Temu cosmetics: attractively priced, but with risks?
More and more consumers are discovering Temu cosmetics: temptingly inexpensive products from a huge range that can be ordered directly via platforms such as Temu. But what at first glance looks like a clever bargain can, on closer inspection, pose a real risk to your skin, health and wallet. In this article, we shed light on the most important background information about Temu cosmetics and explain why caution is advised.
What are Temu cosmetics?
Temu cosmetics are cosmetic products sold via the online platform Temu – often by non-European suppliers, mainly from Asia. The range extends from skin care and make-up to hair care and accessories. The extremely low prices are often striking.
Inexpensive, but not legally compliant?
Many of these products do not meet the requirements of the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC No. 1223/2009). Among other things, this stipulates:
– A safety assessment by a competent person
A complete Product Information File (PIF).
– The name of a responsible person based in the EU.
– The correct declaration of ingredients (INCI).
– Notification on the CPNP portal.
All these requirements are often not met by Temu Kosmetik – or only partially. This means that the products are not legally allowed to be placed on the European market.
Without a responsible person, there is no consumer protection.
A key problem with Temu Kosmetik is the lack of a responsible person based in the EU. According to EU law, this person is responsible for ensuring that the product is safe and complies with legal requirements. If no such person is named, there is no direct point of contact for consumers, authorities or lawyers in the event of a problem.
Possible consequences are:
– No possibility of making a complaint
– Difficult claim for compensation in the event of skin reactions or damage.
– No recall mechanism for defective batches.
– No product liability according to EU standards.
Temu cosmetics: Use at your own risk!
Even if the packaging looks high-quality, it is not clear with many Temu cosmetic products whether:
– the ingredients are correctly declared.
– prohibited substances are contained (e.g. hydroquinone, parabens, unauthorised colourants).
– the microbiology of the product has been checked.
– the shelf life and storage conditions are correctly stated.
For consumers, this means that they use the products at their own risk.
Why are Temu cosmetics so cheap?
The low prices at Temu Cosmetics are due to:
– Production in low-wage countries
– Savings on quality controls and safety testing.
– No costs for EU-compliant registration or safety assessments.
However, what is saved is then lost in consumer protection.
Who is liable in the event of damage?
For products sold through a European distributor, the distributor is liable under EU law. However, Temu Cosmetics often does not have such a partner in the EU, as the suppliers are based in China or other third countries. A legal claim is therefore practically unenforceable.
Is approval under the European Cosmetics Regulation really that expensive?
No! Such approval costs €1,200 per product at Cosmacon, which is peanuts compared to the millions in sales generated by Temu brands.
We therefore find it incomprehensible why the products are not approved in accordance with the European Cosmetics Regulation and are often sold illegally.
After all, if German brands want to sell their products in non-European countries, approval costs of up to €15,000 per product often arise!
Conclusion: Caution is advised with Temu cosmetics.
At first glance, the world of Temu cosmetics may seem exciting and tempting, especially due to low prices and trendy designs. However, in many cases, these are products that do not meet European standards for cosmetics. For consumers, this means no safety, no right of return and no liability for damage to health.
Ideally, before purchasing a new product, you should write to the supplier and ask them to confirm that they have tested the product in accordance with the European Cosmetics Regulation and that they have the relevant documentation (safety report, product information file, CPNP notification) available.
If you want to be on the safe side, you should prefer certified cosmetic products from suppliers based in the EU, who ideally clearly indicate the responsible person and can provide a transparent declaration. Because genuine quality comes at a price and protects not only the skin but also the legal interests of consumers.
Note: The mention of ‘Temu cosmetics’ in this article is solely for the purpose of illustrating a general trend in online trade in inexpensive, non-European cosmetics. The risks and legal uncertainties described also apply in a similar form to other platforms or suppliers that market cosmetics without verifiable compliance with the EU Cosmetics Regulation. No general statement is made about the quality or safety of individual brands or products.