Urban Armor Gear · Waterproof Phone Cases
UAG Outback Series Case for iPhone 14 Plus
Likely lower risk, TPU typically avoids PFAS, but brand won't confirm.
The iPhone 14 Plus case uses TPU and armor polymer, materials rarely formulated with intentional PFAS additives. UAG has not published any PFAS statements or commissioned third-party testing.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and armor shell polymer
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What UAG Outback Series Case for iPhone 14 Plus is made of, ingredients and materials
The UAG Outback case combines thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) for the flexible outer bumper and a rigid polycarbonate or polyurethane-based armor shell for impact protection. TPU is a synthetic elastomer that does not typically leach BPA, phthalates, or other endocrine disruptors under normal phone-use conditions (room temperature, no prolonged heat exposure). Polycarbonate can contain trace BPA from manufacturing, but migration into your hand or phone is negligible at ambient temperature without direct contact with food or hot liquids.
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.
Phthalates
Some TPU blends use phthalate plasticizers; UAG does not disclose whether their TPU is phthalate-free. Contact with skin is brief and intermittent, limiting exposure, but sensitive users may request material certification from the brand.
Source, ATSDR ↗Volatile organic compound off-gassing
New TPU cases may emit weak VOC odor for days after opening, typical of the material class. This dissipates with ventilation and poses no documented health risk but may be noticeable in confined spaces.
Coating degradation and microplastic generation
If the case is dropped repeatedly, the polycarbonate shell can micro-fracture or the TPU can develop surface tears, potentially shedding small polymer particles. This is mechanical wear rather than chemical leaching, but long-term environmental impact is unknown.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
BPA & bisphenols
Polycarbonate in rigid phone-case shells does not migrate BPA under normal room-temperature use without prolonged contact with hot liquids or food. No leaching has been documented in this product category or brand.
Source, FDA ↗Formaldehyde / VOCs
If the Outback has printed logos or color accents, manufacturers sometimes use formaldehyde-releasing dyes or adhesives; UAG does not disclose. Skin contact is minimal, and any migration would be negligible.
Source, ATSDR ↗The full breakdown
The brand's record and disclosure
Urban Armor Gear does not publish detailed material safety data sheets or PFAS/chemical testing results for consumer review, which is typical for the phone-case category but falls short of premium transparency. The brand has no documented recalls or safety controversies specific to this Outback line. Their silence on PFAS use in TPU formulations is not unusual for mid-market protective gear makers, though larger competitors like OtterBox and Spigen have begun voluntary disclosure.
How it compares in its category
Phone cases made from TPU and hard polycarbonate present lower concern for chemical leaching than silicone cases (which can off-gas volatile organic compounds) or leather alternatives (which may use heavy-metal-containing dyes). The UAG Outback sits in the mainstream rugged-case tier; it does not claim eco-certification or third-party testing, placing it on par with most competitors rather than above or below them chemically.
If you buy it
Handle the case normally at room temperature; TPU and polycarbonate show lower concern for leaching under typical use conditions, so no special precautions apply. Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or heat above 60°C (140°F), as high temperatures can accelerate any trace plastic off-gassing, though this is not a typical phone-use scenario. Replace the case if the TPU becomes sticky or discolored, which signals polymer degradation. Clean with mild soap and water; avoid solvents or alcohol-based products that can degrade TPU over time.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 72% 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.