South Korea expands prohibited expressions in cosmetic labelling and advertising: New regulations effective 2025

On January 21, 2025, South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) released updated regulations for advertising and labelling of cosmetics to prevent false or exaggerated claims and guide the industry.

Objective of the amendment

The Ministry has found cases of misleading advertisements that give false or exaggerated advertising After analysing the violations, the MFDS has expanded the list of prohibited expressions. These changes aim to protect consumers and ensure cosmetics businesses follow proper advertising standards.

Key prohibited expressions:

• Prohibition on expression of designation/recommendation (e.g. for hospital use)
• Prohibition on expression of human-derived ingredients (e.g. exosomes)
• Prohibition on misleading product usage methods (e.g. microneedles)
• Prohibition on claims about reducing skin age (e.g. reduces skin age by n years)

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety plans to provide specific guidance on cosmetics matters of concern and prohibited expressions, assisting cosmetics salespeople in labeling and advertising.