can leach into skin, particularly in humid or sweaty conditions. No recall or widespread complaints on record for ScanWatch specifically, but this is a known mode of exposure for treated wristbands across the smartwatch category.
Microorganism growth in crevices
Wristbands that are not regularly cleaned can harbor bacteria and fungi in seams or between the band and watch body, especially in warm, humid climates. While not a direct material hazard, poor maintenance increases skin contact with microbial metabolites and can trigger localized dermatitis.
Colorant or pigment leaching
The ScanWatch black wristband uses standard rubber pigmentation. No recalls or complaints of dye migration onto skin are on record for this product or brand. Risk is considered minimal under normal use if the band is not subjected to intense heat or prolonged wet conditions.
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 Smartwatches & Fitness Trackers
Swatch
Chrono 42 Quartz Watch
Stainless steel case, mineral/plastic crystal, standard watch components
Lower concern. Standard watch materials pose minimal PFAS risk.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Swatch
SEA WASP
Plastic/resin watch case and strap
Typical consumer watch, no known PFAS risk signal identified
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Swatch
Neon Seppia Big Bold Chrono Quartz Watch
Stainless steel case, plastic/resin band, mineral or acrylic crystal
Lower concern. Standard watch materials typically lack intentional PFAS use.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
More waterproof smartwatches & 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.