Are Shein Clothes Safe to Wear? What You Need to Know Before Buying

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The question “Are SHEIN clothes safe?” has become a major concern for millions of shoppers. There are real issues backed by independent testing that point to potential risks. Making a good decision requires more than just headlines. We’re here to provide the evidence-based answers you need, explaining the specific chemicals found, what the company says, and most importantly, the practical steps you can take to protect yourself and your family.

The Evidence: What Independent Tests Have Found in SHEIN Clothing

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The main reason for safety concerns isn’t just rumors. It comes from multiple independent lab tests ordered by government agencies and news organizations. These studies have repeatedly found certain chemicals in some fast fashion products, including those from SHEIN, at levels above safety limits.

We want to present the facts as reported by trustworthy sources. Understanding what these tests found is the first step toward making a smarter, safer choice.

Breaking Down the Key Investigations

Several important reports have shaped how people view SHEIN’s product safety. The most significant findings include:

  • The South Korean Government Findings: In widely reported tests throughout 2024, recent investigations by Seoul authorities looked at products from various online shopping sites. They found that some children’s products from SHEIN, including shoes and a belt, contained harmful chemicals at levels up to 428 times higher than allowed.
  • The Canadian CBC Marketplace Report: One of the most important early reports was a CBC Marketplace investigation. Testing various fast fashion items, they found that over 20% of the tested products had high levels of chemicals, including lead, PFAS, and phthalates. A toddler’s jacket from SHEIN was especially concerning, containing nearly 20 times the amount of lead that Canada’s health agency says is safe for children.
  • Other NGO & Watchdog Reports: Groups like Greenpeace have also highlighted the presence of harmful chemicals in fast fashion production for years. These reports suggest that the problem isn’t just with a few items but may be common throughout the ultra-fast fashion supply chain.

Chemicals of Concern: Understanding the Health Risks

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It’s easy to get confused by chemical names. To make things clearer, we need to know what these substances are, why they’re used in clothing, and what health risks they might pose.

These chemicals aren’t only found in SHEIN products but are part of a larger issue within the fast fashion industry. The rush to make clothes quickly and cheaply often means cutting corners on material safety and quality checks.

Here’s a breakdown of the main chemicals of concern, based on information from public health organizations.

ChemicalWhy It’s Used in ClothingPotential Health Risks (According to health authorities)
LeadUsed in some dyes and pigments (especially for bright colors) and on plastic or metal accessories.A potent neurotoxin, particularly harmful to children. Even low levels of exposure can cause developmental issues, learning disabilities, and damage to the nervous system, according to the CDC.
PhthalatesUsed as plasticizers to make materials like PVC soft and flexible (e.g., in graphic prints, faux leather, and some accessories).Known endocrine disruptors, meaning they can interfere with the body’s hormones. Potential links to reproductive health issues, developmental problems, and asthma.
PFAS/PFCsA large family of chemicals used for water and stain-resistant coatings on outerwear, shoes, and some textiles.Often called “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down easily. Linked to a range of health problems, including cancer, thyroid disease, liver damage, and immune system suppression.
FormaldehydeApplied as a finish to create a “wrinkle-resistant” or “no-iron” effect and to prevent mildew during shipping.A known skin irritant and allergen that can cause contact dermatitis. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies it as a human carcinogen at high levels of exposure.
Azo DyesA large group of synthetic dyes used to create vibrant, cheap colors, especially reds, oranges, and yellows.While most are stable, certain types can break down and release chemicals called aromatic amines, some of which are known or suspected carcinogens.

SHEIN’s Response: What the Company Says About Safety

To give a fair view, we must consider SHEIN’s official position. In response to growing criticism, the company has publicly addressed its safety measures.

According to SHEIN’s official statements on product safety, the company takes product safety seriously and has systems to ensure compliance.

SHEIN states that it requires its third-party suppliers to comply with its safety standards, which are aligned with regulations like the EU’s REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) framework.

Key Points from SHEIN’s Safety Protocol

The company’s approach to safety focuses on three main areas:

  • Vendor Compliance: SHEIN says its suppliers must follow a Restricted Substances List (RSL), which controls the use of chemicals in their products.
  • In-House Testing: The company claims to have strong internal testing, stating it has done hundreds of thousands—and recently, millions—of product safety tests each year through its own labs and independent agencies.
  • Removing Non-Compliant Products: SHEIN’s policy is to remove any product from its website that fails safety testing and to take action against the supplier, possibly ending the relationship.

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A Practical Guide to Reducing Your Risk

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While the reports are concerning, they don’t mean every item is unsafe. Knowledge and taking action can greatly reduce potential risks. This is about turning worry into practical steps.

Here is our step-by-step guide to shopping from SHEIN (and other fast fashion brands) more safely.

Step 1: Smart Shopping Strategies

Your first defense is making smarter choices before you buy.

