Urban Armor Gear · Waterproof Phone Cases
UAG Monarch Case for iPhone 14 Plus
No coating described, and no PFAS statement from the brand.
The product information we reviewed describes thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and polycarbonate 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
Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and polycarbonate blend
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What UAG Monarch Case for iPhone 14 Plus is made of, ingredients and materials
The Monarch case combines thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and polycarbonate, a common and well-understood combination in phone protection. TPU is a synthetic rubber-like polymer with good chemical stability and low leaching risk under normal use conditions. Polycarbonate provides rigid structural support and impact resistance. Neither material requires surface coatings to achieve water resistance on a sealed case, the fit and seal at ports and buttons create the waterproof function.
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
TPU cases can gradually degrade and shed microparticles with heavy mechanical stress or UV exposure over years of use. This is a general concern for all synthetic rubber casings, not specific to UAG, but prolonged outdoor exposure increases risk.
Bacterial or mold growth in sealed cavities
Waterproof cases trap moisture in port cavities and under raised bezels if not dried after water exposure. Regular cleaning and air-drying are the primary preventive measures; no antimicrobial coating is described for this case.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Volatile organic compound (VOC) off-gassing
TPU and polycarbonate are not known sources of significant VOC emissions under normal use conditions. No off-gassing complaints or test data have been reported for this product line.
Heavy metals
No recalls or reports of lead, cadmium, or other heavy metals in the plastic or printed graphics of UAG Monarch cases exist on record. Standard polymer casings and industrial inks are subject to voluntary compliance with consumer product limits but not independently certified for this product.
Source, FDA ↗Leaching from polycarbonate into foodstuffs or prolonged skin contact
Phone cases are not designed for food contact and do not typically leach bisphenol A (BPA) or related compounds during normal use against skin. Risk is theoretical and not documented for this product category.
The full breakdown
The brand's record and disclosure
Urban Armor Gear has a 15-year track record focused on ruggedized consumer electronics protection with no major product safety recalls or material hazard disclosures on record. The brand does not publish formal material safety data sheets or PFAS statements publicly, which is typical for the phone accessory market but limits transparency. No third-party certifications (e.g., Cradle to Cradle, OEKO-TEX) are known for this product line, though this is standard across hard phone cases.
How it compares in its category
Hard TPU/polycarbonate hybrid cases are the category standard for waterproof phone protection and generally carry lower chemical hazard profiles than cases with added coatings or gels. This case avoids silicone-based alternatives (which can off-gas in high heat) and coating-dependent waterproofing. Most competitors in this segment use identical or very similar material blends, making the Monarch materially unremarkable in safety terms, though its engineering and seal design are rated highly for durability.
If you buy it
Clean the case periodically with mild soap and warm water to prevent bacterial or mineral buildup in ports and seals, which can compromise waterproofing over time. Avoid prolonged exposure to temperatures above 60C (140F), as TPU can soften. Inspect the seal around the charging port and buttons annually; if you notice cracks, peeling, or separation, replacement is warranted to maintain water resistance. Store in a cool, dry place when not in use to extend TPU lifespan.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 45% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Urban Armor Gear has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
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.