A recent test of the Swiss consumer magazine “Kassensturz” has shown that sun creams from the Chinese online retailer Temu significantly deviate from the declared sun protection factors. All seven tested products did not provide the promised UV protection and failed the test with sometimes alarming results.
The laboratory examination found that the declared SPF values were greatly exaggerated. Instead of a protection factor of 50, 60, or even 100, the actual protection in some cases was less than 2. Here are the measured values in comparison to the declaration:
Tuz Sunscreen: SPF declared: 50+; SPF measured: 6.2
Rua UV Expert Vitamin C: SPF declared: 50; SPF measured: 7.5
Ouhoe Body & Face: SPF declared: 100; SPF measured: 1.4
Maycheer Aqua Sun Collagen: SPF declared: 90; SPF measured: 1.7
King Love Beauty: SPF declared: 60; SPF measured: 1.6
Formbo Sunscreen: SPF declared: 50+; SPF measured: 1.7
Fatazen Sun Spray: SPF declared: 50+; SPF measured: 1.6
The laboratory leader, Céline Couteau, stated that the tested products practically offer no protection against UV rays. Furthermore, misleading statements about the contained sun protection filters were found. In some cases, non-existent filters were invented or the names of well-known filters were combined to appear more serious.
“The products are not sun creams” Couteau said, warning that similar quality problems can be expected with other cosmetics on the platform, including skincare products, makeup and facial toners.
After the test results became known, Temu removed the affected sun creams from its inventory and emphasized that product safety is a priority. However, the fundamental problem remains: as an international online retailer, Temu is not subject to European or Swiss cosmetics regulations. Since the products are directly imported from Asia, local safety standards do not apply.
This incident is part of a series of safety concerns regarding products on Temu. Previously, electrical appliances failed safety tests, including power adapters that overheated and posed a fire hazard. Fake certifications were also found on cosmetics. Consumer advocates advise caution when purchasing particularly cheap offers on Temu and similar platforms.