Are antimicrobial-treated fabrics safe to wear?

Antimicrobial treatments applied to synthetic fabrics raise several health and environmental concerns. Common antimicrobial agents include triclosan (now banned in hand soaps but still used in textiles), silver nanoparticles, and quaternary ammonium compounds. These chemicals are designed to kill bacteria on the fabric surface, but they also make contact with your skin's beneficial microbiome.

Your skin hosts a diverse community of beneficial bacteria that plays a crucial role in immune function, wound healing, and protection against pathogenic organisms. Antimicrobial fabrics do not distinguish between harmful and helpful bacteria. Research has raised concerns about antimicrobial resistance developing from chronic low-level exposure, and triclosan has been identified as an endocrine disruptor.

Natural fibers like merino wool and Tencel are inherently odor-resistant without chemical treatments. Merino wool's structure creates an environment that is naturally inhospitable to odor-causing bacteria. ONDU's activewear brands achieve odor management through fiber choice rather than chemical application, keeping your skin microbiome intact while still performing during intense workouts.