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Korean Beauty Trends & Industry News: 24-07-11


Enhanced Labeling for Small-Sized Cosmetics: Ensuring Consumer Safety

    Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) has announced an amendment to the "Cosmetics Act Enforcement Rules," effective from September 9th. This update mandates that all small-sized cosmetics (50ml or less) must include a full list of ingredients and usage warnings on their labels, even if space is limited.

Previously, due to the lack of space on small containers, some labeling requirements could be omitted. However, the new regulations ensure that products requiring special caution, as designated by the MFDS, must display complete information. This change aims to enhance consumer safety, particularly for products like eyelash perm solutions and feminine cleansers, and will be implemented after a one-year grace period.

Additionally, the amendment allows for the use of certification results from private institutions in cosmetic advertisements. Previously, only certifications recognized by the MFDS could be advertised. This change is expected to stimulate the cosmetics certification industry in Korea.

The procedures for reporting non-participation in the cosmetics industry have also been simplified. Now, individuals such as Responsible Sellers and Custom Cosmetics Compounders can directly report their non-participation to the regional MFDS offices, facilitating smoother transitions when changing jobs.

Further administrative improvements include the automatic processing of family relationship certificates for those inheriting cosmetics businesses and streamlined closure reporting by tax offices.

The MFDS stated, "These amendments will provide a safer usage environment for consumers and contribute to the revitalization of the domestic cosmetics certification industry."


Seoul to Host Beauty Startup Competition in October

    The Seoul Metropolitan Government will host the "2024 Seoul Beauty Week Business Meetup Pitching Contest" from October 2-3 at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP). This event aims to discover promising beauty startups and provide them with opportunities to collaborate with major companies.

Now in its third year, the contest is open to all prospective entrepreneurs and companies established within the last seven years across the nation. The competition categories include cosmetics, beauty devices, beauty tech, and beauty platforms. Nine teams will be selected through a document review process to compete in the finals, where they will receive mentoring from professional investment evaluators.

The winning team will receive a prize of 10 million won, with additional prizes for other top teams, including 5 million won for the runner-up, and smaller prizes for other outstanding entries. Winners will also receive an award from the Mayor of Seoul.

Notably, the vegan color makeup brand "Dinto," which participated in the 2022 competition, successfully secured investment from Kolmar Korea.

Interested companies can apply through the Seoul Beauty Week operating office by August 2. More details are available on the official Seoul Beauty Week website. Ko Kyung-in, head of Seoul's Beauty and Fashion Industry Division, expressed hopes that the event would help uncover future beauty unicorns and foster a cooperative ecosystem between large companies and startups to further enhance the future of K-beauty.


MFDS Launches Halal Certification Support for Cosmetics

    The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) of Korea is launching a support program to help domestic cosmetics companies enter the Islamic market through Halal certification. In collaboration with the Korea Halal Industry Research Institute, the initiative aims to assist companies in navigating the growing demand for Halal-certified cosmetics.

Muslims, comprising approximately 24.7% of the global population (around 1.9 billion people), drive a Halal market worth approximately $2 trillion, with an annual growth rate of 8.9%. Indonesia, a leading Islamic country in Southeast Asia, will mandate Halal certification for all cosmetics distributed within its borders starting October 2026, necessitating proactive measures from the industry.

The MFDS plans to offer various support programs for businesses seeking to enter the Halal market. These include online education on Halal cosmetics certification procedures, seminars and consultations with experts from domestic and international certification bodies, and consulting services for companies wishing to obtain Halal certification. Additionally, the MFDS has engaged in high-level discussions with Indonesia's Ministry of Religious Affairs to explore collaborative efforts and expedite mutual recognition of certifications between Korean and Indonesian Halal certification agencies.

Mutual recognition would allow Korean Halal certifications to be accepted in Indonesia without additional certification processes. The MFDS affirmed its commitment to supporting Korean cosmetics companies in leading the global market with superior technology and quality.

Further details on the Halal certification support program can be found on the Korea Halal Industry Research Institute's website.

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