Core Insights - The sunscreen market in China is experiencing a significant surge in demand, particularly during the peak UV exposure season, with a wide price range for products, from as low as 0.99 yuan to several hundred yuan per unit [1][4] - The disparity in pricing is attributed to various factors, including the quality of raw materials, production processes, and brand positioning, leading to a situation where some products are sold at a fraction of the cost of others [4][17] Pricing Discrepancies - The price of SPF 50 sunscreen products varies greatly, with some low-cost options selling for as little as 0.99 yuan, while higher-end products can exceed 200 yuan, with the latter accounting for over 50% of the total GMV in the category [4][17] - Manufacturers can produce low-cost sunscreens by using cheaper raw materials and cutting corners in production, resulting in a cost as low as 3 yuan per unit, even when sold at a price of 30 yuan [3][5] Production Practices - Some manufacturers engage in practices such as underfilling products and misrepresenting SPF values, leading to products that do not meet the advertised effectiveness [3][6] - The production of sunscreens can be done without the necessary certifications or technical expertise, as some companies offer services to help brands circumvent regulatory requirements [8][10] Regulatory Environment - The Chinese regulatory framework requires special certification for sunscreen products, which can be costly and time-consuming to obtain, leading to the prevalence of "certificate swapping" practices in the industry [8][9] - Despite stricter regulations and enforcement, some manufacturers still claim to provide services that allow for the circumvention of these requirements, indicating ongoing issues within the industry [10][14] Consumer Guidance - Experts suggest that consumers should consider the brand's control over product quality, the suitability of the product for their skin type, and the specific use case when selecting sunscreens [19] - It is recommended to choose products with official certifications and to be cautious of exaggerated claims regarding effectiveness, as many low-cost options may not provide adequate protection [18][19]
低价防晒霜调查：成本仅3元，凭啥敢卖几十元？