Global Cosmetic Compliance
Intelligence & Solutions

Regulatory Insights into Beauty Products Classified as Quasi-Drugs in South Korea

premium members free
Mike Sohn
Thursday , 30th Oct 2025
REACH24H
Background

In South Korea, a regulatory category known as "quasi-drugs" plays an important role in the beauty and personal care sector. Falling between cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, quasi-drugs include products such as antiperspirants, hair growth treatments, anti-acne agents, etc. Their dual nature means they are subject to stricter oversight than cosmetics while not being regulated as rigorously as drugs. Understanding how quasi-drugs are defined and managed is essential for companies aiming to expand into the Korean beauty market.

This webinar will provide a comprehensive overview of Korea's regulatory framework for beauty products classified as quasi-drugs. Speaker Mike Sohn will cover legal definitions, key regulatory authorities, and the approval process, including required documents and efficacy data, as well as labeling and advertising compliance, common pitfalls in marketing claims, and practical considerations for importation and distribution.

Contents

I. Introduction to Quasi-Drugs in South Korea

  • Definition of "Quasi-Drugs" under the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act

  • Differences between quasi-drugs, cosmetics, and drugs

  • Beauty product categories classified as quasi-drugs (e.g., antiperspirants, hair growth products, anti-acne agents, etc.)

II. Regulatory Authorities and Legal Framework

  • Key regulatory bodies

  • Relevant laws and regulations

  • Compliance responsibilities for companies

III. Product Registration and Approval Process

  • Pre-market approval requirements

  • Key documents required for submission

  • Clinical or efficacy data requirements

  • Review timelines and approval validity 

IV. Labeling and Advertising Compliance

  • Mandatory labeling components for quasi-drugs

  • Claim limitations and acceptable language

  • Common advertising violations

V. Importation and Distribution Considerations

  • Requirements for overseas companies (including designating a local agent/responsible seller)

  • Import documentation and clearance procedures

  • Distribution channel compliance

Contact Information

If you have any questions about this webinar, please contact us at:

EMAIL: [email protected]

TEL: +86 (0) 571 8609 4444

Speaker
  • General Manager at REACH24H KOREA
    Mike is a South Korea market access expert with comprehensive knowledge of South Korea trade policy, laws and regulations in Cosmetic/ Chemical/ Food sectors. He had been a researcher in Korea Cosmetic Industry Institute (KCII), an overseas marketer in Won Tech, an RA at Daewoong Pharmaceuticals and worked at Histogenetics. He has been invited as the key speaker for more than 50 times all over the globe. He is acknowledged as a PR Agent of K-Beauty.
User Guide