BPOM: Most Cosmetic Distribution Violations Found on TikTok
The Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM) has stated that more than 50 per cent of online cosmetic distribution violations uncovered during an intensified surveillance operation in 2026 originated from the TikTok platform.
BPOM Head Taruna Ikrar said that during the intensified surveillance of illegal cosmetics in 2026, conducted from 11 to 22 May 2026, out of 9,617 monitored links, a total of 9,042 (94.02 per cent) violated distribution regulations, with an estimated economic value of Rp260.7 billion.
According to an analysis by BPOM’s cyber team, TikTok’s Live Shopping feature is considered the most attractive for selling. Additionally, TikTok’s user demographics differ from other social media platforms. “Many overclaims occur on TikTok,” Taruna said.
He explained that due to the way TikTok’s algorithm works, where liking one piece of content causes similar content to appear, criminals exploit this so their products are seen and receive many likes. “So that is why the majority are on TikTok. It is highly likely that criminals in this field exploit just the like aspect. The more attractive it is, the more people like it. And when they like it, the search engine system will ensure it always appears on their social media,” he said.
He stated that besides monitoring TikTok, the agency also monitors other platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and others. “But it turns out the majority we find are on TikTok,” he said.
On that occasion, he explained that beauty and skincare products are among the top 10 product categories with the highest sales revenue on TikTok Shop for the period December 2025 to June 2026. “Among other product categories, total revenue is estimated to reach Rp35.61 trillion with a growth rate of 79.73 per cent. Very high,” he said.
According to him, this situation creates loopholes that can be exploited by irresponsible parties to sell illegal cosmetics or products that do not comply with regulations. Therefore, the agency is intensifying its surveillance.
He also highlighted the increase in the number of links found for cosmetics violating regulations. In 2025, he said, 5,313 links selling cosmetics that violated regulations were found. Taruna assessed that the increase in findings shows BPOM is becoming more effective in surveillance, due to improved ability to identify various evolving modes of violation in the digital era, as well as synergy and collaboration continuously built with partners.