Korea agency calls out Aliexpress, Temu, Shein for safety concerns over essential oils, pet care

KCA’s investigated essential oils and pet care products sold on Chinese e-commerce platforms, Aliexpress, Temu, and Shein.

It found that 75.5% of 49 products tested did not meet domestic safety standards, highlighting potential loopholes in the regulation of goods sold through these online platforms.

According to KCA’s published report​, it tested 19 essential oils that were labelled for cosmetic use and/or home fragrance use.

Korea, essential oils are regulated as cosmetics when applied topically, such as in massage oils, and as household chemical products when used in items like air fresheners.

The testing revealed that 17 (89.5%) of them contained undeclared allergenic ingredients such as Butylphenyl Methylpropional (BMHCA), linalool, and limonene.

However, none of the product lables indicated the above allergens.

Additionally, two of 19 contained two banned substances, Chloromethylisothiazolinone (CMIT) and Methylisothiazolinone (MIT), which can cause issues such as skin and respiratory irritation.

Furthermore, the agency also noted down misleading advertising and mislabelling.

For instance, one product sold on Shein was advertised for bath use when its was labelled as being unsuitable for skin.

It also found that seven out of 19 essential oils did not display expiry dates or manufacturing dates.

Problematic pet care​

In addition to essential oils, the KCA also investigated pet care products, such as shampoos, conditioners, and wet wipes.

Overall, 20 out of 30 (66.7%) of the pet care products contained hazardous substances and/or excessive levels of microorganisms.

The investigation found that 80% of pet shampoos eight out of 10 failed inspection, with 50% containing formaldehyde and 40% exceeding the limit for CMIT/MIT mixtures.

Additionally, 30% of wipes (three out of 10) failed inspection with one containing MIT.

KCA also highlighted that there were products that exceeded limits for formaldehyde and benzoic acid.

Lastly, 90% (nine out of 10) pet oral sprays failed testing, with 60% containing prohibited formaldehyde and/or excessive levels of benzoic acid.

Platforms cooperating with authorities​

KCA’s findings were shared with the online platforms and the Fair Trade Commission (FTC), recommending the immediate removal of the hazardous products.

According to KCA, the platforms have complied and are cooperating with the relevant authorities.

KCA and FTC plan to continue monitoring overseas direct-purchase products to prevent the distribution of unsafe goods.

“KCA and the FTC shared the results of the investigation with overseas platform operators. It was recommended to block the sale of the product. AliExpress, Temu, and Shein accepted the recommendation.

“Accordingly, the sale of the relevant hazardous product has been blocked. In the future, the KCA will continue to work with the FTC on overseas direct purchase products. We plan to block the distribution of hazardous products through inspection.”

Earlier in June, KCA said it had tested products colour cosmetics, air fresheners, children’s toys, and motorcycle helmets from Alibaba Express, Temu, and Qoo10.

Out of 88 products, 27 failed the standards.

The KCA tested 40 colour cosmetics and found that nine contained harmful heavy metals or tar pigments barred from domestic use.