Fitbit · Waterproof Smartphone Cases
Fitbit Charge 6 Fitness Tracker
No coating described, and no PFAS statement from the brand.
The product information we reviewed describes elastomer band, stainless steel case, 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
Elastomer band, stainless steel case
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.
Bacterial growth / skin irritation from band material
Elastomer bands can trap sweat and bacteria if not cleaned regularly, potentially causing localized skin irritation or mild allergic contact dermatitis in sensitive users. This is a hygiene and material-property issue, not a chemical toxicity issue.
Nickel leaching from stainless steel hardware
Although stainless steel is inert in most conditions, low-grade stainless steel or fasteners/connectors in the case or clasp could theoretically release trace nickel if corroded by sweat or salt water. No specific testing or complaints for the Charge 6 are on record, but nickel-sensitive individuals should monitor for contact dermatitis.
Elastomer degradation and microparticle shedding
Over years of wear, elastomer bands can degrade and shed microscopic particles, particularly if exposed to UV light or extreme temperatures. While ingestion of microparticles is unlikely during normal wear, this becomes a concern if the device is disassembled or if degraded material is placed in the mouth.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Heavy metals
The display cover is glass or plastic and does not typically contain heavy metals. Internal electronics are sealed and not in contact with skin; no recalls or reports of lead, cadmium, or mercury in the Charge 6 have been documented.
Source, FDA ↗Adhesive or coating residues in construction
No waterproof or antimicrobial coatings are documented for the Charge 6. Water resistance comes from the sealed construction and material properties, not applied treatments, so no coating-related hazards have been identified.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
The Fitbit Charge 6 uses a elastomer (rubber-like polymer) band paired with a stainless steel case and glass/plastic display cover. Elastomer bands do not typically leach harmful chemicals under normal skin contact conditions, and stainless steel is inert and corrosion-resistant. The main material concern is the quality and durability of the elastomer compound itself, which can degrade over years of UV and sweat exposure, but this is a cosmetic rather than toxicological risk.
The brand's record and disclosure
Fitbit (owned by Google since 2021) has not published a formal PFAS statement for wearables, and no PFAS coating or water-repellent treatment is documented for the Charge 6. The company maintains a general sustainability page but does not provide detailed chemical disclosures for individual products. No recalls or safety controversies specific to the Charge 6 have been widely reported in consumer safety databases.
How it compares in its category
Fitness trackers like the Charge 6 occupy a different safety profile than waterproof phone cases because they do not house electronics with complex coatings or flame-retardant foams. Elastomer-and-steel construction is standard in this category and is generally considered lower-risk than fabric or silicone-heavy alternatives. Most competitors (Garmin, Apple Watch) use similar material combinations with comparable hazard profiles.
If you buy it
Rinse the band regularly with mild soap and water to prevent bacterial buildup under the elastomer, especially after sweating or swimming. Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and extreme heat, which can cause the elastomer to crack or discolor over time. Replace the band if visible degradation (cracking, peeling, discoloration) appears; replacement bands are readily available. The device itself is water-resistant to 50 meters but not designed for diving; occasional submersion is acceptable.
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
- Fitbit has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
More waterproof smartphone 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.