South Korea Amends Functional Cosmetics Regulation: Expands Data Exemptions and Updates Hair Dye Safety Standards

On December 16, 2025, South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) released amendments to two key regulations for functional cosmetics: the Regulations on the Examination of Functional Cosmetics (Notice No. 2025-510) and the Standards and Testing Methods of Functional Cosmetics (Notice No. 2025-511). The amendments introduce measures to accelerate product launches, expand the scope of data exemptions to include solid dosage forms, and update ingredient standards and testing methods.