Samsung · Waterproof Camera & Lens Protection Cases
Freewell CPL Circular Polarizer Filter for Samsung Galaxy Ultra
Camera filters typically have optical coatings; PFAS risk unclear without disclosure.
Freewell CPL filters are optical glass with anti-reflective coatings, but the brand provides no PFAS information. Optical coatings composition remains undisclosed to consumers.
The better-graded swap
Tiffen
Tiffen Photo Twin 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
Glass optical filter lens with unspecified coatings
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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.
Unknown / proprietary coating
A coating is recorded with no disclosed chemistry.
Optical coating composition and leaching
Anti-reflective and hydrophobic coatings on the glass are not disclosed by Freewell. While optical coatings are generally stable under normal camera use (no heat, no moisture contact), coating integrity is not independently verified, and potential trace heavy metals or fluorine compounds in coatings remain unassessed.
What’s reassuring
Thermal stability of coatings
Camera lens filters are not exposed to cooking temperatures or sustained heat. No established risk of coating degradation or off-gassing under typical smartphone photography use. Risk would only emerge if filter were deliberately heated or misused.
Microparticles from coating wear
Optical coatings can degrade through abrasion and age, potentially shedding microscopic particles. However, these particles would remain on the exterior lens surface or inside the protective case, not entering the body or environment in meaningful quantities during normal use.
Glass integrity and breakage hazard
The filter is made of optical glass, which is inert but can shatter if dropped. Broken glass poses a physical cutting hazard only; no chemical risk from the glass itself. Freewell does not publish impact-resistance or breakage safety data.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
This is a circular polarizer filter made of optical glass with anti-reflective and possibly hydrophobic coatings applied to the lens surfaces. The glass itself is not a material linked to PFAS; the coatings are the material of concern. Freewell does not publicly disclose the specific composition of these optical coatings, which typically include silicon dioxide, titanium dioxide, or fluorine-based compounds for durability and light transmission. No independent testing of this specific filter for leaching or coating integrity under normal use has been published.
The brand's record and disclosure
Freewell is a third-party camera accessory maker, not the phone manufacturer; Samsung does not manufacture this filter. Freewell has not issued public transparency statements on chemical composition, heavy metals, or PFAS use in their optical coatings. No safety recalls, certifications (ISO, RoHS), or testing disclosures for this product line have been established in public records. The brand's general safety posture for camera accessories remains undocumented.
How it compares in its category
Circular polarizer filters are among the lowest-risk camera accessories because they are never heated, ingested, or worn against skin, and exposure is limited to holding and brief optical contact with a lens. Most competing filters (Neewer, K&F Concept, generic glass polarizers) share similar construction and lack public composition data, making this product typical rather than exceptional. The main differentiation would be optical quality and hydrophobic coating durability, not chemical safety.
If you buy it
Store the filter in its protective case to prevent dust and scratch accumulation, which can degrade coatings and optical performance over time. Do not expose the filter to extreme heat (above 60°C / 140°F) or direct prolonged sunlight when not in use, as thermal stress can affect coating adhesion. Clean only with a soft microfiber cloth and lens-safe solution; avoid harsh solvents. Replace if the coating visibly flakes, darkens, or loses hydrophobic properties, which typically occurs after 2-5 years of regular use.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 62% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Samsung has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
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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.