“I could barely open my eye”: Teenage girl suffers eye inflammation after buying false eyelashes on Temu

The “purulent and glued” eye. A 14-year-old Swiss girl woke up with eye inflammation after wearing false eyelashes and glue all night purchased on Temu, a cheap Chinese online sales platform. Although orders are reserved only for adults, it seems quite easy to circumvent this ban.

“When I woke up, I could barely open my eye,” the teenager explained to the Swiss version of 20 Minutes. “I didn’t pay too much attention to it and went to school,” she continued. But as the day went on, his eye started to itch a lot and turn red.

Young people more at risk

If Temu, who only arrived in the EU in 2023, is experiencing real growth, the frequency of cases of this type does not seem to have increased, noted a pharmacist interviewed by 20 Minutes.

These products can cause inflammation of the eyelid margins or conjunctival reactions, or even damage to the cornea. This type of reaction can also occur among contact lens wearers, including those available on the European market. However, in the EU and Schengen area, manufacturers must clearly state their ingredients for cosmetic products with ceilings not to be exceeded. A risk that threatens younger people more, whose skin is more sensitive, and therefore who may be subject to more severe inflammation.

Furthermore, poor hygiene, such as dirty hands or exchanging false eyelashes with other people, is strongly discouraged. If in doubt or if pain persists, consult a healthcare professional.

“Illegal products”

In a survey published on October 30, the consumer association UFC-Que Choisir tested several products ordered on Temu including USB chargers, toys and jewelry. According to the association, the majority of products do not meet the standards in force in the European Union and present a risk for users. The results of the survey indicated that 69% of the products tested did not meet the standards in force in the European Union and 57% posed a real risk of poisoning, allergy, choking, burns or fire to their users.

An investigation carried out by the European Union since October 2024 also showed that there is “a high risk for consumers” of finding “illegal products on the platform”.