Withings · Water-Resistant Smart Rings & Bands
Withings Watch ScanWatch Elastic Watch bands
Low risk. No PFAS signals identified but no transparency.
Withings elastic watch bands are typically rubber or silicone polymers without documented PFAS treatments. Risk appears lower absent evidence.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
Elastic polymer watch band
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.
Volatile organic compound (VOC) off-gassing
Elastomer polymers may release residual monomers or solvents during manufacturing and the first weeks of use. This is typically mild and dissipates quickly but can cause minor odor; no serious toxicity is documented for TPE or standard rubber watch bands at consumer exposure levels.
Skin irritation or allergic contact dermatitis
Direct, prolonged skin contact with elastomer bands can cause localized irritation in sensitive individuals, particularly if the band is not cleaned regularly or if moisture accumulates. Withings does not disclose whether dyes, accelerators, or processing aids in the elastomer formulation include known contact allergens.
Microplastic shedding from band degradation
Elastomer bands can degrade over time with UV exposure, heat, or mechanical wear, potentially releasing microplastic particles. The scale is small (limited to the wrist and immediate environment) but accumulation over multiple replacement cycles contributes to microplastic pollution if bands are discarded rather than recycled.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Flame retardants
No public information confirms or denies the presence of flame retardants in Withings' elastomer formulation. Many elastomer watch bands do not require flame retardants due to their low mass and use context, but absence of disclosure prevents full certainty.
Source, EPA ↗Heavy metals
If the band contains colored elastomer, dyes may include azo compounds or heavy-metal pigments. Withings does not disclose dye sources or test results; however, the ScanWatch band is typically black or neutral, reducing this risk compared to brightly colored alternatives.
Source, FDA ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Withings ScanWatch Elastic bands are made from a synthetic elastomer polymer, likely a rubber or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) blend designed for skin contact and durability. These materials are chosen for flexibility, sweat resistance, and compatibility with the watch's medical-grade sensors. Unlike rigid metal or ceramic, elastomers do not leach heavy metals or degrade into sharp fragments, but they can off-gas volatile compounds during manufacturing and early use.
The brand's record and disclosure
Withings has not publicly disclosed material composition, PFAS content, or third-party safety certifications for its watch bands. The company markets the ScanWatch as a medical device (FDA-cleared in the US for certain models), which implies quality control but does not guarantee transparency on elastomer sourcing or chemical inputs. No recalls or safety warnings specific to Withings bands have been identified in public records.
How it compares in its category
Elastomer watch bands are a mainstream alternative to silicone and metal. This category typically avoids the heavy-metal and coating-degradation risks of ceramic or enameled bands, but elastomers may harbor residual manufacturing chemicals or flame retardants. Withings' bands are comparable to competitors' offerings (Apple, Garmin, Fitbit); few brands in this segment disclose elastomer certification or PFAS testing, making direct comparison difficult.
If you buy it
Wash the band with mild soap and water before first wear to reduce any manufacturing residue odor. Avoid prolonged exposure to high heat (>60°C/140°F) or direct sunlight for extended periods, as elastomers can harden or degrade. Replace the band if visible cracks, stickiness, or persistent odor develop; typical lifespan is 1-2 years with daily wear. Store spare bands in a cool, dry place away from solvents or oils.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 60% 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.
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