A study found that nine out of 10 sunscreens sold on Temu, Shein, and AliExpress are ineffective or contain dangerous ingredients [1].

This failure in product safety exposes consumers to severe UV radiation and potentially toxic chemicals. Because these platforms operate globally, the findings highlight a significant gap in regulatory oversight for cross-border e-commerce cosmetics.

The research was conducted by the consumer association Que Choisir Ensemble [1]. The group tested various products sold on the three major Chinese platforms, which are known for low-cost consumer goods. The tested sunscreens were priced between 1.55€ and 6.95€ [3].

According to the study, the majority of the products failed to meet European legislation standards [1]. Some creams contained ingredients that are not permitted under EU law, making them potentially toxic to the skin [1]. Other products were found to be completely ineffective at providing the UV protection promised on their packaging [1].

These results suggest that the low cost of these products comes at the expense of safety and efficacy [3]. The association said its findings on Wednesday, July 8, to warn consumers about the risks associated with these specific marketplaces [2].

Consumers are advised to exercise caution when purchasing health and beauty products from platforms that may bypass traditional regional safety checks. The lack of compliance with European standards indicates that these products may not undergo the same rigorous testing as those sold in local pharmacies or licensed retailers [1].

“Nine out of 10 sunscreens sold on Temu, Shein, and AliExpress are ineffective or contain dangerous ingredients.”

This study underscores the systemic risk of 'direct-to-consumer' shipping from overseas platforms, where sellers often bypass the stringent safety certifications required for the European market. By selling non-compliant cosmetics, these platforms shift the burden of safety verification onto the consumer, who lacks the laboratory tools to detect toxic ingredients or verify UV protection levels.