South Korea Modifies Labeling Standards for Cosmetic Precautions

On September 24, 2024, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) disclosed the latest version of Regulation of Labelling Cosmetics Precautions for Use and Fragrance Allergens¹. The modifications focus on the precautions for small-packaged cosmetics and eye-lash permanent wave products. The regulation is effective along with its issuance. Nevertheless, the provision related to small-packaged cosmetics will be implemented on July 10, 2025.

Main modifications are as follows:

(1) Specifying New requirements for Small-Packaged Cosmetics

The authority designates “external genital cleansing agent (외음부 세정제)” and “eye-lash permanent wave (속눈썹용 퍼머넌트 웨이브)” as the first batch of cosmetics that cannot enjoy the small-packaged cosmetic labeling exemption. To be specific, for “external genital cleansing agent (외음부 세정제)” and “eye-lash permanent wave (속눈썹용 퍼머넌트 웨이브)” with a content or volume of over 10 mL (g) and less than 50 mL (g), all the required labeling items specified in Article 10 of the Cosmetics Act should be indicated.

Check all required labeling items at ChemLinked Cosme-list South Korea: Primary & Secondary Package Information on Labels².

(2) Establishing Precautions for eye-lash permanent wave

New precautions for “eye-lash permanent wave (속눈썹용 퍼머넌트 웨이브)” are established in the regulation:

가급적 자가 사용을 자제할 것
정해진 용법과 용량을 잘 지켜서 사용할 것
제품을 사용하는 과정에서 눈과의 접촉을 피하고, 눈 또는 얼굴 등에 약액이 묻었을 때에는 즉시 흐르는 물이나 식염수 등을 이용해 씻어낼 것
특이체질, 생리 또는 출산 전후이거나 질환이 있는 사람 등은 사용을 피할 것
보관 시 소아의 손에 닿지 않도록 유의하고, 섭씨 15도 이하의 어두운 장소에 보존하되, 색이 변하거나 침전된 경우에는 사용하지 말 것
개봉한 제품은 사용 후 즉시 폐기할 것(사용 중 공기유입이 차단되는 용기는 표시하지 아니한다)

Avoid self-use as much as possible.
Use the product strictly following the prescribed method and dosage.
Avoid contact with the eyes during use; Rinse immediately with running water or saline if the solution contacts with eyes or face.
Individuals with specific conditions, during menstruation or after childbirth, and those with illnesses should avoid using the product.
Keep out of reach of children; Store in a dark place below 15 degrees Celsius; Do not use if the color changes or precipitates.
Discard the opened products immediately after use (excluding products whose containers can prevent air entry during use).

Check all the mandatory precautions for cosmetics at ChemLinked Cosme-list South Korea: Cosmetics Precaution for Use and Fragrance Allergen Labeling³.