You've probably noticed them before? These labels, when you're looking for a comforter, a fabric book, baby clothes, or home linens, you've likely come across the mentions GOTS or OEKO-TEX®. They have become important benchmarks for parents concerned about their child's health and the environmental impact of their purchases.
But what do these certifications really guarantee? Are they equivalent? Should you choose one over the other?
At Carotte & Cie, we place great importance on the choice of materials that make up our handmade baby creations. Here's a simple guide to understanding the differences between GOTS and OEKO-TEX® certifications.
1) What is GOTS certification?
GOTS stands for Global Organic Textile Standard.
It is THE most recognized organic textile certification in the world. It not only guarantees the use of organic fibers but also controls the entire manufacturing chain, from the cotton field to the finished product.
To obtain GOTS certification, a product must meet several technical criteria:
- Use of certified organic fibers.
- Very strict restrictions on the chemicals used.
- Control of dyeing and finishing processes.
- Compliance with social and ethical criteria for workers.
- Responsible management of water and industrial waste.
The two levels of GOTS certification
You may encounter two mentions:
GOTS Organic
- Minimum 95% certified organic fibers.
Made with Organic Materials
- Minimum 70% certified organic fibers.
2) What is OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certification?
The OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certification does not concern the organic origin of fibers.
Its main objective is to verify that the finished product does not contain substances harmful to human health. Every component is tested: fabric, sewing thread, buttons, fasteners, labels, or accessories. More than 1,000 potentially dangerous substances are controlled.
This certification notably guarantees the absence or extremely limited presence of:
- Pesticides.
- Heavy metals.
- Formaldehyde.
- Allergenic dyes.
- Harmful chemical residues.
Increased requirements for babies
OEKO-TEX® provides several product categories.
Class 1, intended for babies and children under 3 years old, applies the strictest thresholds of the entire certification.
GOTS or OEKO-TEX®: what are the differences?
Although these two labels are often associated, they do not control the same aspects.
| Criterion | GOTS | OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 |
|---|---|---|
| Organic fibers | Yes | No |
| Control of harmful substances | Yes | Yes |
| Control of the production chain | Yes | No |
| Social and ethical criteria | Yes | No |
| Overall environmental impact | Yes | Partially |
| Safety of the finished product | Yes | Yes |
| Suitable for baby products | Yes | Yes |
The essential difference is simple:
GOTS is interested in the entire history of the textile.
OEKO-TEX® mainly verifies that the final product is safe for health.
3) Which label to choose for a baby?
Ideally, a product that combines GOTS and OEKO-TEX® offers a particularly high level of guarantee.
However, it is important to remember that an OEKO-TEX® product is not necessarily organic, and an organic product must also be handled and maintained under good conditions to preserve its qualities.
For you young parents, these certifications are above all reliable benchmarks allowing you to make a more informed choice among textile offerings.
4) Why are these labels important for baby products?
Newborns and young children have much thinner and more sensitive skin than adults.
Their comforters, bibs, fabric rattles, blankets, or activity books often spend long hours in direct contact with their skin and sometimes in their mouths.
Choosing certified textiles therefore makes it possible to limit exposure to certain undesirable substances while promoting more responsible production methods.
5) How to verify that a certification is authentic?
A truly certified product must include a license or certificate number allowing its authenticity to be verified with the certifying body. Several experts and consumers recommend checking this information when you have doubts about a claim displayed by a brand.
What to remember
If you are primarily looking for:
- An organic fiber and a globally responsible approach: prioritize GOTS.
- A textile tested against harmful substances: prioritize OEKO-TEX® Standard 100.
- The highest level of requirement: look for products combining both certifications.
At Carotte & Cie, we carefully select our fabrics to offer families soft, durable, and baby-friendly creations. Because a comforter or fabric book often accompanies baby for several years, the quality of the materials used is at the heart of each of our creations.
Sources and references:
Official GOTS references
- Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)
- Official GOTS certification database
- Presentation of the GOTS label by Ecocert
Official OEKO-TEX® references
Additional quality sources
- Ecocert Guide to Organic Textile Certifications
- Textile Exchange Guide to Responsible Textiles
- French Agency for Ecological Transition (ADEME) - Textiles and responsible consumption