Withings · Waterproof Smartphone Cases
Withings ScanWatch Vitals
No coating described, and no PFAS statement from the brand.
The product information we reviewed describes stainless steel case, sapphire crystal, silicone/rubber strap, 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
Stainless steel case, sapphire crystal, silicone/rubber strap
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.
Nickel release from stainless steel case (contact dermatitis)
Surgical-grade 316L stainless steel contains <10% nickel by design, significantly lower than cheaper grades. Nickel migration from the case to skin is unlikely under normal wear, but individuals with severe nickel allergy should confirm direct skin contact or request barrier testing before purchase.
Silicone strap degradation and microparticle shedding
Silicone straps can degrade over years of UV exposure and mechanical flexing, potentially releasing small particles. No specific data on the ScanWatch strap durability is published; monitoring for visible cracking or discoloration is recommended, and replacement after 2 years of heavy daily wear is prudent.
Bacterial or fungal growth in strap-case junction
The seal between the silicone strap and stainless steel case can trap moisture and sweat, creating a microenvironment for microbial colonization if not cleaned regularly. This is a hygiene rather than toxicant issue, but can cause skin irritation or odor.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Heavy metals
No published testing or recalls indicate heavy metals in Withings silicone strap colorants. Silicone dyes are typically FDA-listed color additives, but the brand does not disclose strap pigment sourcing or third-party assay data.
Source, FDA ↗Formaldehyde / VOCs
No recalls or complaints of odor, skin sensitization, or off-gassing tied to the ScanWatch Vitals have been documented. Stainless steel and silicone do not require formaldehyde-based finishes or resins.
Source, ATSDR ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
The ScanWatch Vitals case is built from surgical-grade stainless steel (316L), which is highly resistant to corrosion and leaching. The watch face uses sapphire crystal, an inert laboratory material that does not degrade or release compounds into contact with skin. The strap is silicone or rubber elastomer, which is chemically stable and does not absorb or leach problematic substances under normal wear conditions. Together, these materials represent a low-chemical-migration design typical of premium wearables.
The brand's record and disclosure
Withings has not published specific material safety certifications or third-party toxicant testing for the ScanWatch Vitals. The company does not issue public statements on PFAS, heavy metals, or allergen screening in straps or coatings. No product recalls related to chemical hazards have been documented for this model. The brand's silence on disclosure reflects a gap in transparency common among wearable makers, though the material choices themselves are conventional and carry minimal established risk.
How it compares in its category
Compared to cheaper smartwatches with nickel-plated cases or plastic bodies, the ScanWatch Vitals avoids base-metal allergen and polymer leaching risks. Stainless steel and sapphire are materials not linked to PFAS; they do not require Teflon-family coating coatings (which introduce PFAS) or ceramic glazes (which may contain lead). Silicone straps are preferred over PVC bands in premium wearables because they do not contain phthalate plasticizers. This watch sits at the lower concern end of the wearable spectrum materially.
If you buy it
Keep the silicone strap clean and dry regularly to prevent bacterial or fungal growth in crevices where moisture pools; replace the strap every 1-2 years if worn daily. Do not expose the watch to harsh solvents, bleach, or extreme heat above 60°C (140°F), as these can degrade the silicone adhesion to the case. Avoid prolonged contact with saltwater (rinse after ocean use) to maintain the stainless steel finish. No special care is needed for the sapphire crystal; it is scratch-resistant and chemically inert.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 35% 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 waterproof smartphone 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.