On April 9, 2026, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) of South Korea released Announcement No. 2026-184, proposing amendments to the "Regulation on Labeling Cosmetics Precautions for Use and Fragrance Allergens". The draft is currently open for public consultation, with the comment period closing on June 8, 2026. This revision optimizes warning labeling requirements based on actual product usage conditions, aiming to further refine the cosmetic labeling management system and continuously enhance consumer safety protection levels.
Key Amendments
1. New Exception Clause for Shampoo Products
For shampoos that are not required to be rinsed off immediately after use, a new exception clause has been added to exempt certain products from the requirement to display some usage precautions.
- Current Regulation: "If not rinsed off with water immediately after use, it may cause hair loss or discoloration. Exercise caution."
- Revised Regulation: "If not rinsed off with water immediately after use, it may cause hair loss or discoloration. Exercise caution. [Products that are not required to be rinsed off immediately after use (e.g., dry shampoos, etc.) are excluded.]"
- Note: A new exception clause has been added, allowing rinse-free shampoos (e.g., dry shampoos, etc.) to be exempt from displaying this warning.
2. New Precautionary Requirements for Benzophenone-3 Ingredient
The draft amendment introduces new precautionary labeling requirements for products containing Benzophenone-3:
- Scope: Products containing Benzophenone-3 (excluding products containing 2.4% or less of Benzophenone-3)
- Labeling content: "Use only on the intended area according to usage and dosage. Do not apply to the entire body."
3. Refinement of Precautionary Requirements for AHA Ingredients
The draft amendment revises the sunscreen reminder wording for products containing Alpha-Hydroxy Acid (AHA).
- Current Regulation: "May increase skin sensitivity to sunlight, therefore use sunscreen in conjunction (excluding rinse-off products and hair products)"
- Revised Regulation: "May increase skin sensitivity to sunlight, therefore use sunscreen in conjunction (excluding rinse-off products, products for use only at night (e.g., night creams, etc.), and hair products)"
- Note: In the exceptions to the sunscreen reminder, "products for use only at night (e.g., night creams, etc.)" are explicitly added.
Implementation Timeline
- General provisions: Effective from the date of announcement
- Benzophenone-3 usage labeling requirements: Effective from September 2, 2026
- Transitional arrangements: For containers and packaging of products containing Benzophenone-3 that were labeled in accordance with previous regulations at the time of implementation of the amendment, they may continue to be used for 6 months from the effective date of the new regulations.
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- Korean Cosmetics Product Notification & Registration (General Cosmetics, Functional Cosmetics)
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Further Information:
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