Amazon Basics · Waterproof Personal Electronics Cases
Amazon Basics Clear Soft Tpu Smartphone Cover For Iphone 2021
Lower risk. TPU phone cases seldom use PFAS, but Amazon discloses nothing.
TPU is a polymer that doesn't need PFAS to function in phone cases. Amazon Basics makes no PFAS statements, though the material itself suggests minimal concern.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
Volatile organic compounds (VOC) off-gassing
New TPU cases may emit mild solvent odors for 24-48 hours after opening, especially in warm environments. This is temporary and caused by residual manufacturing solvents, not ongoing chemical release; not a health hazard at consumer exposure levels.
Microplastics
TPU is softer than polycarbonate and may flake or shed tiny particles over years of use, especially at stress points. Risk of ingestion is minimal (case rarely touches mouth), but environmental persistence of shed microplastics is a concern if disposed improperly.
Source, EPA ↗Bacterial or mold growth
TPU's slightly porous surface and the trapped moisture between case and phone can harbor bacteria or mold if the case remains damp. Regular cleaning and air-drying prevent this; no antimicrobial coating is present.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
BPA & bisphenols
TPU formulations used in phone cases typically do not include phthalates or BPA; no documented cases of these chemicals leaching from Amazon Basics TPU cases.
Source, FDA ↗Heavy metals
The clear formulation contains no added dyes or colorants, eliminating the primary source of lead or cadmium contamination found in colored phone cases.
Source, FDA ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
This case is thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), a flexible synthetic polymer that combines rubber-like softness with plastic durability. TPU is not a material linked to BPA, phthalates, or PVC, with lower concern for these chemicals compared to older phone case materials. The "clear" variant uses no added dyes or pigments, further reducing exposure to heavy metals in colorants. TPU's low melting point means it should never be exposed to direct heat sources, but normal phone use and storage present no thermal risk.
The brand's record and disclosure
Amazon Basics publishes minimal material safety or chemical disclosure for phone accessories, which is standard industry practice but limits independent verification. No recalls or safety complaints specific to this case model appear in public databases. Amazon has faced scrutiny over counterfeit product issues in categories like supplements, but phone cases have no documented history of bait-and-switch or safety substitution. The company does not publish third-party certifications (e.g., RoHS, REACH compliance statements) for this product.
How it compares in its category
TPU cases present lower concern than rubberized coatings (which may contain heavy metals) and rigid polycarbonate blends (which sometimes use brominated flame retardants). Clear TPU cases avoid dye exposure entirely, unlike colored rubber or silicone alternatives. Amazon Basics pricing is competitive with unbranded TPU cases and below branded equivalents (Spigen, OtterBox); the safety profile is equivalent, though cheaper cases may degrade faster.
If you buy it
TPU yellows and becomes sticky over 1-2 years of exposure to sunlight and body oils, so expect visible aging; this is cosmetic, not a safety issue. Do not intentionally heat the case or expose it to prolonged sunlight near windows; store it at room temperature. Replace the case if it begins to peel or separate from the edges, as dust could then contact the phone directly. Clean occasionally with lukewarm soapy water and dry fully before use to slow bacterial buildup in trapped moisture.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 72% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Amazon Basics has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
More waterproof personal electronics 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.