  • Favor Natural Fibers: When possible, choose clothing made from materials like 100% cotton, linen, hemp, and Tencel. These fabrics generally have fewer harsh chemicals than synthetic textiles like polyester, nylon, and acrylic.
  • Avoid Certain Items: Be careful with products that often have heavy chemical use. This includes items with a strong chemical smell, a slick feel from large graphic printsfaux leather goods, and anything labeled as “wrinkle-free,” “water-resistant,” or “stain-resistant,” as these features come from chemical treatments. Children’s jewelry and accessories are also higher-risk items.
  • Read the Reviews Carefully: Look beyond “it’s cute” for specific feedback. Pay attention to reviews that mention a “strong smell,” “chemical odor,” “skin irritation,” “itchiness,” or “color bleeding” in the wash. These signs point to poor quality control and possible chemical residue.

Step 2: The Essential First Wash Protocol

This is the most important action you can take. Never wear a fast fashion item straight out of the package.

  • Always Wash Before Wearing: This is a must. Washing helps remove leftover surface chemicals, dyes, and finishing agents that could otherwise be absorbed by your skin.
  • Wash Separately: For the first one or two washes, wash your new SHEIN clothes apart from your other clothes. As experts advise, this prevents potential chemicals and excess dyes from getting on the rest of your laundry.
  • Add a Stripping Agent: To boost your wash’s cleaning power, add a natural stripping agent. A cup of white vinegar or a half-cup of baking soda in the wash cycle can help neutralize odors and break down some chemical residues from manufacturing.
  • Use a Double Rinse Cycle: If your washing machine has this option, select an extra rinse cycle. This ensures that any loosened chemicals and detergent are thoroughly washed away from the fabric, not just moved around.

Step 3: Monitor and Listen to Your Body

After shopping smart and washing thoroughly, your final safety check is your own body.

  • Watch for Skin Reactions: Pay attention to any signs of skin irritation. This can include redness, itching, rashes, or small bumps, especially in areas where clothing fits tightly or has long contact with your skin, like waistbands, collars, armpits, and cuffs.
  • Trust Your Senses: If a piece of clothing still has a strong chemical smell even after multiple washes, that’s a clear warning sign. It’s better to be safe and avoid wearing it.

Your Verdict: Is It Safe to Wear SHEIN Clothes?

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So, can you safely wear clothes from SHEIN? The answer isn’t simply yes or no; it’s about assessing and managing risk.

The evidence clearly shows a real risk exists. Reliable, independent tests have confirmed that some SHEIN products contain harmful chemicals like lead and phthalates at levels far exceeding legal safety limits. Ignoring this evidence would be unwise, especially for children’s products.

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Key Takeaways:

  • The Risk is Real: Reliable, independent reports have confirmed high levels of harmful chemicals in some SHEIN products. This is a fact, not a rumor.
  • You Have Control: The risk varies between items and can be managed. Your choices matter, from what you buy to how you wash it at home.
  • Informed Choice is Key: With this information, you can weigh the low cost against the potential health risks. This guide gives you the knowledge and tools to decide what’s acceptable for you and your family.

FAQ

  1. What harmful chemicals have been found in SHEIN clothes?
    Independent tests have found lead, phthalates, PFAS/PFCs, formaldehyde, and certain azo dyes in some SHEIN clothing items, often exceeding safety limits.
  2. Are SHEIN clothes safe to wear for children?
    Children’s SHEIN items pose higher risks, with tests finding chemicals up to 428 times above safety limits in some products. Extra caution is recommended.
  3. How can I make SHEIN clothes safer to wear?
    Always wash SHEIN clothes before wearing, preferably separately with white vinegar or baking soda, and use a double rinse cycle to remove surface chemicals.
  4. What SHEIN products are least safe to wear?
    Items with strong chemical smells, large graphic prints, faux leather, and products labeled “wrinkle-free” or “water-resistant” typically contain more harmful chemicals.
  5. Has SHEIN improved their clothing safety standards in 2025?
    SHEIN claims to have conducted over two million product safety tests in 2024-2025, but independent tests continue to find unsafe chemical levels in some products.

Founder and Author - Tesla Luo

Hi, I’m Tesla Luo, the founder of Clothing Manufacturer Ltd.
I entered the apparel manufacturing industry in 2016, and have focused solely on the behind-the-scenes of production: sourcing materials, developing collections, optimizing factory workflows and reacting to market trends. And throughout this 8 year journey, I developed a deep, insider perspective on what it takes to deliver quality and speed in the world of fast fashion today truly.

Building on that foundation of hands-on experience is why, when I started Clothing Manufacturer Ltd. in 2024, I did so deliberately. I wanted to build a streetwear manufacturer that could produce anything from small-batch capsule collections to massive retail orders, within a framework of creativity, consistency and operational rigor.

Well, every bit I post here is rooted in my struggles with stuff like tight timelines and changing style trends and production snafus and client comms. I write not with the notion of scholarly theory, but from the shop floor — solutions that work, sedimented in trial and error over years of practice, interplay and creativity.

Let’s turn your brand’s vision into garments that resonate—and last.

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