Consumer groups find 9 in 10 sunscreens from Temu, Shein and AliExpress are dangerous

Test results

Que Choisir Ensemble tested 10 sunscreens from Temu, Shein and AliExpress. Nine were found dangerous: three contained 4-MBC, a UV filter banned in the EU since May 2026, and six failed to provide the claimed SPF, with actual protection as low as 2 or less. Testachats, a Belgian consumer group, tested 15 products but only received 10 in time; of the seven analyzed, six failed, with four showing SPF 1.2 or 1.6.

The conclusions are alarming: out of ten products tested, nine are non-compliant and the majority simply do not provide the promised sun protection.

Banned ingredients

Three AliExpress sunscreens contained 4-Methylbenzyliden Camphor (4-MBC), a synthetic UV filter prohibited in Europe since 1 May 2026. The substance is an endocrine disruptor affecting both the thyroid system and oestrogens. One product from brand Ouhoe had acceptable SPF but used ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, another endocrine disruptor.

When you look at the composition and test the level of sun protection and UV protection, you realise that for most of them, there is no protection at all. These two also contain products that are banned in Europe.

Manufacturer response

France Télévisions contacted one manufacturer, who admitted inflating the SPF label. "Customers know there isn't a particularly high index. We put a higher index on our boxes for marketing purposes," the producer said, seemingly unaware of the health risks.

Call for action

Que Choisir Ensemble is referring the matter to Arcom, the French audiovisual regulator, and asking authorities to temporarily restrict access to these platforms to protect consumers. The association notes that the platforms cannot guarantee the safety of products sold.