I grew up with sensitive skin. I wish there had been labels like STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® and MADE IN GREEN by OEKO-TEX® at that time. I don’t know if my eczema outbreaks would have been as frequent or severe. Now that I’m a parent to a toddler and have a baby on the way, skin safety is a top priority.  

My two-year-old son has battled painful eczema outbreaks since he was around 9 months old.  But I’ve seen such a difference in his skin (along with his skincare routine) once I made the conscious effort to use OEKO-TEX® certified fabrics for him and our family.  

Parents have long been aware of the dangers of ingesting chemicals. But most of us have been less aware of the chemicals with which we’re in constant contact through clothes and textiles. When I partnered with OEKO-TEX® and Hanna Andersson earlier this year, I learned so much about toxins in textiles. I learned that toxins on some textiles can harm your health through breathing, skin contact, and saliva. 

I was impressed that the STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® label certifies that every component of the product, from the fabric to the thread and accessories, has been rigorously tested against a list of up to 350 toxic chemicals. How reassuring!  

During the summer, it can be easy to just grab any clothing that will beat the heat. But it’s more important to take the extra time to beat the harsh chemicals that can affect your family over time. As a mom, taking this simple step gives me peace of mind. And that is priceless.  

I’ve always been conscious of my skin. Now, I’m thinking about what’s best for my son’s skin, too. This summer and beyond, I’ll continue to look for the OEKO-TEX® labels.  

Guest post by Alexis Kristiana