Korean Beauty Trends & Industry News: 23-10-18

FDA Equivalent in South Korea Adopts OECD-Approved Animal Testing Alternatives

The South Korean Food and Drug Safety Administration (FDA equivalent) announced on the 18th that they will adopt animal testing alternatives approved by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). They plan to distribute revised guides on three types of alternative testing methods. The move is expected to allow for more accurate and efficient evaluation of safety in cosmetics and medical devices.

Human Corneal Epithelium Testing

Artificial 3D corneas are used to assess the risk of eye irritation or damage. Criteria set by the United Nations are followed for classification into irritant, non-irritant, or neutral substances. This method has significant value as an alternative to animal testing.

In Chemico Amino Acid Reactivity Test

This method evaluates skin sensitization by observing the reaction between artificial peptides and test substances. Improvements in concentration and detection methods have increased predictive accuracy.

In Vitro Skin Absorption Test

Artificial skin is used to assess the level of skin absorption and penetration of test substances. Detailed explanations have been added for easier understanding.

The South Korean FDA has so far published 29 guides on alternative animal testing methods. They plan to continue developing and providing these methods for non-clinical testing institutions as well as the cosmetics and medical device industries. They also plan to produce educational videos based on the revised testing methods.

The guides can be accessed on the websites of the South Korean FDA and the Korean Center for the Validation of Alternative Methods.

CJ Olive Young Faces Possible $500 Million Fine for Market Monopoly and Unfair Practices

CJ Olive Young, a major retailer in South Korea, is under investigation by the Fair Trade Commission for abuse of its monopolistic position. According to the commission's preliminary report, the company's actions are considered "very serious illegal practices," and they could face a fine of up to approximately $500 million. The company received a score of 3.0, where anything above 2.2 is considered a "very serious violation."

During the investigation, CJ Olive Young has not been cooperative and is pressuring its smaller business partners to make petitions. Lawmaker Yoo Eui-dong has urged for strict judgments from the commission.

CJ Olive Young has increased its sales significantly by targeting foreign tourists, especially those from China. The exit of competitors like Lalavla and LOHBs has helped it secure a dominant market position. This increases the likelihood of a hefty fine, which could impact the ongoing succession plans within the CJ Group, particularly for heir-apparent Lee Sun-ho.

CJ Olive Young countered that the potential fine is just an estimate, and they are currently submitting their opinions for review. The commission's final decision is expected to come by the end of this year.

LG Chemical and SK Chemical Collaborate with Amorepacific and Estée Lauder on Eco-Friendly Cosmetic Containers

The cosmetics industry is under scrutiny for its short product replacement cycles and extensive use of plastic. Recognizing this, LG Chemical and SK Chemical have each entered into collaborations with Amorepacific and Estée Lauder, respectively, for developing eco-friendly cosmetic containers and packaging.

LG Chemical has signed a business agreement with Amorepacific to supply recyclable plastics, pyrolysis oils, and bio-based plastic materials. These materials will be first introduced into the containers and lids for Amorepacific's Mise-en-Scène line. Both companies plan to share customer feedback and build a ‘supply-collect-recycle’ circular model.

SK Chemical, on the other hand, signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Estée Lauder for circular recycling solutions. The technology involved breaks down waste plastics chemically to convert them back into plastic materials. Estée Lauder plans to incorporate these eco-friendly materials from SK Chemical into their cosmetic containers.

Representatives from both companies expressed optimism that the collaboration would create positive environmental synergy and continue efforts to create a sustainable ecosystem for cosmetic containers.

Korean Food and Drug Administration (KFDA) to Host Cosmetic Technology Exchange Meeting with China: Plan to Boost Exports of Korean-made Cosmetics

The Korean Food and Drug Administration (KFDA) has announced that it will host a technology exchange meeting in the field of cosmetics with China's National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC). This meeting is a follow-up to an agreement reached last May between the KFDA and China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA).

The primary aim is to gain mutual recognition for safety analysis data issued by Korean testing organizations in China. The meeting will introduce China to Korea’s functional cosmetic systems, evaluation frameworks, and data submission requirements. Furthermore, potential easing of data recognition standards for special-purpose cosmetics in China will be discussed.

Not only China’s NIFDC but also the Korea Cosmetics Industry Institute and domestic cosmetic company research institutes will attend the meeting. These organizations intend to promote the excellence of Korean safety evaluation technology.

Lastly, the KFDA announced that the meeting aims to enhance the credibility of Korean-made cosmetic safety evaluation technology and will continue to strengthen cooperation with Chinese regulatory agencies.