Certifications & Testing
Every claim we make is backed by independent, third-party verification. Our certifications represent the highest global standards for organic textiles, ethical business practices, and skin compatibility.
For Healthcare Professionals: This page provides detailed documentation of Cottonique's certifications, prohibited substance lists, and testing protocols. All certificates are available for download, and Transaction Certificates documenting the organic chain of custody are available upon request for institutional or clinical use.
GOTS Certified
Global Organic Textile Standard — The World's Leading Textile Processing Standard for Organic Fibers
What GOTS Certification Guarantees
GOTS is recognized as the world's most rigorous organic textile standard. Our GOTS certification covers the complete supply chain—from raw organic cotton through spinning, knitting, finishing, and manufacturing into final products. This isn't just about the fiber; it's about every chemical, every process, and every worker involved.
Scope Certificate Details
| Certificate Holder | Essential Layer, Inc. (Cottonique) |
| GOTS License Number | GOTS-28166 |
| Scope Certificate Number | SC-017097-0 |
| Certification Body | IDFL Laboratory and Institute Inc. (Salt Lake City, USA) |
| IDFL License Number | GOTS-IDFL-24 |
| Standard | GOTS Version 7.0 |
| Organic Content | 100% certified organic cotton |
| Label Grade | Organic |
| Certificate Issued | November 5, 2025 |
| Valid Until | November 4, 2026 |
Certified Product Categories
Our GOTS scope certificate covers a comprehensive range of product categories, all manufactured with 100% certified organic cotton:
- Women's Apparel — Undergarments, brassieres, activewear, sportswear, t-shirts, blouses, dresses, pants, trousers, sweaters, pullovers, uniforms, workwear, hosiery, socks, singlets, shirts
- Men's Apparel — Undergarments, activewear, sportswear, t-shirts, pants, trousers, sweaters, pullovers, uniforms, workwear, socks
- Children's Apparel — Undergarments, hosiery, socks
- Unisex Apparel — Blouses, shirts, pants, trousers, sweaters, pullovers, socks, hosiery, uniforms
- Home Textiles — Bed sheets, blankets, pillows, cushions, towels
- Carried Accessories — Bags, handbags, pouches, totes
- Worn Accessories — Gloves, hand coverings, hats, head coverings, scarves, shawls, veils, hair accessories
Certified Process Categories
- Knitting (PR0015) — In-house fabric knitting from certified organic yarn
- Manufacturing (PR0016) — Cut, sew, and finishing of certified organic products
Certified Facility
| Facility Name | Essential Layer Inc (Main Facility) |
| Address | Blk 14 L6, 9th St., Golden Mile Business Park, Brgy. Maduya, Carmona, Cavite 4116, Calabarzon (Region IV-A), Philippines |
| Processes | Knitting, Manufacturing |
| Subcontractors | None — All processes performed in-house |
Prohibited Substances Under GOTS
GOTS certification means our products are verified free from the following harmful substances throughout the entire production process:
Additional GOTS Requirements
- Wastewater treatment — All wet processing facilities must have functional wastewater treatment systems
- pH requirements — Finished products must have a pH between 4.0 and 7.5 (skin-compatible range)
- Colorfastness testing — Products must meet minimum standards for wash, perspiration, and rubbing fastness
- Shrinkage limits — Maximum 5% shrinkage for woven, 8% for knitted goods
- Social criteria — Fair wages, safe working conditions, no child labor, freedom of association
- Environmental management — Documented policies for waste minimization and responsible chemical use
- Full traceability — Chain of custody documentation from farm to finished product
What This Means for Sensitive Skin
GOTS certification provides independent verification that Cottonique products are manufactured without the chemical irritants most commonly associated with textile contact dermatitis—including formaldehyde resins (used for wrinkle resistance), heavy metal mordants (used in dyes), and rubber accelerators (used in elastic components). For patients with confirmed textile allergies identified through patch testing, GOTS certification offers documented assurance of chemical avoidance.
B Corp Certified
Certified B Corporations meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.
About B Corp Certification
B Corp certification is awarded by B Lab, a nonprofit organization that evaluates companies based on their entire social and environmental performance—not just their products. The certification process involves a rigorous assessment of governance, workers, community, environment, and customers. Only companies that score 80 or above (out of 200) on the B Impact Assessment qualify for certification.
B Impact Assessment Areas
- Governance — Mission, ethics, accountability, and transparency in corporate decision-making
- Workers — Compensation, benefits, training, work environment, and worker ownership
- Community — Supplier relations, diversity, economic impact, civic engagement, and charitable giving
- Environment — Environmental management, air and climate, water, land, and biodiversity
- Customers — Customer stewardship and positive impact on customers' wellbeing
| Certified Company | Essential Layer, Inc. (Cottonique) |
| Certification Body | B Lab Global |
| B Impact Score | 112.0 (Qualifying: 80+) |
| Industry | Apparel, Footwear & Accessories |
What This Means for Our Customers
B Corp certification demonstrates that Cottonique operates with integrity across all aspects of our business—not just product quality. When you choose a B Corp certified company, you're supporting a business that has been independently verified to consider the impact of our decisions on workers, customers, suppliers, community, and the environment. This is particularly relevant for customers who care about the ethics behind the products they purchase.
MyMicrobiome Certified
Scientifically tested for compatibility with the skin's natural microbiome ecosystem.
About Microbiome Certification
MyMicrobiome is an independent certification body based in Germany that tests products for their effect on the human microbiome—the complex ecosystem of beneficial bacteria that live on and in our bodies. Products that pass testing receive certification indicating they do not disrupt the natural balance of skin flora.
