Interpretation of Custom-blending Cosmetics Sales in Korea

What is custom-blending cosmetics sales? 

❍   Definition of 'custom-blending cosmetics sales' 

       - Custom-blending cosmetics sales is the act of selling cosmetics after mixing colorant, fragrance, and other ingredients to the existing cosmetics  by the needs of the consumer at the MAH's shop only. 

❍   Hygiene of shop 

       -  Define  the  autonomous  sanitation  of  equipment  in  order  to  control  the  product  quality  and safety. 

❍  Control of after sale of custom-blending cosmetics 

       -  Define  the  procedures  for  monitoring  the  mixing  and  sale  of  custom-blending  cosmetics, collecting and examination, etc. 

❍  The  sale  of  custom-blending  cosmetics  takes  place  in  the  MAH's  shop  that  sells  directly  to  the consumer  by the request of consumer so it is not in conflict with the current Cosmetic Act. 

Range of custom-blending cosmetic sales 

❍  The mixture should be made of the conventional cosmetics i n accordance with direct and indirect needs of the consumer. The act of mixing and selling is prohibited in the shop without the needs of consumers.  This  means the mixing and selling at the MAH's shop should be done only by the request of consumer. 

❍   Basic formulation (including type) must be defined and mixing of ingredients to the cosmetic must be done within the range so that there is no change in the basic formulation. 

❍  Allowed  for  mixing  cosmetics  supplied  from  the  company  registered  in  accordance  with  the Cosmetic  Act.  A  mixture  of  product  and  ingredients  which  does  not  go  through  the  artificial process, such as chemical change, is also acceptable. 

❍   Mixing  of  the  ingredients  only  is  prohibited.  [the  act  of  mixing  with  only  the  ingredients  is considered as manufacturing practices.] 

❍  Summary 

    Finished Product + Finished Product => Allowed 

    Finished Product + Ingredients => Allowed 

    Ingredients + Ingredients => Prohibited 

Qualifications for application 

❍  Shops in hope of selling custom-blending cosmetics in the pilot areas 

     1) MAH's shops 

    2) Duty-free cosmetics shops 

    3)  Cosmetics  shops  located  in  30  special  free  zone  nationwide,  including  Myeongdong  and  Jeju Tourism Zone 

Application procedure 

❍  Applicant should apply to the provincial Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. 

❍   Provincial Ministry of Food and Drug Safety should report the status to the  Ministry of Food and Drug Safety headquarter on a monthly basis.