VKI warns about sunscreens from Shein and Temu: UV protection far below advertised levels

At the time of purchase, the creams cost between 27 cents and 7.59 euros. The low price is explained by the distribution channels via cheap online platforms such as Temu, Shein, or Alibaba, where quality defects and safety risks have repeatedly been identified in other product categories as well. In the current test, however, the focus was not on the price but on the declared protective effect.

Despite advertised sun protection factors of 50, 50+, or even 90, the examined products did not meet even the minimum requirements to qualify as sunscreens. These "liegen bei einem Lichtschutzfaktor von 6 beziehungsweise einem UVA-Schutzfaktor von 2", explained VKI cosmetics and chemicals expert Birgit Schiller. The discrepancy between advertising and actual protective effect is therefore particularly large.

Results in detail

A central problem was also the composition of the creams. In addition to the already banned 4-MBC, the testers found indications of other problematic UV filters, including OMC. Such substances have been under review in the EU for some time because they are suspected of accumulating in the body or having hormonal effects. In a product that provides hardly any protection anyway, this finding weighs particularly heavily, according to the testers.

The VKI urgently advises consumers to keep their hands off the tested products. Its recommendation reads literally: „Finger weg". Instead, buyers should turn to tested brand-name products from drugstores or pharmacies, whose sun protection factor has been independently verified. Dermatological professional societies have also advised for years against choosing sunscreen arbitrarily based on price or online reviews.

Reactions and demands

The cheap online platforms sector has already been under criticism from European consumer advocates for quite some time. Violations of EU labeling requirements, chemicals law, and product safety regulations have repeatedly been identified in spot checks. The now-documented deficiencies in sunscreens weigh particularly heavily in the VKI's assessment because consumers must rely on effectiveness when it comes to UV protection.

Birgit Schiller emphasized that the test result is not an exception but fits into a series of similar findings. The VKI is calling on the platforms to remove the affected products from their range immediately and to monitor suppliers more strictly. Otherwise, there is a risk of reputational damage that extends beyond the individual product category.

Background: UV protection and health risks

The background to the investigation is the upcoming main travel season. During the summer months, the demand for sun protection rises significantly across Europe, and many consumers order inexpensive products directly from Asia. The VKI points out that insufficient UV protection can lead to sunburn in the short term and to an increased risk of skin cancer in the long term. The tested products therefore pose a concrete health risk.

The responsible authorities in Austria and at the EU level have been informed of the results. Whether a recall or a sales stop will be initiated now depends on the market surveillance authorities. The VKI announced that it will continue to monitor the developments and retest if necessary.

Consumers who have already purchased products from Shein, Temu, or comparable platforms should, according to the VKI, check the information on the packaging and consult a pharmacy or dermatologist if in doubt. A blanket recommendation to avoid all online sunscreens is not justified, however, Schiller emphasized: tested brand-name products remain safe.