This is particularly relevant for intimate apparel, as the vulvo-vaginal microbiome is especially sensitive to disruption from synthetic materials, dyes, and chemical treatments commonly found in conventional underwear.
Testing Methodology
- In-vitro testing — Products are tested against representative strains of beneficial skin bacteria
- Growth inhibition analysis — Measures whether the product inhibits the growth of healthy microorganisms
- pH compatibility — Verifies the product maintains skin-appropriate pH levels
- No antimicrobial treatments — Confirms absence of antibacterial agents that could disrupt natural flora
| Certificate Number | 24.T022.45.2 |
| Certification Body | MyMicrobiome GmbH (Germany) |
| Test Category | Vulvo-vaginal microbiome compatibility |
| Certified Products | Select Cottonique women's underwear styles |
What This Means for Intimate Health
The vaginal microbiome is dominated by beneficial Lactobacillus species that maintain an acidic pH and protect against infections. Underwear made with synthetic materials, chemical dyes, or antimicrobial treatments can disrupt this delicate balance, potentially contributing to bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, or irritation. MyMicrobiome certification provides scientific verification that our tested products support—rather than disrupt—the body's natural protective ecosystem.
Intertek Laboratory Testing
Independent third-party laboratory verification of fiber content, chemical safety, and material composition.
About Intertek Testing
Intertek is a leading Total Quality Assurance provider with over 46,000 employees in more than 100 countries. Their PAB-accredited softlines laboratory conducts standardized testing using AATCC (American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists) methods—the same protocols used by major retailers and regulatory bodies worldwide.
We submit Cottonique products and materials for independent laboratory analysis to verify our claims and ensure product safety for sensitive skin.
Verified Test Results
Test Methods Explained
- AATCC 20 / 20A (Fiber Analysis) — Qualitative and quantitative analysis using microscopy and solubility testing to identify and verify fiber content. Confirms our products contain 100% cotton with no synthetic blends.
- AATCC 112 (Formaldehyde Release) — Sealed jar method to measure formaldehyde released from fabric. Our result of <5 mg/kg is below the detection limit, indicating essentially formaldehyde-free products. (For context: Japan's strict infant standard is 20 mg/kg; OEKO-TEX Class I limit is 16 mg/kg.)
- AATCC 81 (pH Extraction) — Measures the acidity/alkalinity of textiles. Our pH of 6.4 falls within the skin-neutral range (4.5-7.5), matching healthy skin pH and minimizing irritation potential.
- FT-IR Spectroscopy (Latex Identification) — Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analyzes molecular structure to detect natural rubber latex proteins. Used to verify that our elastic components are latex-free alternatives.
What This Means for Sensitive Skin
These independent laboratory results verify three critical claims for sensitive skin: (1) our products are genuinely 100% cotton with no synthetic fiber contamination, (2) formaldehyde levels are below detection limits—important for patients with formaldehyde contact allergy, and (3) our fabric pH matches healthy skin pH, reducing the risk of irritation. Combined with latex-free elastic components, these tests provide documented evidence that Cottonique products are manufactured to minimize common textile allergens.
| Testing Laboratory | Intertek Testing Services Philippines, Inc. (PAB Accredited) |
| Laboratory Location | Intertek Building, 2307 Chino Roces Ave. Extension, Makati City, Philippines |
| Accreditation | Philippine Accreditation Bureau (PAB) — ISO/IEC 17025:2005 |
| Test Standards | AATCC (American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists) |
Note: Test reports document results for specific samples submitted for testing. We conduct ongoing testing as part of our quality assurance program. Full test reports are available upon request for healthcare professionals and institutional purchasers.
Clinical Testing
Double-blind, randomized controlled trial demonstrating efficacy for underwear contact dermatitis.
About Our Clinical Study
In 2008, Cottonique products were evaluated in a double-blind, randomized controlled trial conducted by VMV Skin Research Center + Clinics in the Philippines. The study enrolled 51 adults with patch-test-confirmed underwear contact dermatitis and compared Cottonique products against a competitor brand also claiming "100% cotton" and "hypoallergenic" properties.
| Study Design | Double-blind, randomized controlled trial (RCT) |
| Ethics Approval | IRB approved by VMV Skin Research Center |
| Participants | 51 adults with confirmed UCD (62 screened) |
| Duration | 4 weeks |
| Allergen Panel | 98 allergens (NACDG 65 + 33 textile-specific) |
| Lead Investigators | Abigail Gregorio, MD; VMVerallo-Rowell, MD |
Key Findings
- Patients using Cottonique were 10× more likely to report improvement in redness and itching
- Physicians rated Cottonique users as 20× more likely to show overall improvement
- 88% of Cottonique users showed clinical improvement vs. the control group
- Zero adverse events reported in either group
For Healthcare Professionals
We welcome collaboration with dermatologists, allergists, and other healthcare providers. If you would like to request Transaction Certificates, discuss clinical research opportunities, or request product samples for patient evaluation, please contact us.
Contact Our Medical Affairs TeamTransaction Certificates Available
GOTS Transaction Certificates (TCs) documenting the organic chain of custody for specific product lots are available upon request for institutional purchasers, healthcare facilities, and clinical research purposes.
Please contact us with your requirements.
Certification status is subject to periodic renewal and audit. For the most current certification status, please verify directly through the certification body databases linked above. Transaction Certificates are issued per shipment and document the organic chain of custody for specific product batches. GOTS Scope Certificate SC-017097-0 valid until November 4, 2026. Last updated: January 2026.