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Korean Beauty Trends & Industry News: 23-09-11

A woman with makeup on surrounded by cosmetics. The cosmetics are forming a letter B as a Beauty.

Cosmax Unveils Groundbreaking Technologies at IFSCC: Innovations in Measuring Skin and Hair Loss Efficacy

Cosmax presented two new technologies for evaluating the efficacy of cosmetics at the 2023 International Federation of Societies of Cosmetic Chemists (IFSCC). The first is a 'Raman Spectroscopy-Based Skin Barrier Recovery Assessment.' 

This method overcomes the limitations of the previously used 'Transepidermal Water Loss Measurement' (TEWL) by quantifying the state of the skin's outer layer in real-time. It also requires less stringent control over indoor humidity and temperature, making measurement easier.

The second technology involves the use of 'Hair Organoids' for assessing the efficacy of hair loss products. Organoids are cultivated stem cells or reconstructed analogs that can evaluate the condition of the scalp, hair roots, and hair itself. Cosmax's soybean extract has specifically been proven to inhibit male-pattern baldness.

A Cosmax representative stated that these new technologies will be game-changers in the cosmetics industry. The company plans to leverage these technologies in future product development, which is expected to greatly innovate the way efficacy is evaluated in the cosmetics field.


LG Household & Health Care Revolutionizes Eco-Friendly Packaging with Sterile Pack Recycling

LG Household & Health Care has introduced 'Sterile Pack Recycling,' a first in the domestic cosmetics and household goods industry. This move aims to promote a circular economy and enhance ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) practices. Starting in October, the recycled material will be used in the individual packaging of Perio toothpaste and salt brands, with plans to expand it to gift sets for the Lunar New Year. This is expected to reduce the use of paper packaging by up to 1,081 tons annually.

Recycling rates for sterile packs are only 5%, due to the complexity of the materials involved. To address this, LG Household & Health Care has signed a business agreement with Hansol Paper, 11 food companies, and the Korean Packaging Recycling Cooperative. The packaging will also include the phrase ‘Packaged with Recycled Sterile Pack.’

Earlier this year, the company had already taken a lead in eco-friendly packaging by launching containers made from pyrolyzed waste plastic. These efforts reflect the preferences of the eco-conscious MZ generation and the rising trend of 'Greensumerism.'

The company plans to continually explore various eco-friendly packaging materials, quickly grasp the customer's demand for sustainable products, and activate ESG management. These efforts are expected to differentiate the customer experience and provide a significant foundation for a sustainable future.


U.S. FDA Collects Public Feedback on New Cosmetic Regulations

As of September 11, 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is collecting public opinions on the new guidelines and facility registration processes that were previously announced under the Modernization of Cosmetic Regulation Act (MoCRA). The main focus is to tighten regulations on the cosmetic industry, including standardizing tests to identify asbestos in products containing talc.

According to the new guidelines, manufacturers and processors are required to provide detailed information for facility registration. This includes the names of the owner or operator, the address and contact details of the facility, and the brands being produced there. A product list, along with similar information and an ingredient list, must also be submitted.

The FDA plans to roll out an online portal by October 2023 to allow electronic submissions. Initial registration and product listing must be completed by December 29, 2023. Subsequently, updates need to be made within 60 days of any changes and renewals should occur every two years.

The FDA’s new powers extend to mandatory recalls for dangerous or mislabeled products, and also require adverse effect reporting. Most of these new regulations will officially take effect in December 2023, with certain exemptions available for small-scale businesses.

Public opinions could be submitted until September 7, 2023, through regulations.gov. The FDA is now working on finalizing the guidelines based on the gathered feedback.


Joint Oversight in Pharmaceuticals, Biotech, and Cosmetics Underway Until 15th

The U.S. equivalent of the Korean Food and Drug Safety Administration has announced that until the 15th of this month, it will be conducting planned joint oversight in partnership with local Food and Drug Safety agencies and local governing bodies. The focus of this inspection is to secure consumer safety and eliminate illegal and substandard products in the pharmaceutical, biotech, and cosmetics sectors.

Over-the-counter medicines like fever reducers, pain relievers, and digestive aids in "bulk packaging" are receiving special attention. Products found to be non-compliant will be subject to collection, disposal, and administrative action.

In the biotech sector, the oversight will look into the cold chain management of companies dealing with self-administered injectables. Any improper management found will also be subject to administrative actions.

Additionally, the oversight extends to cosmetic brands that use human cell or tissue cultures as ingredients. Inspections will be conducted to verify compliance with safety standards and the proper storage of data regarding these substances.

Officials have expressed their commitment to ongoing inspections to ensure public safety.

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