📘 Germany's ÖKO-TEST Melatonin Spray Comprehensive Review | 19 Products Mostly Fail (2025)
Melatonin is gaining increasing attention in Europe and Asia, with many using it to improve difficulty falling asleep, jet lag, or disrupted sleep patterns. In Germany, melatonin sprays are particularly popular due to their convenience and fast absorption.
However, Germany's largest product testing organization, ÖKO-TEST, conducted a major review of commercially available melatonin sprays in 2025, and the results sent shockwaves through the market:
🔍 Core Conclusion: 19 Sprays, Most Rated "Poor" or "Fail"
ÖKO-TEST evaluated 19 melatonin sprays sold in German pharmacies, supermarkets, and online for quality, labeling, ingredients, and safety. The results:
- 16 products were rated "poor" (mangelhaft) or "fail" (ungenügend)
- Only a very small number of products achieved "acceptable" (ausreichend)
- None received a "good" (gut) rating
ÖKO-TEST's test results revealed: the problem lies in product quality, not melatonin itself.
🌙 Scientific Evidence for Melatonin Itself (Also Mentioned by ÖKO-TEST)
It's worth noting that melatonin itself is not ineffective; on the contrary, there is clear research supporting its benefits:
- Can help shorten the time it takes to fall asleep (usually by several minutes)
- Effectively adjusts sleep patterns
- Significantly helps with jet lag
- May also be effective for shift workers or some neurological patients
These benefits are recognized by the EU EFSA. However, ÖKO-TEST points out: the real issue is the product form and quality, not the ingredient itself.
⚠️ Three Major Problems (Why Do Most Products Fail?)
- Inaccurate dosage: Most products have "actual content" 20% to 50% higher than labeled.
- Insufficient warning labels: Lack of warnings for the following groups: adolescents, pregnant women, and patients with liver or kidney disease.
- Overstated claims: Most products market themselves with unscientific terms like "rapid deep sleep" and "sleep miracle."
ÖKO-TEST believes these issues lead consumers to mistakenly believe that sprays are safe and can be used long-term, but in reality, excessive melatonin use can lead to fatigue and decreased attention the next day, and even affect safe driving.
💧 Spray vs. Tablets, Which is Better?
ÖKO-TEST and sleep experts highlight the following differences:
Spray
- Faster absorption
- Least stable dosage (amount sprayed each time may vary)
- Easy to overuse
- Higher risk of next-day fatigue or decreased reaction time
Tablets
- Slower absorption, but more controllable
- Precise dosage (especially for brands with GMP/COA)
- More suitable for those who need regular sleep pattern regulation
If supplementation is needed, tablets are generally safer and more reliable than sprays.
🧪 Who Should Avoid Melatonin Sprays?
- Children and adolescents
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women
- Individuals with abnormal liver or kidney function
- Those who need to drive or operate heavy machinery the next day
📌 Germany vs. Taiwan: Regulatory Differences
Many consumers are unaware of the significant differences in melatonin regulation between countries:
- Germany: Melatonin below 1mg can be sold as a dietary supplement (NEM), leading to numerous brands and varying quality.
- Taiwan: Melatonin is considered a pharmaceutical ingredient. Regardless of the dosage, it requires a pharmaceutical license and cannot be sold as a food product.
- United States: Melatonin can be freely sold as a supplement, with no dosage restrictions, leading to huge variations in quality.
Therefore, consumers buying melatonin across borders should understand the regulatory differences between countries and the variations in product quality.
✔️ How to Choose Safe Melatonin Tablets? (Nutritionist's Advice)
- Start with a low dose of 0.5–1 mg
- Choose brands with third-party testing / COA (Certificate of Analysis)
- Avoid products with too many complex ingredients or excessive artificial additives
- Tablets are generally safer and more controllable than sprays
💬 Want to See the Full ÖKO-TEST Report?
Please see the next article
- A complete table of the 19 product ratings
- Personalized supplement recommendations
Feel free to comment or send a private message if you have any questions; I can provide the compiled PDF data.
📌 Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. If you have chronic illnesses, special conditions, or long-term sleep problems, please consult a healthcare professional.