Skip to main content

Korean Beauty Trends & Industry News: 24-04-16


Discussing Policies to Diversify Cosmetics Exports - Visit to Cosmax by the Head of the MFDS

    The head of Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS), O Yoo-kyung, visited Cosmax in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province, on April 15. This visit aimed to promote diversification in the cosmetics export market, including the Halal market, and to hear the industry's challenges in developing products tailored to international standards. Notably, Cosmax had previously won the top award in the cosmetics category at last year’s Indonesia Halal Awards, a first for a Korean company.

Director O reported that cosmetics exports had reached $8.5 billion last year, a 6.4% increase from the previous year, with a significant 27.1% increase to $2.3 billion in just the first quarter of this year. This growth reflects both the industry's efforts and robust government support. The MFDS plans to continue regulatory innovations to align domestic GMP and international ISO standards, supporting high-quality product development that meets diverse international demands, thus further advancing the global leadership of K-Beauty and preemptively responding to stringent cosmetics regulations in major markets like the USA and China.


P&K Leads in Cosmetic Absorption Technology Using Raman Spectroscopy

    P&K Skin Clinical Research Center is pioneering the industry with its use of Raman spectroscopy to analyze the path and distribution of cosmetic ingredients on the skin. This advanced technique surpasses simple wavelength analysis by allowing intuitive visualization through images, recently enhanced by the adoption of new Raman spectroscopy equipment. This technology is also applied to hair products, enabling structural differentiation of hair damage from heat or chemicals and measuring protective effects accurately.

As the first in Korea to utilize Raman spectroscopy in this field, P&K has developed a database of skin and hair absorption test cases for various ingredients and formulations. This capability allows for tailored product design and precise efficacy communication, enhancing consumer trust through scientific validation of product benefits.


Asung Daiso Surpasses $3 Billion in Sales Due to Popularity of Cosmetics and Apparel

    Last year, Asung Daiso's revenues exceeded $3 billion, with operating profits around $200 million, driven by the popularity of its branded cosmetics and practical apparel. This marks a growth of 17.5% in sales and 9.4% in profits compared to the previous year. Daiso sells cosmetics from 26 brands including Nature Republic, Danahan, Clio, and VT 

Cosmetics, which saw an 85% increase in sales last year. The rise in demand for value-for-money products, coupled with a recovery in offline consumer spending and polarization trends, contributed to this success. Furthermore, Daiso enhanced its operational efficiency and strengthened its online presence by integrating Daisomall and Shop Daiso into a new platform, improving customer service with features like next-day delivery.


Gyeongbuk Andong Starts Development of Functional Cosmetics from Unused Hemp Roots and Stems

    In Andong, Gyeongbuk Province, research has commenced to develop functional cosmetics and industrial products using previously discarded hemp roots and stems. The Gyeongbuk Agricultural Technology Institute is collaborating with medical hemp research firms NeoKenBio and Aipack. 

The project will utilize anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-aging compounds like polyphenols and terpenoids extracted from hemp. Unlike marijuana, which is regulated under narcotics law, these parts of hemp are not classified as narcotics, allowing for unrestricted commercial use. This initiative is expected to enhance the utilization of hemp, contribute to the local economy, and pave new industrial avenues for the hemp sector in the region.

These translations are designed to offer insights into the dynamic nature of South Korea's beauty industry from an American perspective, highlighting innovations, regulatory strategies, and market expansions that resonate with global trends and challenges.
Location: 한국

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Modamoda's Dye Shampoo: Banned but Eyeing Market Return

Defining Modamoda Shampoo Modamoda Shampoo, launched in Korea in 2021, was designed to naturally dye your hair through regular washing. The product's creator, Modamoda's CEO, was inspired by how bananas darken over time.  The shampoo promised to avoid harmful dye ingredients such as PPDA, 5-diamine, and toluene sulfate. Instead, it was marketed as a 'self-coloring' shampoo, offering a fresh approach to hair color. Modamoda's Success Story In just five months, Modamoda generated domestic sales of 32 billion won and international sales of 28 billion won, becoming a sensation. The product's popularity even prompted criticism from rival companies, who accused Modamoda of exaggerated advertising.  In March 2022, the company made an agreement with Target to sell their product in about 1900 stores across the U.S. Their success was further confirmed when they topped the Cosmoprof North America Awards 2022, standing out amongst 1,170 hair brands. The Hurdle: THB Ingredie...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Modamoda Journey: From Safety Controversies to Reinvention

The Meteoric Rise and Subsequent Setback of Modamoda Launched in Korea in 2021, Modamoda Shampoo revolutionized the haircare market with its "self-coloring" formula, achieving billions in both domestic and international sales. But its rapid ascent was interrupted by safety concerns over 1-2-4-THB (1-2-4-trihydroxybenzene), an ingredient restricted by the European Union and scrutinized by food and drug administrations in both Korea and the U.S. due to its potential genotoxic effects. Emerging from the THB Controversy: A Reformulated Approach To navigate the murky waters of regulation, Modamoda returned to the lab. The company designed a new formula excluding THB, focusing on safer ingredients like 'Black Change Complex EX' and 'Polyphenols.' This new formula went through stringent safety verification and even secured an 'Excellent' rating from the German Dermatest.  Yet, the new formula has ignited fresh debates, as it includes 'Black 401,' a sy...
Post a Comment
Read more

Helena Rubinstein: Unveiling the Life and Legacy of a Cosmetics Pioneer

Helena Rubinstein (1872-1965) was more than just a name in the world of beauty; she was a trailblazer who revolutionized the cosmetics industry.  From her modest beginnings in Poland to her reign as a global beauty titan, Rubinstein's journey remains an inspiration. Through her brand, Rubinstein pushed boundaries, championing the idea that beauty could be a powerful tool for women's empowerment. From Humble Beginnings to the Cosmetics Throne Helena Rubinstein was born in 1872 in Krakow, Poland. Leaving her homeland at a young age, she initially moved to Australia, where her career in the cosmetics industry began. Rubinstein noticed the harsh effects of the Australian sun on the skin and developed a cream to protect and moisturize it. This innovation led to the launch of Helena Rubinstein's first product, Valaze, a face cream formulated with herbs from the Carpathian Mountains. The success of Valaze was pivotal in Rubinstein's career, propelling her into the global cosme...
Post a Comment
Read more