Ken Paxton Takes on Active Wear Giant Over Forever Chemicals
April 14, 2026 – Ken Paxton has launched an investigation into Lululemon over concerns that its popular activewear may contain potentially harmful “forever chemicals,” raising fresh scrutiny of the fast-growing athleisure industry.
The Texas Attorney General’s Office confirmed it has issued a Civil Investigative Demand (CID) to the company, seeking documents related to product safety, chemical testing, and marketing practices. The probe will examine whether Lululemon misled consumers about the safety and health impacts of its clothing—particularly whether items contain PFAS, a class of synthetic compounds often referred to as “forever chemicals” because they persist in the environment and human body.
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are widely used in consumer products for their water- and stain-resistant properties. However, growing research in environmental health and toxicology has linked prolonged exposure to certain PFAS compounds to serious health risks, including hormone disruption, infertility, and some cancers. Regulators and lawmakers across the U.S. have increasingly targeted their use in everything from food packaging to textiles.
Lululemon, which reported more than $11 billion in revenue in fiscal year 2025, has built its brand around wellness, performance, and sustainability—an image now under examination. Investigators will review the company’s Restricted Substances List, internal testing protocols, and supply chain oversight to determine whether its products align with those claims.
“Americans should not have to worry if they are being deceived when trying to make healthy choices,” Paxton said in a statement, adding that companies marketing premium wellness products must be transparent about potential risks.
The investigation reflects a broader shift in consumer awareness and regulatory attention. In recent years, lawsuits and state-level actions have increasingly focused on alleged “greenwashing,” where companies promote eco-friendly or health-conscious branding that may not fully match product realities.
Lululemon has not publicly detailed its response to the CID, but the outcome of the investigation could carry significant implications—not only for the company, but for the wider activewear market as scrutiny over chemical use in everyday clothing continues to grow.
