As consumers pay more attention to the comfort and safety of clothing, whether acrylic (polypropylene) and polyester yarn are suitable for sensitive skin has become a hot topic in the textile industry and dermatology. This article provides a scientific purchase guide for people with sensitive skin based on research by textile chemistry experts, dermatology medical reports and international textile certification standards.

1. Comparison of material properties: Risk of skin contact with two synthetic fibers
Polyester fiber (Polyester The "double-edged sword" effect of polyester yarn
As the world's most widely used synthetic fiber, polyester yarn occupies the mainstream market with its wear resistance, wrinkle resistance and low cost. However, its safety controversy focuses on two points:
Chemical residue risk: dyeing and antistatic treatment require the use of additives such as azo dyes and formaldehyde resins, which may cause contact dermatitis (confirmed by a 2021 study in the Journal of Contact Dermatitis).
Breathability shortcoming: Although new ultra-fine denier polyester fibers (such as Coolmax®) improve breathability through special-shaped cross-sections, ordinary polyester is still prone to irritation of the skin due to sweat retention.
Potential allergenicity of acrylic fibers
Acrylic fibers (acrylic fibers) are often used as wool substitutes, but residual acrylic monomers in their production process may cause allergic reactions. The EU REACH regulation requires that the free monomer content in acrylic textiles must be less than 0.1%, but some low-priced products still have cases of exceeding the standard.

2. Safe choice for sensitive skin: key indicators and certification system
OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 Certification: This certification sets limit values ​​for more than 300 harmful substances (including heavy metals and allergenic dyes). Certified polyester yarn products can significantly reduce the risk of allergies.
Physical structure optimization: Select polyester fibers with hollow/grooved cross-sections (such as Toray's 3D Cool® technology), its moisture absorption and quick-drying performance is 40% higher than that of traditional polyester (data from the Japan Fiber Society in 2023).
Finishing process: Using bio-enzyme polishing instead of chemical softeners can reduce 93% of allergenic residues (experimental data from the International Textile Manufacturers Federation ITMF).

3. Dermatologists recommend: Three groups of people should be cautious
Patients with atopic dermatitis: Give priority to organic cotton or Tencel® certified by GOTS to avoid the vicious cycle of "itching-scratching" caused by friction of synthetic fibers.
People with chemical sensitivity: When purchasing polyester fiber products, look for labels with "no fluorescent brightener" and "AZO-FREE (azo dye-free)".
Sports enthusiasts: If you need to wear polyester quick-drying clothes, it is recommended to choose silver ion antibacterial products and wash them in time after each use to prevent the growth of microorganisms.