Pelican · Waterproof Personal Electronics Cases
Pelican Ranger Case for Galaxy S23+
Lower concern. Material construction contains no known PFAS-linked components.
The case is made from polypropylene, thermoplastic elastomer, and metal latches. These materials are not linked to PFAS. Pelican has no PFAS statement on record for this product, and any water-resistant coating chemistry is not stated.
The better-graded swap
Case-Mate
Case-Mate Floating Waterproof Phone Pouch - Silver Chrome - 2 Pack
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
polypropylene, thermoplastic elastomer, metal latches
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Pelican Ranger Case for Galaxy S23+ is made of, ingredients and materials
This case is primarily polypropylene (PP), a thermoplastic polymer chosen for rigidity and impact resistance, combined with thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) for shock-absorbing bumpers and seals. Both materials are chemically stable at room temperature and do not typically leach toxic substances into food or skin during normal phone-case use. Metal latches are typically zinc alloy or stainless steel and do not present leaching concerns in this application. The main degradation risk is UV damage to the plastic over years of outdoor exposure, which causes brittleness but not chemical contamination.
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 shedding from degraded TPE and polypropylene
Long-term UV exposure and mechanical wear of the elastomer bumpers and case edges can generate microplastic particles, especially if the case is dropped repeatedly or left outdoors. Direct ingestion risk is low for phone cases, but shed particles may accumulate in environmental water if the case is disposed of improperly.
PFAS
Pelican does not disclose the chemistry of water-repellent treatments applied to seams or surfaces. Many manufacturers use PFOA, PFOS, or long-chain PFAS in hydrophobic coatings; without transparency, the extent of PFAS exposure cannot be ruled out.
Source, ATSDR ↗What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Metal latch corrosion releasing trace metals
Zinc-alloy or stainless-steel latches are generally corrosion-resistant in normal indoor use. Corrosion risk increases in high-humidity, salt-spray, or acidic environments but does not present direct skin contact hazards for a phone case.
Skin sensitization from TPE or polypropylene additives
No established reports of allergic contact dermatitis from Pelican phone cases. However, some users with sensitivity to plasticizers or rubber accelerators may experience mild irritation if the case is worn directly against skin for extended periods.
Off-gassing of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from manufacturing residues
New polypropylene and TPE cases may emit trace VOCs (solvent or lubricant residues) for the first few days or weeks. This is not a known safety issue with Pelican cases specifically, but airing the case outdoors before regular use reduces any odor or potential respiratory irritation.
How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Pelican is known for rugged protective cases and equipment, primarily marketed to professionals and outdoor users. The brand does not publicly disclose water-resistant coating chemistry or PFAS use in product specifications. No major product recalls related to chemical safety have been established for Pelican phone cases. The company has not published a formal PFAS reduction or transparency statement, which limits independent verification of water-repellent treatment composition.
How it compares in its category
Hard polypropylene cases dominate the protective phone-case market and generally rank low-risk for chemical hazards compared to gel silicone or PVC alternatives. Pelican cases are more durable and less prone to degradation than budget competitors, reducing replacement frequency and associated waste. Competitors like OtterBox and Spigen use similar PP and TPE chemistries without published safety controversies. The main trade-off is price, Pelican cases cost significantly more than mainstream alternatives, but lifespan and design justify it for frequent-use buyers.
If you buy it
Clean the case periodically with mild soap and warm water; avoid prolonged contact with solvents or extreme heat (above 60 degrees C) to prevent material softening. Inspect rubber seals and elastomer edges annually for cracks or peeling, as degradation can reduce drop protection and water resistance. Replace the case if metal latches corrode, TPE bumpers crack severely, or the plastic becomes brittle or discolored. Store in a cool, dry place when not in use to slow UV and thermal degradation.
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
- Pelican has made a specific claim
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
More waterproof personal electronics 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.