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Korean Beauty Trends & Industry News: 24-05-13


South Korea Tightens Regulations on Cosmetic Injections, Warns Against Mislabeling

    South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has issued a stern warning against cosmetics advertised with misleading claims of being injectable. Such practices, often promoted for skin rejuvenation or wrinkle reduction, are not only inappropriate for cosmetic products but also pose serious health risks, including infection and inflammation. The ministry emphasized that products involving skin injection should be classified and regulated as pharmaceuticals or medical devices.

The ministry has detailed that cosmetics that involve dermal injection need careful examination to ensure they are not misbranded as cosmetics when they should be classified differently. Products like microneedle treatments, which fall outside typical cosmetic applications, are under strict surveillance to prevent misleading advertisements. Official communications have been sent to the Korean Cosmetics Association, making clear that legal actions, including fines and prosecutions, will be pursued against violators.

With the increasing online presence of these products, including a significant number through international direct sales, consumers are urged to be vigilant and verify the safety and certification of these products before use.


CJ Olive Young Expands K-Beauty in Japan with New Corporate Establishment

    CJ Olive Young, a leading South Korean beauty retailer, has established a corporation in Japan, accelerating its penetration into the local market. Japan has become a strategic focus due to its geographical proximity and similar consumer preferences to South Korea, which has seen a rising interest in K-beauty products. The company aims to expand its presence primarily through its own brands, leveraging both online and offline distribution channels. Over the past four years, sales of its brands in Japan have seen an average annual increase of 125%, with a significant 76% growth in the first quarter of this year compared to the same period last year.

Olive Young's global strategy includes both brand promotion and a global online mall, shipping products to over 150 countries worldwide. The focus on smaller, independent K-beauty brands has gained significant international attention, aligning with CJ Group Chairman Lee Jae-hyun's vision of 'global leap' initiatives, suggesting a robust future for Olive Young's international endeavors.


North Chungcheong Province Supports Cosmetic Companies for Global Market Expansion

    On July 7th, North Chungcheong Province held a meeting to boost the export capabilities of local cosmetic companies. This meeting, which included participants from companies that attended the Bologna Cosmoprof in March, focused on sharing successes and exploring further export and market expansion strategies. The participants highlighted the importance of ongoing support for international exposure, which has proven pivotal in understanding global buyer and consumer behavior.

The provincial government, together with the North Chungcheong Business Promotion Agency and the North Chungcheong Cosmetic Industry Association, is actively promoting participation in international events such as the 2024 North American Las Vegas Cosmoprof and a Southeast Asian business consultation event. These efforts aim to enhance the global competitiveness of local cosmetics firms, with provincial officials committed to developing more supportive initiatives to lead the region's cosmetic industry forward.


Hwahae Secures Top Spot in Consumer Trust for Beauty Rankings

    Hwahae, a popular South Korean beauty platform, has been ranked first in consumer trust for beauty awards and rankings according to a survey by OpenSurvey. 64.2% of respondents rely on Hwahae's rankings when purchasing cosmetics, valuing its trustworthy user reviews, detailed rankings, and diverse brand and product information. The platform is particularly favored for its skincare product information, leading in categories such as cleansing, masks, base makeup, and body care.

Since 2015, Hwahae has been conducting biannual consumer-driven 'Hwahae Beauty Awards,' utilizing over 8.4 million user reviews to provide accurate and fair rankings. CEO Lee Woong emphasized the platform's commitment to transparency and fairness, underscoring its role in fostering a healthy industry ecosystem. Hwahae's efforts have solidified its reputation as a reliable, influential, and mainstream resource in the beauty market.

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