Compliance Challenges for Promotional Activities of Whitening Products in Japan

Whitening products are a significant segment of the Japanese cosmetics industry. In cosmetics marketing promotions, phrases like "whitening" are particularly effective. However, it is important to note that expressions of "whitening" effects must be in line with strict rules. These rules are outlined in the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act (PMDA), which prohibits the use of misleading expressions that may lead consumers to believe that the cosmetic product has medicinal effects.