Skip to main content

Korean Beauty Trends & Industry News: 24-04-29


Carcinogen Benzene Detected in High Concentrations in Acne Products

    Recent investigations by Valisure, an independent American laboratory, have detected high concentrations of benzene, a known carcinogen, in acne treatment products. These products contain benzoyl peroxide, a compound that can generate benzene when exposed to high temperatures, such as those found in cars or warm bathrooms.

Brands affected include Estée Lauder's Clinique, Target's Up & Up, and Reckitt Benckiser's Clearasil. Valisure has requested that the FDA recall these products and reconsider industry guidelines regarding acceptable levels of benzene. Benzene is classified as a Class 1 carcinogen with potential links to acute myeloid leukemia. The FDA currently restricts benzene content in pharmaceuticals to no more than 2ppm under unavoidable circumstances.

The issue of benzene detection in skincare products was a major topic at a recent American Academy of Dermatology meeting, emphasizing the dangers of storing benzoyl peroxide-containing products in high-temperature environments. Recommendations were made for storing such products in cooler settings to slow down the decomposition process that leads to benzene formation.

Consumers are advised to scrutinize product ingredients carefully and avoid using products containing benzoyl peroxide if safety cannot be assured. Maintaining a proper skincare routine and correct cleansing methods are suggested to manage acne effectively.


Cosmax Leads Innovation in Skincare with Cellulose Technology for Ceramides

    Cosmax, a global leader in cosmetic research, development, and production, has pioneered a novel skin delivery technology using cellulose to stabilize ceramides, crucial for maintaining skin barrier function but challenging to stabilize in cosmetic formulations due to their crystalline nature.

This innovative technology was developed in collaboration with Professor Jinwoong Kim from Sungkyunkwan University's School of Chemical Engineering. It involves coating the surface of the skin delivery system with cellulose, which effectively prevents the crystallization of ceramides, thereby maintaining the stability and efficacy of the cosmetic product.

This advancement not only prevents the separation of ceramides from the rest of the cosmetic formulation but also minimizes viscosity changes, significantly enhancing product stability. The research findings have been published in the prestigious 'Chemical Engineering Journal'.

Park Cheon-ho, head of Cosmax’s R&I Center, stated that this breakthrough technology is a fundamental solution for stabilizing ceramides within cosmetic formulations and expressed the company's commitment to ongoing technological innovation through open research and development.


K-Beauty Achieves Record Exports, Expanding Globally

    The K-Beauty industry has reached a new milestone with $2.3 billion in cosmetic exports in the first quarter of this year, marking a 21.7% increase compared to the previous period. This significant growth is attributed to major cosmetic companies like Amorepacific expanding their reach into new international markets, including the US, Europe, the Middle East, and ASEAN regions.

Jung In-kyo, head of the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy, reviewed the K-Beauty export situation during a recent visit to Amorepacific headquarters, noting the industry’s ongoing positive export trend. He emphasized the government's commitment to supporting the global expansion of the K-Beauty industry as part of its broader strategy to achieve a $700 billion export target.

To further support this expansion, the government plans to provide over 1 trillion won in trade insurance and expand export insurance for medium and small enterprises. It will also facilitate participation in major international beauty expos and assist in entering online distribution platforms, enhancing the capabilities of K-Beauty companies to tackle foreign markets. Additional supports include strengthening overseas consumer trade office functions, providing certification cost support, and utilizing free trade agreements to overcome trade barriers.
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