Design Delight Studio does NOT hold OEKO-TEX certification. This free guide exists to educate consumers and combat greenwashing. We hold GOTS, GRS, OCS, PETA-Approved Vegan & Fair Trade certifications. For official OEKO-TEX information, visit oeko-tex.com.
OEKO-TEX® Certification:
Complete Consumer Guide
Understand textile safety standards, learn to verify authentic certificates, and protect yourself from greenwashing. Everything you need to know about OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100—the world's leading label for textiles tested for harmful substances.
Verify a Certificate NowOEKO-TEX Key Statistics
Source: Official OEKO-TEX Website
What is OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100?
The world's leading safety label for textiles tested for harmful substances
OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 is a globally recognized, independent testing and certification system for textiles, established in 1992 by the International Association for Research and Testing in the Field of Textile and Leather Ecology (Oeko-Tex) based in Zurich, Switzerland.
The certification tests every component of a textile product for over 350 regulated and non-regulated harmful substances that could pose risks to human health. Unlike labels that focus only on environmental claims, OEKO-TEX specifically tests for chemicals that affect the person wearing the garment.
What Gets Tested
Every single element of a garment is analyzed:
- Fabrics: Natural (cotton, wool, silk) and synthetic (polyester, nylon)
- Accessories: Buttons, zippers, rivets, and fasteners
- Threads: Sewing and embroidery threads
- Prints & Dyes: Screen prints, digital prints, and colorants
- Labels: Care labels, brand tags, and size labels
- Finishes: Water repellents, antimicrobials, and treatments
Testing is conducted by independent laboratories worldwide, including the renowned Hohenstein Institute in Germany and TESTEX in Switzerland. These laboratories use state-of-the-art analytical methods including gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, and atomic absorption spectroscopy.
For complete official information, visit the OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 page.
Why OEKO-TEX® Matters For Your Health
Your skin is your largest organ—and it absorbs what it touches
When you wear clothing for 8-12 hours daily, chemical exposure becomes a serious health consideration. Research shows that the skin can absorb substances from prolonged contact with textiles, especially during sweating or friction.
Potential Health Concerns
Prolonged contact with textiles containing harmful chemicals may contribute to:
- Skin irritation and allergic reactions from dyes and finishes
- Contact dermatitis from formaldehyde resins
- Hormone disruption from phthalates and certain flame retardants
- Respiratory issues from formaldehyde off-gassing in new clothes
Infants & Children
Baby skin is 30% thinner than adult skin with higher permeability. The surface-area-to-body-weight ratio in infants is 3x higher than adults.
- Class I is strictest level
- Designed for ages 0-3
- Tests for saliva resistance
Pregnant Women
Certain chemicals in textiles, like some PFAS compounds, can cross the placental barrier. Minimizing exposure during pregnancy is prudent.
- Avoid untested imports
- Wash new clothes first
- Look for certifications
Sensitive Skin
Up to 20% of people have sensitive skin or textile allergies. Common triggers include nickel, disperse dyes, and formaldehyde resins.
- Tests eliminate irritants
- pH-balanced fabrics
- Reduced allergen risk
Verify OEKO-TEX® Certificates
Always verify certificates to protect yourself from fake claims
Certificate Format Checker
Enter a certificate number to check its format, then verify on the official OEKO-TEX website
Common formats: XX.XXX.XXXXX or SHXXX XXXXXX
Official Verification Required
For definitive verification, always use the official tool:
OEKO-TEX Label CheckWhere to Find Certificate Numbers
- On the OEKO-TEX label sewn into the garment or attached as a hang tag
- Product packaging printed on boxes, bags, or wrapping
- Online product pages in product descriptions or specifications
- QR codes on labels—scan for direct verification link
Harmful Substances OEKO-TEX® Tests For
Over 350 substances tested, exceeding most government regulations
OEKO-TEX goes beyond government regulations, testing for substances that aren't yet legally restricted but are known to pose health risks. The test catalog is updated annually based on the latest scientific research. Learn more at the official testing criteria page.
Carcinogens
- Formaldehyde: Used in wrinkle-resistant finishes
- Azo dyes: Can release carcinogenic amines
- Heavy metals: Lead, cadmium, chromium VI
- PAHs: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
Endocrine Disruptors
- Phthalates: Plasticizers in prints
- Organotin compounds: Antibacterial agents
- Alkylphenols: Surfactants
- Some flame retardants: PBDEs
Allergens & Irritants
- Nickel: In metal parts like zippers
- Disperse dyes: 22+ allergenic dyes tested
- Chlorinated phenols: Preservatives
- Pesticide residues: In natural fibers
Environmental Toxins
- PFAS: "Forever chemicals" in water repellents
- VOCs: Volatile organic compounds
- Chlorinated carriers: Used in dyeing
- Biocides: Antimicrobial treatments
Full Testing Criteria
For the complete list of tested substances and their limits, view the official OEKO-TEX documentation:
4 OEKO-TEX® Certification Classes
Protection levels based on intensity of skin contact
The more intense the skin contact and the more vulnerable the user, the stricter the requirements. Always check which class a product is certified under. Learn more at oeko-tex.com.
