Withings · Water-Resistant Smart Rings & Bands
Withings Milanese Mesh Loop Bracelet
Stainless steel watch band carries low PFAS concern.
This stainless steel mesh band has no waterproofing or stain treatments applied. Bare metal poses minimal PFAS risk despite Realme's lack of disclosure.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
Stainless steel mesh loop band
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Withings Milanese Mesh Loop Bracelet is made of, ingredients and materials
The Withings Milanese Mesh Loop is constructed from stainless steel, a non-reactive alloy typically containing iron, chromium, and nickel. Stainless steel does not leach chemicals under normal skin contact and is resistant to corrosion, making it chemically inert in wearable applications. There is no coating, polymer layer, or finish treatment disclosed by Withings, which eliminates common sources of leachable additives found in painted metals or plated bands.
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.
Nickel leaching from stainless steel
Stainless steel inherently contains 8-12% nickel. In persons with nickel contact dermatitis, prolonged skin contact may trigger localized allergic reactions. Withings does not disclose nickel content or hypoallergenic certification for this band.
Allergic reactions from contact
Beyond nickel, individuals with metal sensitivities or latex-adjacent reactions to fastening components (if present) could experience minor irritation. Withings provides no allergen or component disclosure.
Bacterial growth in mesh crevices
The mesh design creates small pockets where sweat, skin cells, and bacteria may accumulate if not regularly cleaned. This is a maintenance issue rather than a product defect, but users with sensitive skin should be aware.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Corrosion and particulate shedding
High-quality stainless steel mesh resists corrosion under normal wear. However, damage to the mesh or exposure to prolonged saltwater contact could theoretically result in minor metal particle shedding; no incidents have been reported for this model.
Heavy metals
Stainless steel production involves chromium and potentially manganese, but finished mesh is inert. No testing data or recalls suggest residual contamination in the Milanese Mesh Loop.
Source, FDA ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Withings is a digital health company owned by Nokia, with a primary focus on wearable sensors and health tracking devices. The company does not publicly maintain a detailed material safety or chemical restriction policy specific to watch bands or accessories. No recalls or safety advisories related to the Milanese Mesh Loop have been documented in public safety databases. Transparency on material sourcing and nickel content limits is not evident in published specifications.
How it compares in its category
Watch bands vary widely in safety profile, silicone and rubber bands risk leaching plasticizers and flame retardants if not certified; leather bands may contain heavy metals in dyes or finishing chemicals; and nickel-plated steel introduces nickel sensitivity risk. A bare stainless steel mesh avoids most of these hazards, positioning it as a lower-risk option. However, unlike some premium bands, Withings does not voluntarily disclose nickel limits or submit to third-party testing.
If you buy it
Clean the band periodically with mild soap and water to remove skin oils and sweat accumulation, which can trap moisture and promote minor corrosion in crevices. Wearers with confirmed nickel sensitivity should contact Withings for nickel content specifications before purchase, as stainless steel always contains trace to moderate nickel. The band requires no special storage; avoid prolonged exposure to saltwater or harsh chemicals. No replacement interval is needed unless physical damage or loosening of mesh segments occurs.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 82% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Withings has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
More water-resistant smart rings & bands 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.