Controversies

Winona Preservative Labeling Dispute and Multiple False Advertising Penalties

In 2024, anti-counterfeiting activist Wang Hai and others questioned Winona products for claiming 'preservative-free' while containing phenoxyethanol; Botanee admitted it was introduced via composite raw materials. In the same year, its 贝芙汀 and 科凝美 brands were fined for using 'repair' wording and advertising unregistered special cosmetics efficacy. In 2026, Shanghai Botanee was fined because a Kuaishou livestream claimed the Winona set could 'remove acne and acne marks,' and its Winona Skin Medical Clinic was also fined for advertising beyond its scope. The multiple fines were each about 10,000 yuan; the company said it had completed rectification. Market value evaporated by more than 100 billion yuan over three years.