Consumer Watchdog Uncovers Illegal Melatonin Sales on Major Online Platforms
A leading consumer watchdog has issued a stark warning after discovering that health retailers and prominent online marketplaces are illegally advertising melatonin supplements across the United Kingdom. Which? revealed it found melatonin products being promoted on major platforms including AliExpress, Amazon, eBay, Etsy, Superdrug marketplace, and Temu, with some listings featuring alarmingly high doses that far exceed recommended limits.
Prescription-Only Hormone Being Sold Without Regulation
In the UK, melatonin, a hormone that is crucial for regulating sleep patterns, is strictly available only with a prescription from a qualified medical professional. While the National Health Service typically recommends a starting dose of just 2mg from general practitioners, Which? consistently observed supplements listed at 10mg – the maximum dose usually advised only for individuals suffering with long-term insomnia. Most concerningly, one product, Balincer’s Melatonin Nighttime Sleep Aid, was discovered on Temu claiming to contain a massive 30mg per serving.
It is illegal to market melatonin without a prescription in the UK because, without proper medical supervision, it can interfere with common medications like anti-depressants and contraception, while also causing unpleasant side effects including headaches, dizziness, and significant mood changes.
Deceptive Listings and Hidden Ingredients
In many of the illegal listings, melatonin was not mentioned in the product image or title but was only visible within the detailed list of ingredients, making it difficult for consumers to identify what they were actually purchasing. Which? identified eight supplements on eBay that claimed to be "night-time fat burners" while listing melatonin among their ingredients. One example, Live Nature’s Night Time Fat Burner supplements, failed to specify how much melatonin was contained in the product at all.
The watchdog further claimed that sellers deliberately hid the fact that products contained melatonin in their listings to prevent the platforms from detecting and removing the products. This deceptive practice puts consumers at serious risk, as there is no guarantee what these unregulated products actually contain.
Industry Response and Regulatory Concerns
Sue Davies, head of consumer policy at Which?, stated: "It’s really worrying that melatonin is being illegally marketed on popular online marketplaces without a prescription – putting consumers’ health at risk. If shoppers buy from sellers illegally advertising melatonin, there is no telling what the products will contain – they could contain too much melatonin or other potentially harmful substances, which could lead to dangerous side effects. Better oversight of the industry is desperately needed so the government and regulators can crack down on illegal listings and ensure that any sellers who break the rules are held to account."
In response to the investigation, several platforms took action. AliExpress said it takes product safety very seriously and has promptly removed the flagged listings while taking enforcement actions against violating sellers. Amazon emphasized that safety is its top priority and that the highlighted items have been removed. eBay noted that consumer safety is a top priority, stating these items violate its policy and have been removed, with the company reviewing the wider marketplace to remove identical listings.
Superdrug responded by noting that topically applied products containing melatonin are widely available for general sale across the UK and that it has contacted the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency for clarification on guidelines. Temu stated that many of the melatonin products identified had already been detected and removed before the Which? inquiry, with remaining products removed on the same day they were flagged and sellers penalized.
