Levi's Review, Is Levi's Non-Toxic?
PFAS Authority is a scoring system, not a laboratory. We do not test products ourselves. Grades are model-based, built from published ingredients, materials, certifications, brand disclosures and third-party lab results where they exist. See the rubric.
Across 4 graded products, Levi's averages Good (58/100). On disclosure, the brand says nothing publicly about PFAS. 1 of its products grade Good or better. Grades are model-based estimates, not lab results.
Worth buying from Levi's Good or better, safest first
Levi's
501 Jeans
Azo dyes in indigo coloring
Indigo used in Levi's 501 denim is typically synthetic azo dye. While commercial indigo…
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Cotton denim finishes commonly use formaldehyde-releasing resins for crease resistance…
Microplastic shedding from synthetic finishing agents
Cotton denim with synthetic polymer sizing and finishes sheds microfibers during washing.…
Pesticide residue
Levi's 501 uses conventional cotton unless otherwise specified (organic 501s are sold…
Low risk. Denim lacks typical PFAS use cases or specialty coatings.
⚠Risky category by default
Graded and flagged Poor and Bad, we’d swap these
Levi's
Men's 501 Original Thermodapt Jeans
100% cotton denim, no disclosed water-resistant treatment
Azo dyes and color fastness
Indigo and other dyes used in denim production can contain azo compounds, which may…
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Cotton denim is often treated with formaldehyde-based resins during shrink-control and…
Degradation and microfiber shedding
Untreated cotton denim sheds microfibers in the wash, especially when new or repeatedly…
Lower PFAS concern. Untreated cotton denim with no marketed coating.
⚠Risky category by default
Levi's
Men's 502 Taper Jeans
100% cotton denim
Azo dyes and residual dye metals (chromium, copper, nickel)
Indigo dyeing does not use azo chemistry, so azo dye toxicity is not a concern. However…
Dye stability and color bleeding
Indigo denim, including Levi's 502, is known to lose dye in early washes and may transfer…
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from dye solvents and processing
Cotton denim processing involves aqueous and solvent-based stages; trace VOC off-gassing…
Lower PFAS concern. Basic cotton denim with no performance coatings.
⚠Risky category by default
Levi's
Men's 511 Slim Jeans Performance Cool
cotton/polyester blend with moisture-wicking treatment
PFAS
Stain-resistant and moisture-wicking treatments in performance denim commonly use…
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Cross-linking resins used to set dyes and stabilize finishes may include formaldehyde.…
Coating degradation and microplastic shedding
As the water-repellent coating finish breaks down over time, small polymer fragments may…
Skip until Levi's discloses its water-repellent coating chemistry or treatment formula.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
Every grade uses the same public rubric. How grades work →