Lululemon Publishes a PFAS Free Statement After Texas AG Opens a Formal Investigation

Lululemon published a direct statement on April 16, 2026, confirming it does not use PFAS in its products. This came days after Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton launched a formal investigation into whether the brand’s activewear contains ‘per’ and ‘polyfluoroalkyl’ substances. These substances are commonly known as “forever chemicals”. Additionally, the statement represents the brand’s clearest public response yet to scrutiny that has been building since 2023.

What triggered the statement

Texas AG Paxton announced the probe on April 13. He stated his office would examine whether Lululemon’s athletic apparel contains PFAS “that health conscious customers would not expect based on the brand’s marketing”. The investigation covers Lululemon’s testing methods, Restricted Substances List, and supply chain practices. In addition, Lululemon shares were down nearly 22% year to date at the time of the announcement.

Lululemon’s position

The brand says it phased out PFAS in fiscal 2023. Previously, it had been used in durable water repellent products described as a small percentage of its total assortment. Furthermore, since 2011, Lululemon has maintained a Restricted Substances List updated annually. It also requires all vendors to conduct regular third party testing for PFAS compliance.

The credibility gap

Independent observers have noted that Lululemon’s PFAS free claims remain self reported. There is no publicly available third party verification at scale. The Texas investigation will scrutinize exactly this. It will determine whether internal testing and supplier compliance protocols are sufficient, or whether the brand’s marketing has outpaced its chemistry controls.

A broader industry issue

Lululemon is not alone. PFAS were widely used across the activewear and outdoor apparel industry for water and stain resistance, and many brands are navigating similar phase out timelines under increasing regulatory and consumer pressure. For Lululemon specifically, the probe arrives at a vulnerable moment: a 22% stock decline in 2026 and a recent product recall add pressure to a brand that has built significant equity on a health and wellness positioning.

The outcome of the Texas investigation and whether independent verification follows will carry weight well beyond Lululemon’s balance sheet.