Fossil · Water-Resistant Smart Rings & Bands
Fossil Women's Raquel Leather Strap Set
Lower concern. Leather and metal straps unlikely PFAS vectors.
Watch straps made of leather and stainless steel present lower PFAS risk versus water-repellent fabrics or synthetic materials. Fossil hasn't disclosed PFAS status for this product.
The better-graded swap
Oura
Oura - Ring 5 - Smart Ring - Size Before You Buy with OR5 Sizing Kit - Size 11 - Silver - (2026)
85/100 safety
Same rubric that flunked this product. The swap earned Excellent.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Leather and stainless steel watch straps
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Fossil Women's Raquel Leather Strap Set is made of, ingredients and materials
This product consists of genuine leather watch straps paired with stainless steel hardware. Leather tanning traditionally uses chromium (III) salts, which show lower concern at consumer contact levels when properly processed; however, chrome tanning residues and dyes remain potential exposure points during wear. Stainless steel hardware (typically 316L or 304 grade) is highly stable and does not leach under normal skin contact conditions. The concern centers on leather dyes, finish treatments, and any synthetic components in stitching or backing.
What’s concerning
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
Chromium and chrome tanning residues in leather
Leather tanning typically employs chromium (III), which is stable at skin contact but residual chrome salts and hexavalent chromium (if improperly processed) can leach in warm, moist conditions. Fossil does not disclose tanning method or residual chrome limits for this strap line.
Azo dyes and leather colorants
Leather dyes, especially in darker shades, may contain azo compounds that can break down under sweat or heat to release aromatic amines. No color safety data is published for this product; risk is highest with darker brown or black straps.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
If straps include synthetic fabric backing or thread treatments, formaldehyde-releasing resins may be present. Fossil does not disclose backing material or thread finish specifications.
Source, ATSDR ↗What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Adhesives and backing treatments
Most leather watch straps use polyurethane or contact adhesives on the backing. Fossil does not disclose adhesive type or VOC/phthalate content. Risk is low with intact backing, but increases if straps peel or separate.
Metal allergies (nickel or cobalt in stainless steel hardware)
Stainless steel is nickel-resistant when properly alloyed (316L grade), but Fossil does not specify hardware alloy composition. Individuals with nickel sensitivity should request confirmation of alloy type before purchase.
How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Fossil does not publicly disclose material sourcing certifications, tanning methods, or chemical test results for watch straps. No recalls or substantiated safety complaints are on record for this specific strap line. The brand maintains general quality assurance but does not appear to pursue third-party leather certifications (e.g., Leather Working Group environmental standards) or publish transparency reports on strap production chemicals.
How it compares in its category
Leather watch straps are a mid-tier choice; they avoid the microplastic and phthalate risks of synthetic rubber or polyurethane alternatives, but lack the certifications of premium brands using vegetable-tanned or certified chrome-tanned leather. Fossil's straps are comparable to mass-market watch accessories and do not appear to differ materially from competitor offerings in disclosed hazard profiles. Stainless steel hardware is standard across the category.
If you buy it
Keep leather straps dry when possible to minimize moisture-driven dye leaching onto skin. Inspect stitching and backing annually for wear or peeling, which can expose underlying adhesives or untanned leather. Discontinue use if visible cracks, brittleness, or odor changes occur, as these may indicate degradation of tanning compounds. Wash hands after extended wear if you have sensitive skin or dye sensitivity.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 72% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Fossil has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
More water-resistant smart rings & bands 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.