K-beauty personalisation laws: MFDS brings into force rules for customised cosmetics retailers

The Requirements for Custom Cosmetics Sales Business​​ came into effect when it was published by MFDS on October 29.

MFDS said the regulation was put in place in order to ensure the ‘proper implementation of the system’​, for customised cosmetics.

“The purpose of this notice is to stipulate matters than customised cosmetics must comply with the safety of mixing and subdividing customised cosmetics in accordance with… the Enforcement Regulations of the Cosmetics Act.”​

This follows the draft Regulations for Compliance for Custom Cosmetics Business​, which proposed several operational requirements cosmetic retailers that offer personalised beauty services.

Detailed safety rules

Under the new regulations, retailers of custom cosmetics are required to review raw materials in advance before preparing the customised cosmetics to ensure the quality and safety of the final product.

Firstly, ingredients and raw materials used by the retailers must meet the cosmetic safety standards of Article 8 of the Cosmetics Act.

Before formulation, retailers are responsible for ensuring the cosmetic raw materials used are not beyond their expiration dates.

Furthermore, to prevent unintentional contamination, the raw materials must be kept in sealed containers.

The regulations also state that the expiration date of the final product after opening must not exceed the expiration date of the raw materials used.

However, exemptions are made when the expiration date is set to ensure the safety of customised cosmetics based on scientific evidence, the draft highlighted.

Lastly, the regulation stipulates that the business is not allowed to formulate the customised formula in advance without first consulting the customer.

Customised cosmetics retailers must comply with these riles in accordance of Article 12 of the Enforcement Regulations of the Cosmetics Act.

K-beauty booster

South Korea’s custom cosmetics regulations are the world's first legislation on custom cosmetics and were only recently enforced on March 14 this year.

The revision in the local law has allowed producers to provide customised cosmetics – products made on the spot a beauty stores by mixing ingredients based on personal preference.

The product categories included in the law include four types of perfumes, 10 types of skin care products and eight types of makeup products, such as lipstick.

The introduction of bespoke cosmetics was previously banned for sales due to potential safety concerns.

However, the customised cosmetics category is expected to further diversify and expand the K-beauty industry.

In past few years, local industry players such as Amorepacific, LG Household & Health Care and Kolmar Korea have been making active investments into it.

Among several of its personalised beauty services, Amorepacific has launched My Delicious Therapy under the mid-range brand Laneige.

The service allows customers to create their own version of Laneige's best-selling product, the Lip Sleeping Mask.

Consumers may choose one of 10 fragrances to personalise their product and also design the packaging to their preference.