Testachats Warns: Only 1 in 12 Chinese Platform Sunscreens Offers Adequate Protection

Belgian consumer organization Testachats has issued a stark warning about sunscreens purchased from Chinese e-commerce platforms AliExpress, Temu, and Shein, after laboratory tests revealed that only one out of twelve products offered adequate sun protection. The findings, published on Wednesday, expose what Testachats described as an “unprecedented and dangerous situation” for consumers.

The Investigation

Testachats purchased 15 sunscreens from the three platforms as part of its investigation, as reported by RTBF. Of these, five products were never delivered or arrived too late to be tested. The remaining seven sunscreens were analyzed in a laboratory, and the results were alarming.

According to Testachats’ full report, only one product — OUHOE Sunscreen SPF 50, sold on AliExpress and Temu — achieved an “acceptable” level of protection. The other six failed entirely. Four of these had actual SPF ratings of just 1.2 or 1.6, offering virtually no protection despite claiming SPF 50+ or higher on their packaging.

Banned Substances Found

Adding to the concern, three of the products that were not even tested for SPF — Bioaqua, Laikou, and Sadoer — were found to contain 4-MBC (4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor), a chemical UV filter banned in the European Union. The EU phased out 4-MBC through Regulation (EU) 2024/996, prohibiting new products containing the substance from entering the market from May 2025, and imposing a full sales ban from May 1, 2026.

4-MBC is classified as an endocrine disruptor that affects the thyroid and estrogen systems, with potential to damage DNA. Its presence in products sold to EU consumers demonstrates a significant gap in regulatory enforcement for online marketplaces.

No Ingredient Lists Online

Testachats also found that none of the sales websites provided ingredient lists before purchase, forcing consumers to order “blind.” While the packaging did include full ingredient lists as required by EU regulations, consumers had no way of knowing what they were buying until the product arrived at their door.

As The Brussels Times reported, Testachats warned that the problem may not be limited to Chinese platforms. One of the purchased products was also found on European platform bol.com, suggesting the issue could spread.

Parallel Investigation in France

On the same day, French consumer organization Que Choisir Ensemble (formerly UFC-Que Choisir) published a parallel investigation with similarly alarming results. According to Que Choisir’s findings, 9 out of 10 products tested were non-compliant. The organization announced it would refer the matter to French regulatory authorities ARCOM and DGCCRF.

“Since these platforms cannot guarantee that the products on sale do not pose a danger to consumers, AliExpress, Shein and Temu must simply be sanctioned and their access restricted,” said Marie-Amandine Stévenin, President of Que Choisir Ensemble.

Not Actually Cheaper

Despite low per-unit prices ranging from €2.19 to €12.95, Testachats found that when calculated per liter, these sunscreens cost between €33.25 and €259 — comparable to or more expensive than reliable EU-market sunscreens, which typically cost €30 to €40 per liter. The small packaging sizes mask the true cost.

A Systemic Problem

This investigation follows a pattern of systemic non-compliance on Chinese e-commerce platforms. A February 2025 study by Que Choisir Ensemble with European organizations found that 81% of 214 tested products on Temu were non-compliant with EU regulations. The findings raise serious questions about platform accountability under the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA).

Testachats reported that the platforms contacted responded positively or were in the process of removing the incriminated products. However, Que Choisir noted that nothing prevents these products from reappearing under different listings.

Consumer Recommendations

Testachats issued a clear recommendation: “Do not buy sunscreens from unknown brands on platforms such as AliExpress, Shein or Temu.” Consumers are urged to purchase sunscreens from reputable EU retailers where products are subject to regulatory oversight and independent testing.

With skin cancer rates continuing to rise globally, using ineffective sunscreen gives consumers a false sense of security, potentially increasing sun exposure without adequate protection — a risk that no bargain price can justify.

What to Watch For

The coming weeks will be critical as French authorities decide whether to take action against these platforms. The broader question remains: how will the EU address the systemic challenge of enforcing product safety regulations on global online marketplaces where sellers are often located outside its jurisdiction?