Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said on April 13 that he has launched an investigation into athletic wear company Lululemon over potential contamination in its products.
In a statement, Paxton said a civil investigative demand has been issued to Lululemon as part of the probe to determine whether the company misled its customers about the safety and quality of its apparel.
The investigation will examine whether Lululemon’s apparel contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which customers would not expect based on the brand’s marketing, he said.
PFAS are synthetic chemicals used in consumer and industrial products, commonly known as “forever chemicals” due to their inability to degrade and tendency to accumulate in human bodies and the environment.
Paxton said his office will also review the company’s restricted substances list, testing protocols, and supply chain practices to determine whether its products meet the safety standards.
The attorney general added that Lululemon will face consequences if found to have violated Texas law.
“Americans should not have to worry if they are being deceived when trying to make healthy choices for themselves and their families,” he said. “I will not allow any corporation to sell harmful, toxic materials to consumers at a premium price under the guise of wellness and sustainability.”
Lululemon said that it was cooperating with Paxton’s office and providing the requested documentation, while emphasizing that it has not used PFAS in its products.
The company said the chemicals were previously used in durable water repellent products but were phased out in fiscal year 2023.
“The health and safety of our guests is paramount, and our products meet or exceed global regulatory, safety, and quality standards,’' Lululemon said in a statement to multiple news outlets.
“We require all our vendors to regularly conduct testing for restricted substances, including PFAS, by credible third-party agencies to confirm ongoing compliance.”
Forever chemicals have been linked to several health issues, including certain cancers, infertility, liver and thyroid problems, and fetal developmental issues, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council.
Lululemon, based in Canada, opened its first U.S. store in Santa Monica, California, in 2003. Last month, the company appointed former Levi Strauss CEO Chip Bergh to its board of directors. Paxton’s office said that Lululemon generated more than $11 billion during fiscal year 2025.
