The Texas Attorney General’s Office in the US has opened an investigation into Lululemon Athletica regarding the possible presence of so-called “forever chemicals” in its products.
Attorney General Ken Paxton has issued a civil investigative demand (CID) to Lululemon USA as part of a broader inquiry into whether the company may have misled consumers about the safety, quality and health implications of its merchandise.
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The probe will examine whether the company’s athletic apparel contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly referred to as “forever chemicals”.
Authorities are assessing whether the potential inclusion of these substances aligns with consumer expectations shaped by the brand’s marketing.
As part of the investigation, the Attorney General’s office will review Lululemon’s Restricted Substances List, along with its testing procedures and supply chain practices, to determine whether its products meet declared safety standards.
PFAS are synthetic compounds that have been used globally since the 1950s across a wide range of consumer goods.
They are valued for their resistance to heat, water, oil and stains, and are commonly found in items such as cookware, textiles, carpets and firefighting foam.
However, the durability of the carbon-fluorine bond means these substances do not break down easily, allowing them to persist in the environment.
Increasing scientific research and consumer scrutiny have raised concerns about their presence in apparel, including possible links to endocrine disruption, infertility, cancer and other health conditions.
The investigation is ongoing and will determine whether Lululemon’s product representations and operational practices comply with applicable consumer protection laws.
In a statement, Paxton said: “Americans should not have to worry if they are being deceived when trying to make healthy choices for themselves and their families. I will not allow any corporation to sell harmful, toxic materials to consumers at a premium price under the guise of wellness and sustainability. If Lululemon has violated Texas law, it will be held accountable.”
Lululemon reported revenue exceeding $11.1bn in the 2025 fiscal year, driven by double-digit revenue growth in its international operations.
These results surpassed the company’s projected net revenue range of $10.96bn to $11.05bn for the period.
Lululemon’s gross profit remained steady at $6.3bn while gross margin declined by 260 basis points to 56.6% over the year.
