Oeko-Tex Certified ≠ Microplastic-Free: Here’s What Most Brands Won’t Tell You
If you have shopped for “safe” or “eco” clothing, you have probably seen the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 label. It is one of the most recognised certifications in the textile world and for good reason. It tests for hundreds of harmful chemicals that could be left on fabrics after production.
But here is what most people do not realise: Oeko-Tex certification does not tell you anything about whether the fabric itself is made from plastic, or if it sheds microplastics into your skin and the environment.
What Oeko-Tex Actually Tests For
The Oeko-Tex Standard 100 is essentially a chemical safety check. It looks for:
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Harmful dyes such as azo dyes
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Heavy metals like lead or cadmium
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Formaldehyde
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Pesticide residues
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Certain plasticisers such as phthalates
If the fabric passes, it means the residual chemical levels are below a set limit. This is great for ensuring your clothes do not contain certain toxic finishes, but it only measures what is left on the fabric, not what the fabric itself is made of.
The Blind Spot: Synthetic Fibres
Here is the catch: a garment can be 100 percent polyester, nylon, or acrylic, all of which are plastic-based materials, and still get Oeko-Tex certified.
That is because Oeko-Tex does not evaluate:
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If the fibre is synthetic
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Whether it sheds microplastics during wear or washing
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The long-term effects of synthetic polymers on skin health
So yes, your “eco” leggings could be Oeko-Tex certified and still release thousands of invisible plastic particles every time you sweat, move, or put them in the wash.
Why Microplastics Matter for Your Skin
Most people know microplastics harm the environment, but fewer realise the impact on human skin health.
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Heat and sweat can make microplastic particles more likely to transfer from clothing into the skin.
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These particles can carry chemical additives and contaminants.
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Once in contact with the body, they may trigger irritation, disrupt hormones, or even enter the bloodstream through tiny abrasions.
The Nineteen Collective Standard
We believe “safe” should mean safe for both you and the planet. That is why our standard goes beyond Oeko-Tex:
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100 percent biobased fibres from renewable, natural sources 🌱
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No synthetic polymers such as polyester, nylon, elastane, acrylic, or recycled versions of them 🚫
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Zero microplastics, even after years of wear and washing
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Naturally biodegradable at the end of its life
Our philosophy is simple: if it is not safe enough for your skin, it is not going on your body.
The Bottom Line
Oeko-Tex is a valuable certification, but it is just a starting point.
If you want clothing that truly supports your health and the planet, you need to look beyond chemical testing and ask:
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What is the fibre actually made from?
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Will it release microplastics into my body or the environment?
At Nineteen Collective, we have already answered those questions, and the answer is always natural, biobased, and toxin-free.