South Korea to Expand the Functional Cosmetics Exempted from Evaluation

On October 29, 2020, MFDS released the draft of Standards and Testing Methods of Functional Cosmetics ^[1]. The exposure draft proposed to approve new ingredients and preparations of functional cosmetics. By adding new ingredients, the competent authority intends to enlarge the scope of functional cosmetics exempted from evaluation and ease enterprises’ burden.

To register a functional cosmetic in South Korea, the manufacturer or seller should apply for an evaluation to MFDS (Ministry of Food and Drug Safety). The evaluation is not only complicated but also costly; this evaluation period could last for 60 days. However, for certain cosmetics listed under the Standards and Testing Methods of Functional Cosmetics ^[2], this evaluation can be exempted. If so, such cosmetics need only submit safety and effect reports following Article 10 of Enforcement Rule of the Cosmetics Act ^[3].

Stakeholders can submit suggestions to [email protected] prior to November 25, 2020.

Newly proposed ingredients and preparations:

No.	Functional Cosmetic Category	Ingredients/Preparations
1	Anti-hair loss product	Ingredients: (a) Niacinamide (b) Salicylic Acid
1	Anti-hair loss product	Preparations: (a) Complex of Niacinamide, Dexpanthenol, Biotin, Zinc Pyrithione Solution (50%) (in forms of lotion, liquid or cream) (b) Complex of Dexpanthenol, Salicylic Acid, l-Menthol (in forms of lotion, liquid or cream)
2	Whiten and anti-wrinkle product	Preparations: Complex of Ethyl Ascorbyl Ether, Adenosine (in forms of lotion, liquid or cream)
3	Hair dye product	Preparations: (a) Sodium Persulfate and Potassium Persulfate Powder (b) 3-Step oxidative hair dyes whose Step 3 is a hair conditioner