Geckobrands · Waterproof Phone Cases
Waterproof Phone Tote
Unknown waterproof finish; PFAS risk unconfirmed. Skip if PFAS-free matters.
Geckobrands waterproof phone totes use an unspecified waterproof coating. No public PFAS disclosure or testing available; water-repellent coating finishes often contain PFAS but not always.
The better-graded swap
Incipio
Incipio DualPro for iPhone 16 Pro Max
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
Fabric with waterproof coating (type unspecified)
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Waterproof Phone Tote is made of, ingredients and materials
Geckobrands Waterproof Phone Tote uses fabric with an unspecified waterproof coating. The coating type (polyurethane, silicone, wax, or fluorocarbon-based) is not disclosed by the brand, making it impossible to assess whether PFAS-free alternatives were chosen. Fabric itself poses no known chemical hazard, but the coating's identity directly determines whether water resistance comes with PFAS exposure during handling or laundering.
What’s concerning
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
Water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
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.
PFAS
Coating chemistry is unspecified. Fluorocarbon-based water repellents commonly contain PFAS; without disclosure, presence cannot be ruled out. Brand offers no PFAS-free guarantee.
Source, ATSDR ↗Coating degradation and microparticle release
As waterproof coatings age or wear, they can flake or shed particles into contact zones (hands, pockets). Risk increases if coating material breaks down under washing, heat, or UV exposure; product care instructions are not specified.
Skin or respiratory irritation from coating chemicals
Unidentified waterproof coatings may release irritants during initial handling or in warm/humid conditions. Risk is low for external contact but cannot be assessed without coating specification.
What’s reassuring
VOC or off-gassing from coating or adhesives
No odor complaints or VOC emissions data are on record for this product. Fabric-based totes with coatings typically emit minimal volatile organics compared to rigid plastics or foam, but material-specific testing is not publicly available.
Heavy metals
No recalls or contamination reports exist for this brand or product line. Fabric totes are generally lower-risk for heavy metal dyes than ceramics or cosmetics, but dye safety is not explicitly warranted by the brand.
Source, FDA ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Geckobrands has not published material safety data, coating specifications, or PFAS-free certifications for this product. The brand maintains a silent stance on PFAS, meaning no commitment to avoiding fluorinated water repellents is documented. No product recalls or chemical safety controversies are on record for this item, but transparency about coating chemistry is absent.
How it compares in its category
Waterproof phone totes in this price range typically use either fluorocarbon-based coatings (PFAS-containing, highly water-resistant) or polyurethane/silicone alternatives (lower PFAS risk, variable durability). Geckobrands does not specify which approach was taken, leaving this product in the middle of the category in terms of disclosed hazard profile. Competitors like Travelon or higher-end brands sometimes state PFAS-free coatings; Geckobrands does not.
If you buy it
Hand wash or gently wipe the exterior to avoid degrading the waterproof coating through vigorous agitation or heat. Do not machine wash or dry-clean, which can break down the coating and potentially release microparticles. If the coating begins to flake, peel, or lose water resistance within normal use, discontinue use to prevent contact with abraded fabric fibers. Store dry and avoid prolonged sunlight exposure, which can degrade polymer coatings over time.
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
- Geckobrands has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
What are the PFAS-free alternatives to Waterproof Phone Tote?
- 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.