• Found in: Wrinkle-resistant finishing treatments for fabrics
• Linked to: Contact dermatitis and respiratory issues
• Short-term health risks: Skin irritation, allergic reactions
• Long-term health risks: Chronic respiratory problems, cancer, potential sensitization
• Environmental impact: Chemical runoff during textile processing, leaching into waterways
  
  Cottonique says NO to formaldehyde and wrinkle-resistant resin treatments.

(Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances/Perfluorinated Compounds) or
the so-called “forever chemicals” abundantly present in stain- and water-resistant clothing; associated with long-term health risks, including cancer, immune system issues, reproductive health problems, and child developmental effects. We avoid PFAS and other water-repellent toxins to protect your skin and the planet.

A usual component of many elastic materials used in clothing, particularly in waistbands, underwear, activewear, and elastic trims; a common yet major allergen for individuals with sensitive skin, since it can trigger a simple reaction like mild skin irritation or a severe one, such as anaphylactic shock. You won’t find latex or even exposed elastic anywhere in our clothing.

Essentially the same synthetic, stretchy fiber often used in sportswear, compression bands, tight waistbands, and swimwear; can trap heat and moisture, potentially leading to skin irritation, allergic reactions, and even fungal infections. We skip spandex, elastane, and other types of synthetic stretch fibers altogether to avoid irritating seams and reduce the risk of flare-ups or chafing.

Plasticizers present in printing inks and graphic coatings; known to pose severe health risks, particularly to children, as these disrupt the endocrine system, resulting in reproductive or developmental issues. Cottonique is strongly opposed to the use of plasticizers in our garments.

Preservatives added to antibacterial treatments used in textile manufacturing; some parabens may be absorbed through the skin, disrupting hormonal balance and affecting fertility and reproductive development. These can also trigger skin irritation and allergic reactions. We don’t use antimicrobial chemicals, antimicrobial treatments, or even fabric softeners, which can alter your skin’s natural balance, in our manufacturing processes.

Toxic surfactants used in textile processing; known to linger in fabrics, disrupting the endocrine system and resulting in various health issues affecting fertility and development, and increased cancer risk. Also, it seeps through waterways, harming aquatic life. Cottonique avoids all harmful surfactants, including NPEs.

Commonly used in homes to clean, disinfect, and whiten clothes; leaves residue that can irritate or cause even more severe reactions on sensitive skin. All bleaching agents or optical brighteners that may linger in fabrics are a big no-no for Cottonique.

Toxic elements used in various textile processes such as dyeing and printing; includes lead, cadmium, chromium, and others. These can trigger skin irritation and allergies. They also have carcinogenic effects. Cottonique says NO to dyes containing heavy metals or allergenic compounds.

Synthetic dyes widely used in colored textiles; they’re known to release carcinogenic aromatic amines, so it’s not surprising some types are banned in the European Union (EU) for the cancer risks they pose. We use fiber-dyed yarns spun into fabric in our garments to avoid the toxic impact of azo and allergenic dyes.

A chemical used in manufacturing clothing, particularly synthetic fabrics like polyester and spandex, which is concerning due to its potential health risks, including developmental issues, reproductive harm, and links to various other diseases. We never use BPA-coated synthetic fabrics because the last thing we want for our customers is a compromised skin barrier.

A carcinogenic chemical element used in the production of polyester fabrics; while it doesn’t directly pose a risk through skin contact, it can leach out during the dyeing process, affecting water systems, with the potential of causing health issues through inhalation and ingestion. We don’t use polyester in our garments to avoid even a smidgen of antimony use.

Chemicals added to clothing, often in children’s sleepwear, to make them less flammable; can cause skin irritation and endocrine disruption, or worse, cancer and developmental problems. Flame retardants on children’s wear? A NO for us here at Cottonique.

Added to clothing to give it a “fresh smell”; pose health risks as they can trigger headaches, rashes, or respiratory issues. It can also contribute to pollution. Synthetic fragrances of any form are a red flag for Cottonique.

Tiny fragments of plastic particles smaller than 5mm in size; shed from synthetic fabrics, like nylon, with every wash and pollute bodies of water and water systems. These can also enter the food chain, causing metabolic disorders, gastrointestinal problems, oxidative stress, reproductive toxicity, and neurotoxicity. No synthetics = no microplastic pollution. That’s the Cottonique difference.

Used in conventional cotton farming and significantly harm soil, water, and the health of cotton farmers. Cottonique uses only non-GMO 100% organic cotton, free from pesticides and herbicides.

toxic runoffs from dyes and chemical treatments pollute water bodies near garment factories; can cause various diseases, skin rashes, respiratory infections, and even cancer. We’re strongly against pollution, so we don’t use contaminants or pollutants in our manufacturing processes.

The fashion industry accounts for 2-8% of the world’s carbon emissions, contributing massively to climate change. Cottonique’s ethical production model avoids the high carbon footprint of fast fashion.

Fast fashion’s cheap clothes are non-biodegradable, and once discarded, they end up clogging landfills, staying there for hundreds of years before decomposing. Using 100% biodegradable organic cotton means no synthetic waste in landfills.

Forests are cleared to produce fibers like viscose, rayon, and other cellulose-based fibers. Because Cottonique only uses 100% organic cotton, we avoid wood-based fibers linked to deforestation.

Fast fashion trends and consumer demand lead to overproduction in the clothing industry, which leads to waste, overconsumption, environmental damage, and short clothing lifespans. Cottonique produces in small, intentional batches to avoid overproduction and waste.

Laborers in the fast fashion industry are usually underpaid and overworked. As a B Corp-certified company, we follow fair labor practices, ensuring workers have safe working conditions and fair wages.

A sad truth still being practiced in parts of the global supply chain for picking cotton or sewing clothes. Cottonique maintains a strict no-child-labor policy across our entire supply chain.

Toxic chemical exposure and unsafe factory conditions are widespread in the clothing industry. We say no to hazardous working conditions and chemical exposure in all stages of production.

Some clothing brands use designs from Indigenous or minority cultures without permission or compensation. We avoid cultural appropriation by honoring design integrity and originality.

Many brands mislead consumers by using terms like “eco” or “natural” in their labels without transparency. When we make sustainability claims, we back them with full transparency, so we don’t hold any environmental guilt.