Samsung · Waterproof Phone Cases
Body Glove Tidal Waterproof Phone Case for Samsung Galaxy A16 5G
No coating described, and no PFAS statement from the brand.
The product information we reviewed describes plastic (likely TPU or silicone blend), 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
Plastic (likely TPU or silicone blend)
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Body Glove Tidal Waterproof Galaxy A16 is made of, ingredients and materials
Body Glove Tidal cases are constructed from TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) or a TPU-silicone blend, materials chosen for flexibility, impact cushioning, and water resistance without relying on fluorinated coatings. TPU is a thermoplastic elastomer that becomes soft and pliable when warmed but does not leach significant amounts of BPA or phthalates under normal phone-use conditions (ambient to warm temperatures well below its glass transition). The material's seals and raised bezels provide the waterproof function, not a surface treatment.
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.
Phthalate leaching from TPU or silicone blend
TPU can contain phthalate plasticizers depending on formulation; leaching risk is low at room temperature but may increase if case is stored in heat or comes into prolonged contact with skin oils. No product-specific testing or complaints are on record.
Microplastic shedding from material degradation
TPU can degrade and shed microparticles if exposed to UV, heat, or mechanical stress over months or years; this is a general material concern rather than a Body Glove-specific failure, but cases with lower durability certifications may degrade faster.
Mold or bacterial growth in trapped moisture
Waterproof seals can trap moisture against the phone if not regularly aired; this is a maintenance issue rather than a material hazard, but prolonged dampness inside the case can support microbial growth that contacts skin or the device.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
BPA & bisphenols
If the case uses polycarbonate in reinforced sections or clips, BPA could be present, but the stated TPU-silicone blend does not typically incorporate BPA. No disclosure or test data available to confirm absence.
Source, FDA ↗Off-gassing or volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
Properly cured TPU and silicone have minimal off-gassing post-manufacture; no chemical odor complaints or VOC testing results are publicly available for this product line.
How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Body Glove is a subsidiary of Xcel Brands and has maintained a low public profile on chemical disclosures; no major recalls or safety controversies specific to this phone case line are on record. The brand has not published PFAS statements or formal certifications (such as OEKO-TEX or Bluesign) for this product category. Samsung's involvement appears limited to licensing; Samsung does not manufacture these cases and has not issued specific safety warnings for this model.
How it compares in its category
Waterproof phone cases in this price and material segment are relatively uniform in risk profile. TPU-based cases like this one present fewer leaching concerns than older PVC-based waterproof cases, which sometimes contained phthalates. Most competitors (OtterBox, Spigen, Lifeproof) use similar elastomer chemistries with no major hazard differentiators; Body Glove's positioning is mid-market durability without premium certifications or transparency.
If you buy it
Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or heat sources above 50°C (122°F), as TPU can degrade and become tacky over time. Replace the case if you notice permanent discoloration, cracking, or loss of seal integrity at the openings, as waterproof function will fail. Periodically wipe the interior and seals with a dry cloth to prevent salt or mineral buildup that can compromise seals. Do not leave the case sealed around the phone for weeks in high humidity, as moisture trapped inside can damage the device rather than the case itself.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 45% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Samsung has made a specific claim
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
What are the PFAS-free alternatives to Body Glove Tidal Waterproof Phone Case for Samsung Galaxy A16 5G?
- 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.