Staying ahead of emerging trends is crucial for success in today’s dynamic eCommerce landscape. In our comprehensive exploration, SENCENT delves into the top summer picks from China’s eCommerce marketplace, revealing the hottest items dominating Chinese consumer demand. We’ve navigated through the depths of this thriving digital realm, helping to equip overseas brands with invaluable insights and empowering to make informed decisions for business during this summer shopping extravaganza.
(The following picks are based on Douyin eCommerce)
Summer Beauty & Skincare

With increased sun exposure during the summer months, people become more conscious of protecting their skin from harmful UV rays. Beauty and skincare products, such as sunscreen lotions, moisturizers with SPF, and protective lip balms, play a crucial role in safeguarding the skin against sun damage.
Summer heat can lead to dehydration and dryness of the skin. To counteract these negative effects, Chinese consumers often seek out beauty products that provide intense hydration and moisturization. Facial sprays, refreshing toners, hydrating serums, and lightweight moisturizers are popular choices during this season. Excess oil production on one’s face due to increased temperature and humidity levels also leads to high demand for beauty products that help control oiliness without drying out the skin. Oil-free cleansers, mattifying primers or foundations, and facial oil-absorbing papers or powders are commonly sought-after.
Summertime is associated with vacations and relaxation for many people who prioritize self-care routines during this period. Pampering oneself with face masks infused with soothing ingredients like aloe vera or cucumber becomes increasingly popular as part of one’s summertime self-care regimen.
Toiletries & Home Cleaning

Summer is a peak travel season when people embark on vacations or weekend getaways. Toiletries such as travel-sized shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste, and personal care items like deodorants become essential for travelers. With higher temperatures and increased outdoor activities, maintaining personal hygiene becomes crucial in the summer months. Products like hand sanitizers, wet wipes, body sprays or mists help consumers stay fresh and clean while on the go.
For those who prefer to stay indoors or office workers, hotter weather often leads to more open windows and doors to improve ventilation. As a result, there is an increased need for air fresheners such as room sprays or diffusers to combat any odors that may arise due to humidity or other factors.
Summertime often coincides with thorough cleaning routines, which include deep-cleaning the whole house after months of spending time indoors; organizing storage areas; washing curtains, etc. House cleaning products like all-purpose cleaners, disinfectant wipes or sprays play a vital role in these tasks. Warmer temperatures attract insects like mosquitoes and flies which can be quite bothersome during outdoor activities or when leaving windows open for fresh air circulation at home and workplaces. Insect-repellent sprays, lotions or candles become necessary items to ward off bugs effectively.
Fresh & Prepared Meal

Someone’s appetites may decrease due to higher temperatures or humidity levels affecting one’s desire to indulge in heavy or elaborate meals. Fresh salads, chilled fruits and vegetables or smoothies provide quick refreshment to people while still offering essential nutrients and hydration.
Still, outdoor gatherings such as picnics, BBQs, or potlucks with family and friends are popular in shiny days. Prepared dishes like fruit platters and salads, grilled meats skewers become popular choices for these occasions as they are easy to take away and share among each other. Summer brings an abundance of fresh produce like berries, melons, tomatoes, and corn-on-the-cob – which makes it an ideal time for incorporating seasonal ingredients into fresh meals such as salads and desserts showcasing vibrant flavors unique to this season.
At the same time, many people strive for healthier eating habits during summertime when there is increased focus on fitness goals or maintaining a balanced lifestyle alongside outdoor activities or exercise routines; fresh ingredients used in diet meals align well with these aspirations.
The extreme heat can make cooking in a hot kitchen less appealing. Prepared meals offer an alternative that requires minimal or even no cooking at all. These kinds of products help keep the temperature inside homes lower and prevent unnecessary heat from adding discomfort during warmer months.
Makeup & Perfume

Makeup allows ones, predominantly female consumers, to express their creativity through different looks, which may include bright pops of color on eyes, lips, and nails that complement summer fashion styles; wearing makeup can boost confidence levels and create a sense of empowerment among those who enjoy using it as part of their self-care routine.
When people often have a sun-kissed glow or lighter clothing choices, makeup can use to enhance natural beauty. Lighter formulations like tinted moisturizers or BB creams provide coverage while allowing the skin to breathe. High temperature and humidity may cause some kinds of traditional makeup to melt or fade quickly and easily. Therefore, long-lasting formulas like waterproof mascaras, smudge-proof eyeliners, and sweat-resistant foundations are popular choices during this season as they help maintain a fresh look throughout the day.
Many makeup products nowadays come with added SPF (Sun Protection Factor), providing an extra layer of sun protection for the face against harmful UV rays during outdoor activities in summer.
Besides, perfumes play a significant role in helping people feel fresh and confident during hot weather conditions by providing a pleasant fragrance that masks any perspiration-related odors caused by increased temperatures.
Chinese Tea

Tea culture has a very long history in China – green tea, black tea, puer, tie guan yin, etc.; many types of tea are known for their health benefits such as antioxidants, potential hydration support, calming properties, digestion support, among others – all aspects that align well with maintaining overall wellness during summertime.
Some people turn to certain varieties of teas known for their potential metabolism-boosting properties or appetite-suppressing effects when looking to manage weight goals associated with maintaining an active lifestyle or exercise routine during summers; these teas may include green tea variants or herbal blends marketed specifically towards aiding weight management efforts. Tea can be an ideal choice for those who still seek some caffeine intake but prefer a lighter option than coffee. It provides a milder caffeine boost while keeping one hydrated.
Alcohol

Many alcoholic beverages in China, such as white liquor (honorable mention, Maotai), beer, cocktails, or chilled wines, are served cold and provide a refreshing sensation when consumed on hot summer days. These drinks bring coolness to help to combat the heat and provide relief.
Summertime is associated with outdoor gatherings, barbecues, parties, picnics, and other social events where people come together to relax and enjoy each other’s company. Alcoholic beverages can be part of these social occasions as they are often seen as a way to unwind, celebrate special moments, or simply enhance the festive atmosphere. Whether it’s sipping margaritas by the poolside or having a cold beer after playing sports on the beach—alcoholic beverages can add enjoyment to these recreational moments.
Don't Hesitate to Enter the Summer Market!
In the dynamic world of eCommerce, the demand for summer items in China continues to soar. As Chinese consumers increasingly embrace online shopping, there is a significant opportunity for overseas brands to tap into this market and export products. Whether it’s fashion and beauty items like swimwear, skincare essentials, or outdoor accessories such as beach umbrellas and portable fans, the potential for success is immense. By leveraging the power of eCommerce platforms in China, overseas brands can reach millions of eager shoppers who are seeking high-quality goods.
If you’re an overseas brand looking to expand your presence in China’s thriving eCommerce landscape and export your summer offerings, we’re here to assist you every step of the way. Contact us today at SENCENT to explore how we can help you navigate this exciting journey and connect with Chinese consumers.