Allegations and Regulatory Actions
Renowned Chinese fragrance brand “Dr. Wong” and its parent company, along with three affiliated companies and a contract manufacturer, are under investigation by market regulators for suspected production and sales of cosmetics with illegal additives and false advertising. Mr. Yang, a whistleblower, received text notifications from the Shenzhen Market Supervision Administration’s Bao’an and Nanshan branches, acknowledging the receipt of reports and the decision to initiate an investigation.
Regulatory Response and Company Involvement
The Shenzhen Market Supervision Administration confirmed that on-site investigations were conducted at three local counters, leading to the filing of cases against the companies for suspected sales of illegally adulterated cosmetics and false advertising regarding product manufacturing processes and discrepancies between actual materials used and those listed in the product records. The cases are currently under active investigation.
Corporate Structure and Legal Representatives
Dr. Wong’s parent company, “Shenzhen Next Stop Living Products Co., Ltd.,” along with marketing and global trade-related companies “Shenzhen Go Wild Natural Skincare Co., Ltd.” and “Shenzhen Black Spruce Aroma Technology Co., Ltd.,” all have Ma Yuping as their legal representative. According to Tianyancha, Shenzhen Next Stop Living Products Co., Ltd., established in 2012 with a registered capital of 100,000 yuan, operates in the skincare, beauty, essential oils, and aromatherapy sectors.
Manufacturing and Compliance Issues
The Yingde Market Supervision Administration notified Mr. Yang that Guangdong Aiqi Biotechnology Co., Ltd., suspected of producing illegal cosmetics, has been subjected to an investigation. The company is accused of substituting jasmine floral absolute for essential oil in “Dr. Wong’s Plant Perfume (Dust)” and using substandard full-plant extracts in place of higher-quality ingredients in “Dr. Wong’s Essential Oil Bath Liquid (Snow Mountain Hot Spring),” among other alleged infractions.
Consumer Concerns and Regulatory Actions
Mr. Yang, after spending over 20,000 yuan on over a hundred “cosmetic number” products from Dr. Wong, discovered multiple irregularities, including discrepancies between product registration information and promotional materials, suspected illegal addition of allergenic and phototoxic “verbena oil,” and the use of unlisted “new raw materials” in cosmetics. He reported these findings, along with purchase receipts, to the National Medical Products Administration’s reception and reporting center on November 21.
Online Presence and Product Changes
In response to the allegations, Dr. Wong’s online flagship stores have seen several product removals and changes, including the “Lemon Verbena” essential oil and other items. The brand, established in 2013 by Gu Xun and Ma Yuping, has expanded to seven counters across Guangzhou, Shanghai, Suzhou, Ningbo, and other cities, with a recent addition in Hong Kong. The brand’s online presence spans across WeChat, Taobao, JD.com, Pinduoduo, Douyin, and Xiaohongshu, offering over 100 aromatherapy care products and equipment, all under the “Dr. Wong Aromatherapy Care Level Plant Essential Oil Quality Control System.”
Official Stance and Consumer Protection
When contacted by The Paper, Ma Yuping, one of the brand’s founders, declined to address consumer concerns directly, stating that all products are legally manufactured and that consumers should consult drug regulatory authorities with any questions.
The allegations against Dr. Wong and the subsequent investigations highlight the critical need for transparency and compliance in the cosmetics industry. As regulatory bodies across multiple regions delve into these claims, the case serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding consumer trust through lawful and ethical business practices.
