Quick answer: TENCEL™ (also called TENCEL™ Lyocell) is not only soft but also one of the safest and most eco-friendly fabrics available today. Unlike rayon or polyester, its production uses a closed‑loop process that recycles more than 99 % of a non‑toxic solvent. Independent certifications such as OEKO‑TEX® Standard 100 and the FKT “medically tested” label show that TENCEL™ garments do not release harmful substances and are suitable for sensitive skin. Studies suggest people with eczema report less itching and better comfort when wearing lyocell compared with cotton.
What exactly is TENCEL™?
TENCEL™ is Lenzing’s trademark for lyocell and modal fibres made from sustainably sourced wood pulp, typically from FSC and PEFC certified forests that ensure responsible sourcing. The natural cellulose from wood is transformed into smooth fibres through a closed-loop process that uses a non-toxic, biodegradable solvent (NMMO). More than 99% of the solvent and water is recovered and reused, which helps reduce waste and uses much less water than conventional viscose or cotton. The result is a soft, ultra-breathable, and biodegradable fabric with a smaller environmental footprint.
Common Myths About TENCEL™
Myth 1: “TENCEL™ is just another synthetic fabric.”
The Truth:
Not quite! TENCEL™ sits in a unique middle ground. It is neither fully natural nor fully synthetic. It begins its life in sustainably grown wood, but through a safe, closed-loop process, the cellulose is transformed into silky fibres.
This makes it semi-synthetic — natural at its core, yet scientifically refined to be smoother, safer, and longer-lasting than untreated cotton. Unlike petroleum-based synthetics such as polyester, TENCEL™ doesn’t shed harmful microplastics or trap heat and sweat. Instead, it takes the best of both worlds, the comfort of nature and the consistency of innovation.
Myth 2: “TENCEL™ is full of chemicals and not safe for babies with eczema.”
The Truth:
The chemical used to dissolve wood pulp in the lyocell process (NMMO) is non‑toxic and almost entirely recovered and reused. Health organisations and product testers recognise TENCEL™ as hypoallergenic and gentle for sensitive skin.
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Non‑toxic solvent: Unlike traditional rayon, which relies on sodium hydroxide and releases harmful effluents, the NMMO solvent in TENCEL™ production is captured and recycled at a rate of around 99 %. This closed‑loop process reduces worker exposure and environmental contamination.
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Eczema‑friendly: The National Eczema Society notes that lyocell/TENCEL™ is an eczema‑friendly fabric produced using less toxic chemicals and a nearly closed‑loop system. Its smooth fibres and breathability make it gentle on irritated skin.
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Sensitive skin benefits: Sleep Foundation testers recommend pure TENCEL™ bedding to people with sensitive skin, praising its silky‑soft feel and moisture‑wicking properties that help regulate temperature and reduce irritation.
Myth 3: “It releases microplastics like polyester.”
The Truth:
Microfiber pollution is a serious issue. Synthetic garments shed tiny plastic fibres when washed or discarded, and these microplastics accumulate in waterways and marine life. In contrast, studies show that TENCEL™ fibres biodegrade quickly in marine environments and do not persist as microplastics.
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Evidence from the ocean: Scientists at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography immersed TENCEL™ lyocell and polyester fabrics in seawater. The TENCEL™ fibres disintegrated within 30 days, while polyester fibres showed virtually no change after over 200 days Carved in Blue summarises that TENCEL™ lyocell fully biodegraded in 30 days, whereas polyester remained intact.
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Popular Science perspective: Popular Science reports that microfibers from clothing are a growing source of plastic pollution, with fibres appearing in fish and remote ocean waters. The same article notes that TENCEL™ garments immersed in seawater developed a biofilm and began to break down within three weeks, and researchers predicted that the fabric would degrade completely within a few months without producing microplastics.
Myth 4: “Eco-friendly is just a marketing word. TENCEL™ isn’t truly green.”
The Truth:
“Eco-friendly” can feel overused, but in TENCEL’s case, it is backed by real data, not buzzwords. Unlike conventional rayon or viscose, which use toxic chemicals that pollute waterways, TENCEL™ is made in a closed-loop system that recovers and reuses 99 % of water and solvents. Its wood pulp comes from certified sustainable forests, not endangered ones.
