Shein Clothing Found to Contain Hazardous Chemicals
Is Shein Clothing Safe to Wear?
Shopping online for clothes has gotten a lot cheaper the last few years at e-commerce sites like Shein and Temu have become increasingly popular. These online stores sell clothing, accessories, kitchen gadgets, and more for as low as a $0.01, but you can typically find Shein dresses, shirts, pants, and more for between $5-$20.
These prices are hard to resist, especially when inflation has driven the price of groceries, gas, and rent higher and higher. Although these sites offer extremely low prices, you may find that you get what you pay for.
The quality is not always the best and the material can be uncomfortable, but for the most part, people give decent Shein reviews. You just have to know what you're getting into.
Aside from lower quality material, it's recently come out that Shein clothing has been found to contain harmful and toxic chemicals in them.
Is Shein Legit?
According to Shein NordVPN.com, operates as a reputable online retailer through its website and app, originating in China and now headquartered in Singapore.
Known for its extensive range of fashionable clothing and accessories at low prices, Shein facilitates transactions are straightforward, and customers generally receive their orders without complications.
However, amidst its secure shopping site, Shein is coated in controversy prompting consumers to question purchasing from it or not. Ethical concerns arise regarding its business practices and labor conditions, while its fast fashion approach sparks debates on sustainability and environmental impact.
Despite offering convenience and affordability, customers are advised to consider these factors carefully before buying anything.
It's important to know that the Shein website and app prioritizes safeguarding your entire shopping experience. It uses encryption, similiar to many reputable online retailers, so Shein ensures a secure environment for shopping and buying.
Your personal information, including sensitive data such as banking details, is securely stored and transmitted to uphold your privacy and security.
Why is Shein so Cheap?
Even though the website and app seems to be safe enough to browse and shop at, customers may still be skeptical and want to know why is Shein so cheap? Well, there's a couple reasons.
The first one is simple - online stores don't have to pay the expenses that brick and mortar locations do. They don't have to worry about rent payments, electric bills, payroll for sales people, etc.
The second is their marketing strategies are non-traditional. Instead of spending thousands of dollars on TV commercials or magazine ads, the company relies heavily on influencer marketing. This has made a huge presence for themselves on social media, with the hashtag #shein with over 80 billion views on TikTok.
The third reason may be what brings the most controversy - outsourcing labor. While many companies do this, Shein specifically has been scruntinized for their working conditions of their 6,000 factories in China - such as 75 hour weeks, 18 hour days, and forced labor.
Does Shein Clothing Contain Toxic Chemicals?
While you might be tempted to update your entire wardrobe for less than $100, there may be another reason why Shein clothing is so cheap. According to a Greenpeace Germany Report, Shein's business model is based on "hazardous chemicals and environmental destruction".
Forty-seven Shein products were tested. Seven of them were found to contain hazardous chemicals that break European Union (EU) environmental regulation limits. Five of the products broke the limits by at least 100%, and 15 of the products contained a concerning level of hazardous chemicals.
EU environmental regulations have been put into place to set standards in order to protect the environment and the public. These regulations can include: pollution, water management, chemicals, pesticides, sustainable production and consumption, climate change, and biodiversity.
Greenpeace Germany conducted an investigation, purchasing 42 items, including clothing and footwear for men, women, children, and infants, from SHEIN websites across Austria, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, and a pop-up store in Munich, Germany.
These products underwent chemical analysis at the independent laboratory BUI, revealing concerning findings.
Notably high levels of phthalates were detected in shoes and formaldehyde found in a baby girl’s dress.
According to Greenpeace Germany, these results highlight SHEIN's apparent disregard for environmental and human health risks associated with hazardous chemicals, prioritizing profit over safety.
The report alleges that the Nanjing, China-based company is violating EU environmental regulations on chemicals, posing risks to both consumers and workers at the supplier level.
So, is Shein Clothing Safe?
While not all Shein clothing poses health risks, some items may contain ingredients that can trigger allergic reactions in those susceptible.
In response to the allegations, Shein has pledged to investigate the claims and remove any hazardous items from circulation. They have also offered refunds for any customers affected by these issues.
It's recommended to wash new clothes before wearing them, as this can help remove any residual chemicals and dyes. Shein has faced scrutiny for using low-quality textile dyes and manufacturing practices that may compromise product longevity.
To help detox and remove toxins from Shein clothing, consider the following tips:
Opt for a detergent that is free from harmful chemicals to avoid adding more toxins to your clothes.
Soak your clothing in a solution of water and baking soda before washing. Baking soda helps neutralize odors and help remove residues from fabrics.
Consider using products like RLR Laundry Treatment which are designed to detoxify and brighten fabrics effectively.
At the end of the day, it's up to you whether you want to take the risk of purchasing from Shein or not. You can try these tips to help mitigate the risks, but nothing is guaranteed.