As the summer season approaches, mosquito protection has become a pressing need for the public. Recently, several popular mosquito repellents have been exposed for containing ingredients primarily consisting of water and fragrance, with production costs as low as just a few cents, yet sold to consumers for nearly 30 yuan, resulting in profits soaring up to 300 times. Some products claim to be “pesticide-free, non-toxic, harmless, plant-based extracts,” but in reality, they deceive consumers by violating labeling regulations and engaging in fraudulent practices.
According to a report titled “Analysis of the Current Situation and Investment Prospects of the Chinese Mosquito Repellent Products Industry (2025-2032),” it is predicted that by 2026, the market size of mosquito repellent products in China will surpass 15 billion yuan and continue to maintain steady growth. However, amidst this growth, various irregularities in the industry have been escalating.
As reported by CCTV’s financial program, the popular “Ding Ding Liquid” and “Ding Ding Spray” from Henan Nanyang Xingwantang Mugwort Products Co., Ltd. are produced at a factory cost of only 1.5 yuan per bottle, with the actual raw material costs being just a few cents. Staff members admitted that the main ingredient of the products is water, with only a minimal amount of plant hydrosol added, lacking any effective mosquito-repelling components.
To give consumers a false sense of effectiveness, companies opt for fragrances resembling that of floral water, relying on strong scents and a cooling sensation to create an illusion of efficacy.
Additionally, an investigation found that many online celebrity mosquito repellent products boasting of being “pure plant extracts, free of chemical components” actually derive their mosquito repellent effects from the unlabelled “repellent ester,” known as ethyl butylacetylaminopropionate. The unique aspect of repellent ester is that it is classified as a mildly toxic substance and is listed in the cosmetic ingredient directory as well as agricultural pesticides.
Some companies exploit the “dual identity” of repellent ester by registering it under the guise of cosmetics and daily necessities, bypassing the approval and quality control processes for pesticide products. For instance, the “Plant Ding Ding Spray” produced by Guangzhou Bairi God Biological Technology Co., Ltd. falls into this category, despite the company not obtaining pesticide production and registration qualifications.
Even products intended for infants and young children have not been spared. A “Mugwort Protection Spray” produced by Youzhen Chun (Guangzhou) Biotechnology Co., Ltd. claims to be “free of pesticide components,” relying solely on scent for mosquito repellency. However, testing revealed the presence of repellent ester in the product as well.
Furthermore, some production companies falsely claim to be authorized agents of the Sunflower brand, when in reality, they have no affiliation with the renowned pharmaceutical company. A business executive from Guangdong Half-Molecule Health Industry Co., Ltd., responsible for trademark registration, admitted that their company charges a 20% licensing fee based on the product’s cost price, turning a blind eye to the fact that these sprays are not legitimate mosquito repellent products. Despite being aware of the issues, they tacitly allow these borderline products to be branded under the Sunflower name.
This is not an isolated case. A senior industry insider, who chose to remain anonymous, disclosed to “Cosmetics Observation” that many well-known brands in the market are involved in similar “OEM” practices. Brand owners grant trademark licenses to dozens or even hundreds of factories, earning millions of yuan annually in licensing fees. As for what these factories produce and whether they comply with regulations or not, the brand owners turn a blind eye, often pretending not to know about any problems. When issues arise, they shift the blame, citing the actions of the “licensee,” disassociating themselves from any responsibility.
Following the exposure of irregularities in the online celebrity mosquito repellent industry, public discourse surrounding this issue has sparked widespread debate. Netizens express concerns, with some lamenting, “I just bought two bottles, thankfully my child has only used them twice. It’s so challenging being a consumer these days!” Others call for a strict investigation and eradication of these products.