For: Baby clothes, bedding, bibs, soft toys. No optical brighteners allowed, lowest limits on all substances, saliva-resistant.
For: Underwear, t-shirts, socks, bed sheets, towels. Low limits for skin irritants, sweat-resistant colors required.
For: Jackets, coats, suits worn over other clothes. Higher limits allowed since fabric doesn't touch skin directly.
For: Curtains, tablecloths, upholstery. Focus on emissions and environmental safety rather than direct skin contact.
Shopping Tip
Always check which class a product is certified under. A jacket certified as Class III may not meet the stricter requirements needed for baby clothing (Class I). When shopping for vulnerable family members, always look for the appropriate class.
The OEKO-TEX® Testing Process
How textiles get certified from factory to label
Sample Collection & Submission
Week 1-2Manufacturer collects samples of every component: base fabric, threads, buttons, zippers, prints, and accessories. Samples are submitted to an accredited OEKO-TEX testing institute.
- Samples from production batches
- Chain-of-custody documentation
- Product specification sheets
Laboratory Analysis
Week 2-4Independent laboratories analyze samples using methods like gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, and atomic absorption spectroscopy. Over 350 substances are tested.
- Detection limits in parts per billion
- Multiple test repetitions
- Quality control protocols
Physical & Performance Testing
Week 3-4Beyond chemicals, textiles are tested for physical properties affecting safety and comfort.
- pH levels: Must be 4.0-9.0 for skin compatibility
- Colorfastness: Resistance to water, sweat, saliva, rubbing
- Emissions: VOC off-gassing measurements
Certification & Annual Renewal
Valid 12 MonthsUpon passing all tests, a certificate is issued with a unique ID. Manufacturers must renew annually through complete retesting to maintain certification.
- Certificate number assigned
- Product added to Label Check database
- Annual renewal required
Can You Spot Greenwashing?
Test your knowledge and learn to identify fake certification claims
Greenwashing Detector Quiz
5 questions to sharpen your skepticism
Questions Correct
Red Flags to Watch For
- No certificate number provided
- Generic "eco-friendly" claims without specifics
- Images of logos without verification info
- Claims that can't be verified online
- "Inspired by" or "equivalent to" OEKO-TEX
- Expired certificates (valid only 1 year)
Signs of Legitimate Claims
- Certificate number clearly displayed
- QR code linking to official verification
- Specific class mentioned (I, II, III, or IV)
- Can be verified at oeko-tex.com
- Current certificate (within 1 year)
- Official OEKO-TEX® label format
Transparency Note
Design Delight Studio does NOT hold OEKO-TEX certification. We created this educational guide to help you make informed choices and avoid greenwashing across the industry. Our products carry GOTS, GRS, OCS, PETA-Approved Vegan, and Fair Trade certifications.
OEKO-TEX® vs GOTS Comparison
Understanding the differences helps you choose what matters most
| Aspect | OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 | GOTS |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Chemical safety for the wearer | Organic production + environmental/social standards |
| Fiber Requirement | None—tests any material (natural or synthetic) | Minimum 70% organic fibers required |
| Chemical Testing | 350+ harmful substances | Chemical restrictions + organic farming standards |
| Environmental Standards | Not primary focus | Comprehensive environmental criteria |
| Social Standards | Not included | Worker rights and fair labor required |
| Synthetic Materials | ✓ Fully covered | Limited to 30% maximum |
| Best For | Maximum chemical safety regardless of fiber | Organic, sustainable, ethical production |
| Official Website | oeko-tex.com | global-standard.org |
Quick Decision Guide
- Chemical safety is your priority? → Look for OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100
- Want organic + sustainability? → Look for GOTS
- Want both? → Some products carry both certifications
At Design Delight Studio, we use GOTS-certified organic cotton which ensures both organic production AND chemical safety standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about OEKO-TEX certification answered
Official Resources
Verified links to official OEKO-TEX information and our pages
Shop Our Certified Products
While we don't hold OEKO-TEX certification, Design Delight Studio products are certified by these trusted third-party organizations, each with rigorous standards for organic production, chemical safety, and ethical manufacturing: