Cheap sunscreen products purchased from e-commerce platforms like Temu, AliExpress, and Shein have failed laboratory safety evaluations conducted by consumer protection organizations. According to testing results released by French consumer protection organization Que Choisir and partner European test institutions, multiple high-SPF products offered at bargain prices contained prohibited ingredients, while others provided virtually no protection against ultraviolet radiation.
Banned UV Filters Found in AliExpress Products
Laboratory analysts evaluated a batch of sunscreen products with claimed protection factors of 50 or higher, priced between 1.55 and 6.65 euros. According to the test findings, three items sourced from AliExpress contained 4-MBC, a UV filter banned in the European Union because of its potential to interact with the thyroid and estrogen systems. Although the items were ordered in April, the regulatory prohibition took effect in May 2026. The disqualified items comprised Bioaqua Rice Raw Pulp Sunscreen 50+ priced at 5.24 euros, Laikou UV Defense Daily Sunscreen 50+ priced at 3.23 euros, and Sadoer Protection Isolation Sunscreen 50+ priced at 3.29 euros. Because of these banned ingredients, testers removed the three items before conducting UV protection measurements on the remaining inventory.
Negligible Sun Protection Measured in Seven Creams
Following the initial disqualifications, laboratory staff tested the remaining seven sunscreens for their actual defense capabilities against ultraviolet radiation. According to Que Choisir, six of the tested creams failed to reach their advertised protection factors. Four products offered a sun protection factor of 2.1 or lower, meaning they blocked virtually no UV rays. The affected items included West Month Bio Sun Stick SPF 50+ and Jaysuing Sun Spray SPF 50 from Temu, Melao Isolation Sunscreen SPF 50+ from Shein, LBLS Whitening Moisturizing Sunscreen Cream Rose SPF 90+ and Disaar Sunscreen Instant Protection Skin Color SPF 90 from AliExpress, and Ruoall Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 from Temu. Testers stated that they had never encountered such deficient performance since initiating their product evaluations, noting that the formulations resembled standard body lotion rather than sun protection.
Did you know?
Ultraviolet radiation encompasses both UVA and UVB rays, both of which increase skin cancer risk, according to the German consumer organization Stiftung Warentest.
Platform Responses and Regulatory Status
Only the least expensive product in the evaluation, the Ouhoe Sunscreen SPF 50 purchased on Temu and AliExpress for 1.55 euros, delivered its declared protection level. However, testers noted that the formulation contained Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, also known as Octinoxat, an ingredient classified by consumer advocates as undesirable due to its hormonal activity, although the European Commission classifies the same filter as safe. In response to the findings, representatives for AliExpress, Temu, and Shein stated that they removed the tested items and similar merchandise from sale and initiated internal reviews. Temu stated that affected buyers received notifications regarding the products and gained eligibility for refunds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were certain sunscreens from AliExpress immediately removed from testing?
Three products contained 4-MBC, a UV filter that is banned in the European Union due to its interaction with the thyroid and estrogen systems.
Which platforms were involved in the consumer protection test?
The tested sunscreens were purchased from Temu, AliExpress, and Shein, with prices ranging from 1.55 to 6.65 euros.
How did the platforms respond to the laboratory findings?
According to the platforms, the tested and similar items were pulled from sale, and Temu confirmed that buyers could request refunds.
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