OEKO-TEX & Safety Certifications
Certifications help you verify that a product is safe to wear against your skin. Here's what the label means and how to read it.
What is OEKO-TEX Standard 100?
OEKO-TEX Standard 100 is an independent testing and certification system for textiles. It tests for harmful substances such as heavy metals, formaldehyde, banned azo dyes, and pesticides. Products are tested at one of four product classes, with Class I being the strictest (for babies) and Class IV for decoration materials.
What does "Appendix 6 / Product Class II" mean?
Product Class II covers textiles that come into direct contact with skin. Underwear falls into this class. Appendix 6 refers to stricter limit values for certain chemicals beyond the baseline Standard 100 requirements. When a product is certified to Appendix 6, Class II, it has passed a more rigorous test.
What GAGLI tests for
| Test | Why it matters | GAGLI result |
|---|---|---|
| Formaldehyde | Can irritate skin and eyes | Not detected |
| pH value | Skin-friendly range prevents irritation | 6.5–7.0 (neutral) |
| Heavy metals | Toxic if absorbed through skin | Below limits |
| Banned azo dyes | Can break down into carcinogens | Not used |
How to verify a certificate
Look for the OEKO-TEX label on the product packaging or Amazon listing. Each label has a unique certification number. You can enter this number on the OEKO-TEX website to confirm the certificate is valid and active.
Other claims to watch for
- "Natural" — not regulated. A product can be natural and still contain unsafe chemicals.
- "Organic cotton" — refers to how the cotton is grown, not how the fabric is finished.
- "OEKO-TEX certified" — meaningful, but check the product class and whether it covers the final product or just the fabric.
Bottom line
OEKO-TEX Standard 100 is one of the most trusted ways to verify that underwear is safe against your skin. Every GAGLI product carries this certification, tested at the skin-contact product class level.