How Shezaar Calculates the Chemical Safety Score
The Chemical Safety Score reflects the potential health and environmental risks associated with the chemicals used in a product’s materials, including during cultivation, processing, dyeing, and finishing.
Instead of relying on “non-toxic” marketing claims, Shezaar evaluates materials based on real chemical exposure and contamination risks identified by scientific research and regulatory bodies.
The Three Safety Areas We Measure
Chemical Toxicity Risk
The likelihood that harmful or hazardous chemicals are used during production, including dyes, finishes, pesticides, and processing agents.
Allergen & Skin Sensitivity Risk
How likely the material or its treatments are to cause irritation, allergies, or skin reactions.
Microplastic Shedding Risk
Whether the material releases microplastics during wear and washing, a major emerging health and environmental concern.
Each material is assessed across these dimensions and grouped into a chemical safety tier, making it easy to compare which fabrics are cleaner and safer.
Why Some Materials Are Safer Than Others
Different fibers and treatments carry very different chemical profiles.
For example:
Natural fibers grown with heavy pesticides carry higher chemical exposure risks
Certified low-impact dyeing and finishing processes significantly reduce toxicity
Synthetic fibers are major contributors to microplastic pollution
Shezaar reflects these real-world safety differences in each material’s Chemical Safety Score not just what brands claim.
Behind the scenes, Shezaar maintains one of the most comprehensive databases of commercially used chemicals and dyes in fashion, continuously updated with sustainability research, certification standards, and verified claim frameworks across the global apparel industry.
Verified Safety Standards & Certifications
Chemical safety scores are strengthened when brands provide trusted third-party proof that harmful substances are restricted or eliminated.
We recognize globally respected standards such as:
OEKO-TEX® Standard 100
bluesign® Approved
ZDHC compliance programs
REACH chemical regulations
GOTS chemical safety requirements
And many more! For us, verified chemical safety matters and is reflected in a product’s final score.
Where Our Chemical Safety Data Comes From
Shezaar’s chemical benchmarks are built using a synthesis of:
Peer-reviewed toxicology and materials research
Global chemical safety regulations and restricted substance lists
Textile industry chemical impact studies
Environmental contamination research
Including insights from sources such as:
OEKO-TEX® research & testing standards
bluesign® system methodologies
ZDHC (Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals)
European REACH regulations
Scientific studies on microplastics and textile toxicity
When data is limited or evolving, Shezaar applies conservative scoring to avoid overstating safety benefits.
If you have any questions or suggestions about the Shezaar chemical safety scoring, reach out to us!
