What is OEKO-TEX?
Last updated 2026-05-24
OEKO-TEX is a Swiss-Austrian textile certification system that tests fabrics and garments for harmful substances. The most common label, OEKO-TEX Standard 100, certifies that every component of a textile product — including dyes, threads, and accessories — has been tested for substances harmful to human health. Unlike GOTS, OEKO-TEX does not certify organic farming or labor practices — it focuses on the finished product's chemical safety. The test screens for over 1,000 harmful substances including formaldehyde, heavy metals, pesticide residues, allergenic dyes, and chlorinated phenols. The criteria are stricter than most national regulations, making OEKO-TEX a reliable signal for chemical safety even when other sustainability metrics are unclear. There are several OEKO-TEX tiers: Standard 100 (chemical safety of finished products), Made in Green (combines Standard 100 with environmentally responsible manufacturing), Leather Standard, and Responsible Business. For most consumers, the Standard 100 label is the most relevant — it's especially valuable for baby clothes, underwear, sheets, and any textile in prolonged contact with skin.
When Priya bought sheets, she looked for OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification specifically because the sheets would be in contact with her skin for hours each night. The certification confirmed the dyes and finishes wouldn't off-gas harmful chemicals — a different concern than GOTS, which would have certified the cotton's organic origin instead.
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Questions, answered.
What does OEKO-TEX actually test for?
Over 1,000 harmful substances including formaldehyde, heavy metals (lead, cadmium, mercury), pesticide residues, allergenic and carcinogenic dyes, chlorinated phenols, and PFAS chemicals. The criteria are stricter than most national regulations.
Is OEKO-TEX the same as organic?
No. OEKO-TEX certifies that a finished textile is free from harmful chemicals but does not require organic farming or low-impact processing. A non-organic conventionally-grown cotton tee can be OEKO-TEX certified if the finished product passes the chemical tests.
Which is better, GOTS or OEKO-TEX?
Different scopes. GOTS covers organic farming, labor, and chemical safety across the supply chain. OEKO-TEX focuses on chemical safety of the finished product. For maximum credibility, look for products that hold both certifications.