Korean Beauty Trends & Industry News: 23-09-25

Deregulation of Functional Cosmetics Marks a Step Toward Industry Innovation

On September 22, 2023, the Cosmetics Association decided to lift regulations on functional cosmetics, marking a significant move for the K-beauty industry and the global cosmetics market.

The Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA) reviewed a total of 524 functional cosmetics in the first half of this year, covering about 33.85% of last year's cosmetics market. This represents a 7.8% decline from the previous year, even as the number of items under review increased by 7.5%, indicating robust development of new ingredients and products.

In February 2023, the Cosmetics Association proposed to end the pre-review and reporting system for functional cosmetics. Once vital for boosting the industry's credibility, these regulations now hinder industry growth and delay new product launches. The association argues for a shift from government-led to private-sector-led approaches.

In a climate of shrinking exports due to the rapid growth of local brands in China and a global economic downturn, innovation is crucial for Korea's cosmetics industry. The existing regulatory framework hampers product innovation. The vice-chairman stressed the importance of gradually expanding safety management standards to include cosmetics for infants and children post-deregulation.

Brands must adapt to these changes, particularly smaller and indie brands that are financially constrained in marketing efforts. The Cosmetics Association cites declining competitiveness of K-beauty and shifts in the Chinese market as reasons for deregulation. Relations between the Cosmetics Association and KFDA are now closely watched.

Food and Drug Administration Fuels K-Beauty's Global Growth Through Regulatory Innovation

The head of the Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA), Oh Yu-kyung, visited Amore Pacific's Seongsu branch to discuss regulatory innovation in the cosmetics industry and to promote the global growth of K-beauty. She emphasized the need for collaboration between the government and the industry, acknowledging Korea's position as the fourth-largest cosmetics exporter worldwide.

Through "Regulatory Innovation 2.0," the KFDA has improved methods for controlling the quality of cosmetic pigments. As a result, companies can now autonomously set testing methods for pigments, leading to increased convenience in quality control and ingredient usage. Additionally, it's now easier for people to become certified as custom cosmetic formulators, which should broaden employment opportunities in the field.

Countries like China and Brazil have shown great interest in Korea’s custom cosmetics technology and regulations, signaling high potential for global growth. The KFDA vows to continue its support for K-beauty’s global market leadership, based on regulatory science expertise.

According to an official from the Cosmetics Association, the new pigment quality control methods will positively impact companies. The KFDA plans ongoing regulatory innovation and will strengthen communication between the industry and consumers.

Food and Drug Administration Offers Safety Education for Infant and Hair Care Cosmetics

The Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA) announced on the 25th that it would run safety education courses from the 1st to the 20th of next month on the safe use of cosmetics for infants and hair care. The primary goal is to prevent consumer harm that could arise from incorrect cosmetic use. The training will cover criteria for choosing different types of cosmetics, proper usage methods, and precautions to be aware of.

The courses will focus on products with a high safety report ratio compared to production volumes, based on analyses of harmful incidents and safety data from the past three years. Organizations can apply for face-to-face customized training by the 13th of next month, while individual users can pre-register to receive online education within the same period.

The courses are managed by the nonprofit organization 'Future Consumer Behavior,' and the KFDA expects that educating the public on proper cosmetic use will reduce consumer harm. The KFDA plans to continue promoting and educating for safer use of cosmetics.