Lululemon probed over chemicals
Social posts report that Lululemon is facing a Texas probe into alleged 'forever chemicals' found in some of its clothing. (x.com) The allegation circulated widely on social platforms and generated renewed scrutiny of safety claims in performance apparel. (x.com)
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton opened a formal investigation into Lululemon on April 13 over possible perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, in some apparel. (cnbc.com) Paxton said his office issued a Civil Investigative Demand to Lululemon USA Inc. and will review the company’s testing protocols, restricted-substances list, and supply-chain practices. The inquiry is focused on whether the company misled consumers about product safety, quality, and health impacts. (usatoday.com) Lululemon said Monday that it phased PFAS out of its products in early 2024 and had used them only in durable water-repellent finishes on a small share of its assortment. The company said it requires vendors to run regular third-party testing for restricted substances, including PFAS, and that it is cooperating with Texas. (usnews.com) PFAS are a large family of synthetic chemicals that resist water, oil, and heat and break down very slowly, which is why regulators and researchers call them “forever chemicals.” The United States Environmental Protection Agency says some PFAS can build up in people, animals, and the environment over time. (epa.gov) The Environmental Protection Agency says studies have linked some PFAS exposures to health effects including changes in cholesterol, immune response, liver enzymes, reproductive health, and increased risk of certain cancers. The agency also says thousands of PFAS exist and that health data are much stronger for some compounds than for others. (epa.gov) The apparel issue has been moving from marketing language to law. California and New York restrictions on apparel with intentionally added PFAS took effect on January 1, 2025, pushing clothing brands and suppliers to change coatings and chemistry. (pillsburylaw.com) Lululemon’s own public chemical policy has long listed PFAS in its restricted-substances materials, and its October 2025 Restricted Substances List includes an appendix devoted to PFAS. In its 2024 impact report, published in November 2025, the company said it was reporting progress on environmental and product goals for the fiscal year that ended February 2, 2025. (corporate.lululemon.com 1) (corporate.lululemon.com 2) The Texas probe lands during a rough stretch for the company. Lululemon shares were down less than 1 percent late April 13, and CNBC reported the stock had fallen nearly 22 percent so far in 2026. (cnbc.com) For now, Texas has announced an investigation, not a lawsuit or product recall. The next step is whether Paxton’s office says the documents it demanded show a violation of Texas consumer-protection law. (nbcdfw.com)
