Cherokee · Scrubs & Work Uniforms
Cherokee Workwear Originals Ultra Men's 3-Pocket V-Neck Scrub Top
Lower concern. No PFAS-prone features identified in standard scrub top.
Cherokee workwear scrubs are plain cotton/polyester blend fabric with no stated water-repellent, stain-resistant, or nonstick treatments. No PFAS disclosures found, but absence of treatment features reduces typical risk.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
cotton/polyester blend
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Cherokee Workwear V-Neck Scrub Top is made of, ingredients and materials
This scrub top is a cotton-polyester blend, a standard composition in medical workwear that balances durability, moisture-wicking, and ease of care. The polyester component improves wrinkle resistance and color retention; cotton provides breathability and comfort for extended wear. Neither material is inherently problematic when finished responsibly, though the dye and finish processes are where textile hazards typically emerge.
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
Azo dyes and colorants
Cotton-polyester blends in this price segment typically use conventional azo dyes. No specific testing or restriction is on record for Cherokee Originals scrubs, but azo dyes can release aromatic amines under certain conditions (high temperature, acidic or alkaline exposure, or bacterial degradation). Risk is reduced by standard washing and is not associated with skin contact during normal wear.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Wrinkle-resistant or easy-care finishes applied to polyester-cotton blends may contain formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing resins (such as DMDHEU). No specific data exists for this product, but the material composition and affordable production model suggest finishes are not explicitly restricted. First wash reduces residual levels significantly.
Source, ATSDR ↗Antimony in polyester
Antimony trioxide is a standard catalyst in polyester fiber production. Exposure risk to the wearer is negligible because antimony is bound in the polymer matrix and does not migrate through skin contact or washing under normal conditions. However, workers in polyester manufacturing and landfill workers face higher inhalation risk, which is outside the scope of consumer use.
Color fastness and dye migration
Lower-cost scrubs may show bleeding or fading on first wash, particularly if dye fixation is incomplete. While cosmetically undesirable, dye bleeding reflects incomplete dyeing process rather than a chemical safety hazard; excess dye is typically low molecular weight compounds that wash out in the first 2-3 cycles.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Flame retardants
Medical apparel is not subject to federal flammability standards in the way sleepwear or upholstery are. No flame retardant coating is on record for Cherokee scrub tops, and the cotton-polyester blend does not typically receive such treatment in this product category.
Source, EPA ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Cherokee is a widely distributed medical apparel brand owned by Koi Uniforms and sold through major retailers; no major product recalls or chemical safety controversies are on public record for this product line. The brand does not prominently disclose chemical restrictions or third-party certifications (such as OEKO-TEX or bluesign) in marketing materials. Absence of disclosure does not confirm presence of hazard, but transparency is limited compared to premium alternatives.
How it compares in its category
Standard medical scrubs like this Cherokee top occupy the mainstream market tier, affordable, widely available, and subject to basic textile safety standards (CPSC, AATCC color fastness) but not typically certified for restricted chemical use. Higher-tier alternatives may carry OEKO-TEX 100 or similar certifications; budget alternatives may have fewer wash cycles before pilling or fading. This product sits in the practical middle for healthcare settings where durability and cost are priorities.
If you buy it
Wash in warm water with like colors before first wear to remove excess dye and finish residues. Use standard detergent; avoid chlorine bleach, which can degrade polyester and alter color. Line dry or tumble dry on low to preserve elasticity and prevent shrinkage. Replace when seams fray, fabric pills noticeably, or color fades significantly, typically after 50-100 professional wash cycles depending on water hardness and detergent type.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 72% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Cherokee has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
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