For the ninth consecutive year, the French consumer magazine 60 Millions de Consumers awarded the dreaded “Golden Cactus”: negative awards intended for companies that, over the course of the year, stood out for unfair commercial practices, dangerous products or total inattention to environmental and social responsibility.
This year the podium is not surprising, with Shein at the top of the ranking, but the picture that emerges is disturbing: consumer discontent is growing, but in fact purchasing habits are changing little. A contradiction fueled by persuasive algorithms and very low prices that hide much higher costs, borne by others.
But which companies deserved these sad awards and why? Let’s discover together all the “winners” of the Golden Cactus 2025.
Shein (Golden Cactus)
The Golden Cactus 2025 goes – certainly not surprisingly given what happened in France – to Shein, who according to the magazine’s editors even deserved a “Platinum Cactus” for this year’s work. The fast fashion platform has been notable for its devastating impact on the living conditions of workers in Southeast Asia, for products that systematically violate European safety standards and for business practices described as “fundamentally cynical”.
This summer Shein was fined 40 million euros for misleading consumers about the price reduction: almost six out of ten discount advertisements did not include any real reduction. Low stock alerts, glowing testimonials, countdown timers – all illegal practices that Shein excels at. The French Data Protection Authority also fined the company €150 million for violating cookie legislation.
But there’s worse. In November, customs officials inspected 200,000 Shein packages arriving at Roissy airport (Paris): each contained an average of 5 items, individually packaged in plastic bags, and 8 out of 10 products inspected were non-compliant. These were banned cosmetics, dangerous toys or faulty household appliances.
In France, however, as many as 16 million unique monthly visitors connected to Shein in 2025. The paradox is evident: everyone (or in any case many) knows, but too many continue to buy.
Car manufacturers (Silver Cactus)
Second place goes to car manufacturers for two serious problems: faulty Takata airbags and “phantom braking”. Since 2015, it has been known that Takata airbags can explode under certain conditions, projecting metal shrapnel into the driver and passengers. Yet, ten years later, manufacturers still struggle to deal with recalls.
Stellantis was forced to issue recalls after its vehicles were grounded, but BMW, Mercedes, Toyota and Volkswagen were limited to simple recalls without shutdown orders. In France, faulty Takata airbags have already caused 18 deaths and 25 serious injuries.
Added to this are the sudden and brutal “phantom braking” caused by the automatic emergency braking systems present in vehicles of most brands. A problem that car manufacturers seem to be tackling extremely slowly.
E.Leclerc (Bronze Cactus)
The hypermarket chain E.Leclerc wins third place for its lag in sustainable and responsible consumption. According to a comparison conducted with the Climate Action Network, E.Leclerc was found to be the chain with the worst environmental performance.
But that’s not all. In May, significant quantities of mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons were found in its Eco+ olive oil, with levels close to the European acceptable limit of 2 mg/kg.
Furthermore, in November, Eco+ tomato paste was discovered to contain tomatoes of Asian origin declared Italian on the label, as well as pesticide residues and too much salt.
Bio-ethic (Polluter’s Cactus)
Bio-ethic’s Pine Wood incense promises walks in the forest, but the reality is very different. Despite the brand name, none of the oils or ingredients used are organic. Worse still, burning incense releases fumes containing toluene, furfural, styrene and benzene, all potentially carcinogenic substances. Formaldehyde and acetaldehyde, known carcinogens, were also found, with concentrations increasing 2.5-fold after just one hour.
Google (Cactus of Obsolescence)
Google deliberately sabotaged its Pixel smartphones. In January 2025, after a mandatory update, some Pixel 4a were rendered unusable. In the summer it was the turn of the Pixel 6a, whose battery life was drastically reduced. The official reason? Avoid overheating problems.
In Australia, the Consumer Protection Authority called for a recall of the Pixel 4a, and Google had to offer replacements, compensation or vouchers.
Babyvista (Pressure Cactus)
In the maternity wards, Babyvista appears in the rooms of new mothers offering free photographic services. But the photos then cost money, and a salesman comes home with the developed prints to convince the mother to pay. It’s hard to refuse a photo of your baby, even if it costs hundreds of euros. An aggressive commercial practice that exploits a particular emotional moment.
Pranarōm (Cactus of Aberration)
Pranarōm’s Aromaboost Diet roll-on product is presented as an appetite suppressant suitable for children aged 7 years and older. Not only is it not proven that inhaling lemon and rosemary essential oils reduces appetite, but the French Food Safety Agency strongly advises against the use of essential oils in children, as they are potentially toxic. Five allergens were also found in the product. Promoting the diet to 7 year olds is simply unacceptable.
Natural water filters (Illusion Cactus)
Two natural tap water filters – ceramic microspheres and activated carbon sticks – were tested by the magazine. The result? They don’t filter anything. At 45 and 25 euros respectively, they do not remove nitrates, nitrites or any pollutants. A completely useless investment that exploits consumers’ desire for natural solutions.
Dubai Chocolate (Overrated Star Cactus)
Expensive, excessively sweet and with questionable ingredients, the Dubai chocolate that was very popular on social media was nevertheless a success in 2025. Stiftung Warentest experts found problematic substances in this chocolate: two chocolates produced in Dubai were significantly contaminated with potentially carcinogenic fats contained in refined palm oil, and one also with carcinogenic aflatoxins and mycotoxins.
Polyglycerol polyricinoleate, an emulsifier that would increase the permeability of the intestinal barrier and the risk of inflammatory bowel disease, was detected in the Miskets and Germiyan brands.
Cinnamon Bedros (Hairy Cactus)
A macabre discovery closes the ranking: Bedros cinnamon contained 570 insect remains per 50 grams, as well as rodent hair and 320 plastic fragments. A disturbing cocktail that makes you reflect on quality controls.
This original ranking reminds us once again that as consumers we have a crucial role. Every purchase is like a vote we give to a certain business model. Informing, comparing and choosing consciously are the only ways to escape the vicious circle of irresponsible consumption that damages workers, the environment and, ultimately, even ourselves.
