Skip to main content

Korean Beauty Trends & Industry News: 24-11-08



Hazardous Substances Found in Imported Cosmetics and Jewelry Exceeding Safety Limits

    The Seoul Metropolitan Government recently tested 176 imported products purchased through international e-commerce platforms, including AliExpress, Shein, and Temu. The study found that 15 items, including jewelry and cosmetics, contained excessive levels of harmful substances like lead, cadmium, and phthalates. Among these, bracelets and other jewelry items sold on AliExpress and Shein contained up to 900 times the local limit of lead. Additionally, ear jewelry exceeded cadmium limits by 474 times, and nickel levels in necklaces were 3.8 times above the permissible threshold. In cosmetics, products such as highlighters and lip balms were found to contain carcinogenic phthalates and cadmium at up to 14.9 and 11.4 times the allowed levels, respectively. These toxic materials are known to pose serious long-term health risks, potentially damaging the nervous and reproductive systems and increasing cancer risk.

In response, the Seoul Metropolitan Government has requested the immediate removal of these hazardous products from online sales platforms, advising consumers to be cautious when purchasing imported products. Seoul City Health Bureau Chief Kim Tae-hee noted that while overseas online purchases may be cheaper, many of these products consistently fail safety inspections, underscoring the need for buyer vigilance.


Shinsegae Group Advances K-Beauty with "Chicor" Expansion

    Shinsegae Group is ramping up its presence in the K-beauty sector under the leadership of newly appointed Chairwoman Jung Yoo-kyung. To strengthen the company’s beauty business, Shinsegae recently reorganized its structure, giving "Chicor" – its beauty retail brand – independent status under a new Task Force (TF) dedicated to beauty strategy. Established in 2016 with the goal of becoming the “Sephora of Korea,” Chicor differentiates itself by bringing in exclusive international brands previously unavailable in the domestic market. The recent reorganization also included significant renovations for stores in Seoul's Gangnam, Yongsan, and Hongdae districts.

Shinsegae Group aims to capitalize on the rising global demand for K-beauty, with Chicor potentially expanding beyond South Korea’s competitive market into international regions. Industry observers are closely watching whether Shinsegae’s new strategic focus will enable the brand to capture a share of the younger demographic while establishing Chicor's presence in the global beauty market.


Kolmar Korea Launches "PPS" Service to Accelerate Product Launch Times by Up to 6 Months

    Kolmar Korea has introduced its new "Packaged Product Service (PPS)," which promises to cut new cosmetic product development times by up to six months, reinforcing K-beauty’s competitive edge in the global market. PPS streamlines production by offering a variety of pre-developed formulas and packaging options, allowing customers to quickly select a combination tailored to their needs and begin production almost immediately. Typically, launching a new product can take 9–12 months, but with PPS, this timeline is reduced to 3–6 months.

Currently, Kolmar Korea offers over 140 formulas across nine key product categories, such as sunscreen, creams, and cleansers. Rigorous stability testing has been conducted to ensure product safety with various packaging materials. In addition, Kolmar Korea is collaborating with its subsidiary Yonwoo, a global leader in cosmetic packaging, to provide innovative and unique packaging solutions. The company reports that interest from indie beauty brands as well as companies in the pharmaceutical and food industries is growing, with many seeking to expand into cosmetics. Kolmar Korea’s PPS initiative aims to enhance customer competitiveness while supporting mutual growth in a thriving K-beauty landscape.
Location: 대한민국

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