South Korea has earned its reputation as a global leader in skincare and beauty innovation, thanks in part to its rigorous cosmetic regulations and commitment to product safety and quality. For international brands looking to manufacture their skincare products in Korea, understanding these regulations is crucial.

In this guide, we’ll break down Korea’s cosmetic compliance standards, explain how they ensure product safety, and offer practical tips for meeting these requirements.

How are cosmetic products defined in South Korea?

Cosmetic products are defined as "any item that is intended for use by means of spreading, rubbing, spraying on or otherwise applied to the human body", for the purpose of "cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness or brightening the appearance, or maintaining or improving the health of skin and hair, which have mild effect on the human body".

Examples of cosmetic products that fit this category:

• skin care products

• bath products

• eye makeup products

• fragrance products

• nail care products

• hair-conditioning products

• hair colorants

• makeup and makeup removers

• shaving products

• depilatories

• deodorants and antiperspirants

South Korea also has a category of cosmetics known as functional cosmetics, which are regulated differently from standard cosmetics and are somewhat comparable to certain over-the-counter product types in the US. As defined by the Cosmetics Act, these include products with specific functions such as aiding in skin whitening or improving skin wrinkles. For more detailed examples, see the table below.

Why Korean Beauty Regulations Matter

Korean beauty products are synonymous with high quality, innovation, and safety.

This reputation is built on a foundation of strict regulations enforced by the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS). These regulations ensure that every product entering the market is safe for consumers and meets the highest standards of efficacy.

For international brands, complying with these regulations not only ensures access to the Korean market but also enhances your brand’s credibility and appeal to global consumers who trust the "Made in Korea" label.

Key Korean Cosmetic Regulations

1. Product Safety and Ingredient Compliance

The MFDS maintains a list of approved cosmetic ingredients, including restrictions on certain chemicals and allergens. Brands must ensure their formulations do not contain any ingredients that are not approved by the MFDS. For example, certain ingredients, such as hydroquinone and formaldehyde, are banned or restricted in Korean cosmetics due to safety concerns, so they must not be included in any formulation. In total, there are about 1,030 ingredients that are prohibited for use in cosmetics manufactured in South Korea (such as steroids, radioactive materials, antibiotics, etc.)

Generally, all cosmetic products must also undergo rigorous safety testing, including stability, efficacy, and preservative effectiveness tests. However, functional cosmetics will require additional clinical trials to back their claims. Also, functional cosmetics in Korea are defined differently in the US. Usually known as OTC skincare, they require compliance to a different set of rules, so make sure to do your homework before deep diving!

Besides that, additional clinical tests can also be done to obtain additional before and after results for marketing purposes. Feel free to speak with a MAYK expert for more information on this!

2. Labeling and Packaging Requirements

For products to be marketed within South Korea, labels must include the product name, manufacturer details, ingredient list (in descending order of concentration), net weight, usage instructions, and expiration date. Labels must also be in Korean, but bilingual labeling (e.g., English and Korean) is acceptable for products to be exported outside of Korea. Additionally, common allergens must also be clearly listed on the packaging.

For products that are only marketed outside of South Korea, labels must comply with your target country's local regulations. For example, the EU mandates the PAO (Period After Opening) symbol for products with a shelf life longer than 30 months, which indicates how long the product remains safe for use after it has been opened. It also mandates an exact expiry date for products with a shelf life of less than 30 months. On the other hand, the US FDA does not require cosmetics to have expiration dates or PAO symbols. Therefore, it is important to check with your local authorities on what is needed to be shown on your packaging. If you don't know, worry not! Because our manufacturers are also experienced in manufacturing for global brands, we can help you find the best Korean skincare manufacturer that has the right expertise in this area for your market.

If you plan to sell your products in multiple countries, ensure your packaging meets the strictest requirements. For example, including both an expiration date and a PAO symbol can help you comply with regulations in most markets.

3. Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)

Korean cosmetic manufacturers adhere to stringent Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards, a set of guidelines ensuring the production of safe, high-quality cosmetic products. These standards encompass every stage of the manufacturing process, from raw material sourcing to final product packaging. GMP compliance also mandates meticulous sanitation protocols, rigorous equipment maintenance, and comprehensive employee training programs. By adhering to these rigorous standards, Korean cosmetic companies demonstrate their unwavering commitment to delivering products that meet the highest quality and safety standards, solidifying their reputation for excellence in the global beauty market.

For international brands looking to manufacture their products in Korea, partnering with a GMP-certified manufacturer ensures that their skincare lines are produced under the highest standards of quality control, making it easier to comply with global regulations and appeal to discerning customers worldwide. This commitment to GMP is a cornerstone of Korea’s reputation as a leader in the global beauty industry, offering brands a competitive edge in an increasingly crowded market.

At MAYK, we only partner with vetted manufacturers which are GMP-certified so that you can save time in research and focus your efforts on areas that matter more (such as branding or operations). By partnering with MAYK, you can be sure that every product we create meets the highest standards of quality, safety, and innovation, so you can confidently bring exceptional skincare solutions to your customers.

4. Product Notification

Before a cosmetic product can be sold in South Korea, it must be registered with the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) through a Cosmetic Product Notification (CPN). This process involves submitting detailed information about the product, including its formulation, intended use, and safety data. The CPN ensures that all cosmetics meet Korea’s stringent safety and quality standards before they reach consumers. For imported products, a local Korean agent or distributor is required to handle the notification process, as they act as the liaison between the brand and the MFDS.

Similarly, in the European Union (EU), cosmetic products must comply with the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, which requires brands to submit product information via the Cosmetic Product Notification Portal (CPNP). The CPNP is an online system where manufacturers or responsible persons notify the European Commission about the cosmetic products they intend to market in the EU. Unlike Korea’s CPN, the EU’s CPNP does not require pre-market approval but ensures that all necessary product details, such as ingredient lists, safety assessments, and labeling information, are accessible to regulatory authorities for post-market surveillance.

Both the Korean CPN and the EU CPNP emphasize transparency and consumer safety, but the processes differ in their requirements and timelines. For international brands, understanding your local regulatory frameworks is essential to ensure compliance and seamless market entry. By partnering with MAYK, brands can navigate these processes efficiently and bring their products to market with confidence.

5. Animal Testing Ban

South Korea has been a pioneer in aligning with global trends toward cruelty-free beauty, having officially banned animal testing for cosmetics in 2018. This landmark decision reflects the country’s commitment to ethical practices and its responsiveness to the growing demand for humane and sustainable beauty products. Under this regulation, both finished cosmetic products and their individual ingredients cannot be tested on animals, ensuring that brands prioritize alternative testing methods, such as in vitro testing and computer modeling, to verify safety and efficacy.

For international brands looking to manufacture their products in Korea, this means ensuring that their entire supply chain—from raw materials to final formulations—is free from animal testing. By adhering to these standards, brands not only comply with Korean regulations but also appeal to a global audience that increasingly values ethical and cruelty-free beauty.

At MAYK, we are proud to partner with manufacturers who share this commitment to cruelty-free practices, helping brands create innovative, high-quality skincare solutions that are both effective and compassionate. This alignment with global ethical standards further solidifies Korea’s position as a leader in the beauty industry, offering brands a competitive edge in a market that prioritizes sustainability and responsibility.

Final Thoughts

Korean beauty regulations are designed to ensure the highest standards of safety, quality, and efficacy. You can rest assured that your products manufactured in Korea will adhere to the highest standards of quality due to the local regulations. For products to be marketed outside of Korea, you can also rely on MAYK's expertise to navigate the product specifications required by your local authority. By partnering with MAYK, you can easily navigate the manufacturing landscape while adhering to local regulations and bring your skincare products to market with confidence.