Case-Mate · Waterproof Personal Electronics Cases
Amazon Essentials Case-Mate - IP68 Waterproof Phone Pouch/Case [Touchscreen Compat
No coating described, and no PFAS statement from the brand.
The product information we reviewed describes waterproofed plastic/TPU, with no water-repellent coating named. Water resistance on products like this usually comes from the material and its seals rather than a surface treatment. The brand has published no PFAS statement for it.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
Waterproofed plastic/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.
Vague safety claims only
Uses vague language ("eco-friendly", "clean") without a specific PFAS statement.
Phthalates
TPU formulations may include phthalate-based plasticizers to achieve flexibility; Case-Mate does not publicly disclose whether phthalate-free grades are used. Since the pouch contacts skin and is designed for wet environments, any migration would be limited but not zero.
Source, ATSDR ↗Microplastics
TPU can shed microparticles over many years of flexing and UV exposure, particularly at seams and stressed edges. The risk is low during normal use but increases if the pouch is frequently stretched, folded, or stored in high heat.
Source, EPA ↗Bacterial growth in sealed seams
Water trapped in seams or the touchscreen membrane cavity can harbor mold or bacteria if not fully dried after use. This is a hygiene and material integrity issue rather than a chemical hazard, but relevant to long-term use without degradation.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from manufacturing residues
No off-gassing complaints or testing results are on record for this product. TPU-based cases typically have minimal residual VOCs compared to polyvinyl chloride (PVC) alternatives, but Case-Mate does not publish outgassing data.
Antimony in polyester components
If the internal lining or membrane contains polyester fibers, antimony may be present as a catalyst, but no polyester content is named in the product description. The primary materials described are plastic and TPU, which do not typically contain intentional antimony.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
This pouch is constructed from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and sealed plastic materials designed to repel water without relying on fluorinated coatings. TPU is a flexible elastomer commonly used in phone cases and waterproof bags because it resists degradation from moisture and maintains flexibility over time. The IP68 rating comes from the sealed seams and material density itself, not applied chemical treatments, which significantly reduces the pool of potential leachables.
The brand's record and disclosure
Case-Mate is owned by Incipio and has no public PFAS disclosure statement despite making waterproof products. The brand does not advertise third-party certifications for this specific pouch (e.g., Cradle to Cradle, bluesign, or OEKO-TEX). No recalls or chemical contamination incidents involving this product line have been documented in public records.
How it compares in its category
Waterproof phone pouches typically fall into two camps, coated fabrics (often treated with PFAS-based water repellents) and sealed TPU/plastic designs. This product sits in the lower concern category by avoiding fabric coatings altogether. Competitors using rubberized or waxed materials present similar low-risk profiles, though some budget alternatives use untested resin coatings of unclear composition.
If you buy it
Store the pouch in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent TPU embrittlement over years of exposure. Do not expose to sustained heat above 60 degrees Celsius (140 Fahrenheit), as TPU can soften and degrade. Inspect seams and the touchscreen membrane annually for tears or separation; replace if compromised, as this is where waterproofing fails. Rinse with fresh water after saltwater exposure to prevent salt crystallization in seams.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 35% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Case-Mate 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.