- TENCEL™ doesn’t rely on pesticides or massive irrigation like cotton, and its production uses less energy and up to 20 times less water. Even its naturally light colour means no harsh bleaching, helping protect both the planet and sensitive skin.
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Independent sustainability experts like Textile Exchange recognise TENCEL™ as one of the lowest-impact fibres available today. Some newer versions even use REFIBRA™ technology, which blends recycled cotton scraps into new fibre, a small but powerful step toward truly circular fashion.
Myth 5: “It’s too expensive and impractical for everyday use.”
The Truth:
TENCEL™ garments often cost more than other fabrics because the closed‑loop process and sustainable sourcing are resource‑intensive. However, their durability, comfort and environmental benefits can make them a worthwhile investment.
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Price vs value: The higher price of TENCEL™ sheets or clothing doesn’t come from branding hype; it comes from quality. The material feels luxuriously soft, regulates temperature well, and lasts far longer than many cheaper options. Over time, that means fewer replacements and better comfort, which makes it practical for daily use.
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Durability and care: TENCEL™ fibres are naturally smooth and strong. They resist pilling and stay soft even after repeated washing. Simple care, such as gentle cycles and air drying, keeps the fabric in excellent condition for years.
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Limited supply: TENCEL™ is produced in smaller volumes than cotton or polyester, it can be less common and slightly more costly. As sustainable manufacturing grows worldwide, production will expand and prices may become even more accessible.
Should Parents Choose TENCEL™ for Their Baby?
TENCEL™ baby clothes and bedding provide a gentle, breathable and sustainable option for infants. They’re hypoallergenic, moisture‑wicking and kinder to eczema‑prone skin.
Benefits for Little Ones
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Hypoallergenic and soft: The smooth fibres reduce friction and irritation, a boon for babies with sensitive or eczema‑prone skin.
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Breathable and cool: TENCEL™ wicks moisture away, helping regulate your baby’s temperature and preventing night sweats.
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Eco‑friendly choice: Choosing TENCEL™ reduces your child’s exposure to microplastics and supports sustainable forestry practices.
What to Watch Out For
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Price: TENCEL™ items are generally more expensive than cotton, bamboo or polyester alternatives. Consider them an investment in comfort and sustainability.
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Care requirements: To maintain softness and prevent shrinkage, wash on a gentle cycle and avoid high heat when drying.
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Blends: Some fabrics marketed as “TENCEL” may blended with synthetics. For better comfort, breathability, and biodegradability, choose items with a higher TENCEL™ content.
Final Thoughts: Soft, Sustainable… or Overrated?
TENCEL™ is not flawless, but it is far from just a trend. It bridges the gap between natural and synthetic fabrics, combining softness, breathability, and responsible production. Made from sustainably sourced wood pulp, TENCEL™ offers luxurious softness, excellent moisture control, and a noticeably lighter environmental footprint than conventional cotton or petroleum-based synthetics.
Independent studies have shown that TENCEL™ fibres biodegrade quickly in marine environments, preventing the microplastic pollution common in most synthetic textiles. Its award-winning closed-loop process also recycles almost all water and solvent, while the raw material is derived from responsibly managed forests that prioritise reforestation and biodiversity.
For parents looking for eco-friendly, skin-safe options, TENCEL™ stands out as a thoughtful choice. Its hypoallergenic and breathable qualities make it suitable for babies and children with sensitive or eczema-prone skin. Though TENCEL™ products may cost more and require gentler care, these factors reflect their lasting quality and sustainable origin.
In an age when microplastics and climate concerns dominate global conversations, TENCEL™ represents a more mindful way forward, proving that true comfort can go hand in hand with care for the planet.
References
Good On You. Sustainability Ratings and Ethical Fashion Insights. Retrieved from goodonyou.eco
Lenzing AG. TENCEL™ Lyocell and Modal Fibers – Official Technical Information. Retrieved from lenzing.com
Carved in Blue. Scientific Studies on TENCEL™ Biodegradability and Fiber Innovation. Retrieved from carvedinblue.tencel.com
National Eczema Society. Clothing and Eczema – Recommended Materials and Triggers. Retrieved from eczema.org
Sleep Foundation. TENCEL™ Bedding and Sensitive Skin Recommendations. Retrieved from sleepfoundation.org
