Korean Beauty Trends & Industry News: 23-09-13

"The Confusion Surrounding Vegan Cosmetics: From Certification to Regulation, Clarity is Needed"

As the demand for vegan cosmetics grows, consumers are struggling with the lack of clear regulations and certifications. In South Korea, the Korea Vegan Certification Center primarily handles certifications, but it's not directly regulated by any governmental agency. 

This leaves room for ambiguity, with consumers often buying products without proper certifications or past their expiry dates, leading to disappointment and mistrust. Even information about 'cruelty-free' claims or product safety is hard to obtain due to aggressive advertising and marketing. 

Experts and consumer organizations stress the need for a standardized legal framework to mitigate this confusion, as without it, consumers can't fully trust the effectiveness and safety of vegan products.

FDA Reclassifies 'Eyelash Perm Chemicals' as Cosmetics; Safety Measures to be Strengthened

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of South Korea announced on the 12th that they will reclassify 'permanent wave products for eyelashes' as cosmetics. 

Until now, these products were considered industrial goods with no safety standards. The decision comes after reports of consumers injuring their eyes and corneas by improperly using the product. 

The FDA has been consulting with experts, the industry, and consumer groups on safety standards, obligatory cautionary labels, adverse effect monitoring, and ingredient safety verifications since June. 

Based on this, new regulations under the 'Cosmetics Act' are planned for the second half of this year. Consumers are also advised to avoid DIY applications if unfamiliar with the correct procedure.

Korea and Vietnam to Strengthen Collaboration in Cosmetics Sector; Addressing Export Challenges and Easing Regulations

The FDA of South Korea and the Drug Administration of Vietnam (DAV) have announced ongoing collaboration in the cosmetics sector. 

This cooperation aims to streamline Vietnam's export procedures, relax documentation requirements, and engage in regular exchanges between regulatory bodies. Plans to lead international standards for functional and customized cosmetics are also in the pipeline. 

Amidst poor performance in the Chinese market, Vietnam has emerged as the fifth largest export market for Korean cosmetics, known as 'K-Beauty'. 

Expansion of collaborations with other foreign cosmetic regulatory bodies in Asia and South America is also on the horizon, raising expectations for stronger penetration of K-Beauty products into the Vietnamese market.