OtterBox · Insulated Travel Mugs
Customized Otterbox Elevation Core Color Stainless Steel Tumbler
Bare stainless steel carries minimal PFAS concern.
Stainless steel tumbler with no reported coating or treatment listed. Bare stainless steel presents lower PFAS risk than coated or treated alternatives.
The better-graded swap
Thermos
Thermos Guardian Stainless Steel Mug
80/100 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
Stainless steel tumbler, no coating disclosed
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Customized Otterbox Steel Tumbler is made of, ingredients and materials
This tumbler is stainless steel with an insulating layer (likely plastic foam or air gap), no ceramic glaze or non-stick coating disclosed. Stainless steel is chemically inert when food-contact and does not leach metals under normal use. The risk profile depends on the internal insulation material and whether the lid or gasket contain BPA or phthalates, neither of which OtterBox has publicly disclosed.
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.
BPA & bisphenols
OtterBox does not publicly disclose whether the lid seal and gasket are BPA-free or phthalate-free. Many food-contact plastics in this price range use standard polypropylene or silicone; if the latter contains plasticizers, leaching is unlikely but possible under hot-liquid use.
Source, FDA ↗Bacterial growth in sealed insulation layer
The air-gap or foam insulation between walls cannot be cleaned by the consumer. Moisture trapped during manufacturing or after condensation could support mold or bacterial biofilm. This risk is typical for all double-wall tumblers and can be minimized by air-drying the lid and allowing the tumbler to dry fully between uses.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Stainless steel grade and nickel content
No known issue with OtterBox tumblers. Standard 18/8 or 18/10 stainless steel is hypoallergenic and does not leach nickel at food-contact pH. Without material certification, assume industry standard; nickel-sensitive individuals should contact the brand.
Interior coating degradation (if present)
OtterBox has not disclosed whether the interior is bare steel or epoxy-coated. If coated for insulation or corrosion resistance, degradation from impact or acidic drinks could expose underlying steel, though this poses minimal food-safety risk for stainless.
Aluminum leaching (if aluminum is used in lid/base hardware)
OtterBox does not specify whether the base ring, lid hardware, or internal fixtures contain aluminum. If present in food-contact areas and exposed to acidic beverages, minor leaching is theoretically possible but remains below regulatory thresholds. No brand-specific incidents recorded.
How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
OtterBox is known for ruggedized phone cases and protective gear but has not published material safety data sheets or third-party certifications for this tumbler line. The brand maintains minimal public disclosure on food-contact safety testing or chemical composition. No major recalls or contamination incidents are on record for OtterBox drinkware.
How it compares in its category
Stainless steel tumblers have lower concern for certain hazards because they avoid the ceramic glaze (lead/cadmium risk) and Teflon-type coating non-stick (fume risk) common in traditional cookware. They perform similarly to competing brands like Hydro Flask or YETI in terms of material safety. The main differentiator is lid and gasket composition, which OtterBox does not specify.
If you buy it
Hand wash the tumbler and lid to avoid damaging any internal coatings; do not use in a dishwasher unless the manufacturer explicitly states it is appropriate for dishwasher use. Inspect the rubber gasket annually for cracks or discoloration, which can harbor bacteria or allow leaching from degraded seals. Replace the lid or gasket if they show visible wear. Avoid prolonged contact with acidic beverages (citrus, vinegar) if the steel is not food-grade 18/8 or higher, though OtterBox products typically meet this standard.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 78% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- OtterBox has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
What are the PFAS-free alternatives to Customized Otterbox Elevation Core Color Stainless Steel Tumbler?
- stainless steel exterior, ceramic lining interior
- Ceramic coating degradation over time
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- Stainless steel body, plastic lid
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Plastic lid polymer identity and leaching potential
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- Stainless steel body, no interior coating disclosed
- Silicone and plastic lid/valve leachables
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
More insulated travel mugs 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.