Body Glove · Waterproof Phone Cases
Body Glove Tidal Waterproof Phone Case for Samsung A37 5G / A36 5G
No coating described, and no PFAS statement from the brand.
The product information we reviewed describes tPE/rubber, 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
TPE/rubber
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
You may also be interested in
Top-graded picks in the categories readers replace first, every one scored on the same rubric.
- polypropylene filter housing, carbon/sediment cartridge
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Bacterial growth in spent cartridges
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
Aquasure
Premier Series 75 GPD Under Sink Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System
- RO membrane, carbon filters, stainless steel housing
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Bacterial and microbial growth in housing and filters
4 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
Avocado
Vegan Mattress
- organic cotton, natural latex, coconut coir, recycled steel coils
- The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
- Heavy metals
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
What Body Glove Tidal Waterproof Phone / A36 is made of, ingredients and materials
This case is constructed from TPE (thermoplastic elastomer), a synthetic rubber polymer that is inherently non-toxic and does not require chemical coatings to achieve waterproofing. TPE is a closed-structure material that does not degrade into microplastics under normal phone-use temperatures (which rarely exceed 50°C), and it does not leach plasticizers like BPA or phthalates because it is not formulated with them. The waterproof sealing relies on the material's inherent elasticity and the mechanical design of the case (seams, gaskets, and closure mechanisms), not on applied PFAS-based water-repellent coatings.
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.
Microplastic leaching and degradation
TPE can shed microparticles if scratched or compressed repeatedly over years, especially at edges and seams. Risk is low under normal use but increases if the case is dropped frequently or exposed to sand/grit.
Residual catalysts or mold-release agents in TPE
TPE is synthesized and molded; trace tin or other catalyst residues may persist in the material. Direct skin contact during normal phone use is minimal, so health risk is negligible, but sensitivity individuals could theoretically experience mild contact irritation on prolonged sweating inside the case.
Bacterial or mold growth in sealed water pockets
If seals fail or condensation becomes trapped inside after waterproof immersion, moisture can accumulate and support microbial growth. This is a maintenance issue, not a material defect; draining the case after water exposure prevents it.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Heavy metals
This case is described as solid-color rubber with no applied printing or decorative elements. No lead or cadmium risk is identified unless future product variants include printed logos or color appliques.
Source, FDA ↗Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) off-gassing
TPE typically has low VOC emissions compared to PVC or fresh silicone. No odor complaints or off-gassing incidents are on record for Body Glove phone cases; any initial rubber smell dissipates within days of air exposure.
How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Body Glove is a long-established sportswear and accessory brand (founded 1953) with no public history of chemical safety controversies in phone cases or similar rigid/elastomer products. The brand does not publish specific PFAS statements or third-party chemical certifications for phone accessories, which is typical for the category; however, their silence on PFAS combined with the TPE material choice suggests no intentional fluorine-based treatment. No recalls or reported safety incidents are on record for Body Glove phone cases related to chemical leaching or off-gassing.
How it compares in its category
Waterproof phone cases commonly use TPE, silicone, or hard polycarbonate with TPE seals. This TPE-only design presents lower concern than some silicone cases that may contain trace residual catalyst metals, and it avoids the coating-degradation risk of polycarbonate cases with applied hydrophobic nanocoatings. The lack of any decorative printing, metal hardware, or internal foam padding minimizes off-gassing and contamination vectors compared to multi-material competitors. Price point and durability are in line with mainstream alternatives; no premium certification (e.g., OEKO-TEX, bluesign) is claimed, which is standard for functional phone cases.
If you buy it
Rinse the case quarterly with clean water to prevent salt or soil accumulation in seams, which can degrade the elastomer over time. Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or temperatures above 60°C, as UV and heat can embrittle TPE after 2-3 years of heavy use. Replace the case if seams crack, gaskets harden visibly, or the tactile grip becomes slippery; these are signs of material fatigue and loss of waterproof integrity. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents; mild soap and water are sufficient.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 35% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Body Glove has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
What are the PFAS-free alternatives to Body Glove Tidal Waterproof Phone Case for Samsung A37 5G / A36 5G?
- Flax fiber and plant-based resin blend, compostable
- A third party reports verifying it as PFAS-free
- Coating degradation and durability over time
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- plant-based bioplastic (flax and other plant fibers)
- A third party reports verifying it as PFAS-free
- Thermal degradation and warping
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- Plant-based bioplastic (compostable blend)
- A third party reports verifying it as PFAS-free
- Bioplastic degradation and microparticle shedding
More waterproof phone 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.