OEKO-TEX® is one of the most widely recognized safety certifications in textiles. But most people who see it on a label don't know what it actually tests or why it was created. Here's the plain-language version.
What OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 tests for
OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 is a testing and certification system that checks whether textiles contain harmful substances. "Harmful substances" means chemicals that could affect your health through prolonged skin contact — which is exactly what happens when you sleep on sheets for 8 hours a night.
The testing covers over 100 individual parameters, including:
- Formaldehyde — a preservative sometimes used in textile finishing that can irritate skin and respiratory systems
- Pesticide residues — chemicals from cotton farming that can persist through processing
- Heavy metals — lead, cadmium, nickel, chromium and others that can be present in dyes and finishes
- Phthalates — plasticizers that may be present in synthetic components (prints, coatings, buttons)
- Allergenic dyes — specific dye compounds known to cause contact dermatitis
- Chlorinated phenols — biocides sometimes used to prevent mold during shipping
- pH value — fabric that's too acidic or too alkaline can irritate skin
- Colorfastness — ensuring dyes don't transfer to skin through perspiration or saliva
Who does the testing?
Not the manufacturer. OEKO-TEX® certification is performed by independent, accredited textile testing institutes — currently a network of 18 institutes across Europe and Japan. The manufacturer submits product samples for laboratory analysis. If the product passes all parameters, a certificate is issued with a unique tracking number. Certification must be renewed annually with fresh testing.
Why it matters for bedding specifically
Not all textile contact is equal. A t-shirt touches your skin for 12 hours. Bedding touches your skin for 8 hours while your body temperature is elevated and your pores are open. Children's bedding is in even longer contact with more sensitive skin. OEKO-TEX® uses different testing thresholds based on product class — baby products face the strictest limits, followed by products with direct skin contact (like bedding), followed by products with indirect contact (like outerwear).
Bedding falls into Product Class II (direct skin contact), which means it's tested against stricter limits than, say, a jacket.
What it doesn't test
OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 is a product safety certification, not a sustainability certification. It confirms the finished product is safe for human use, but it doesn't certify organic farming practices, fair labor conditions, or environmental impact of production. Those require separate certifications (like GOTS for organic, or Fair Trade). OEKO-TEX® does offer a separate certification called STeP for sustainable production facilities, which covers the manufacturing side.
How to verify a claim
Any brand can print "OEKO-TEX® certified" on their packaging. To verify it's genuine, look for the certificate number on the label and check it at oeko-tex.com/en/buying-guide. Enter the certificate number and you'll see which products are covered, which testing institute performed the analysis, and when the certification expires.
Our certification
Every Dove & Thread product — sheets, pillowslips, duvet covers, towels, pillows, and mattress protectors — is OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified. We believe that if you're going to spend a third of your life in skin contact with a product, you should know it's been independently tested for safety. That's a minimum standard, not a marketing feature.
OEKO-TEX® is one of several quality commitments we make. For the full picture of our quality process, see our Certifications & Quality page.