New UV Filter, New Rules: Korea's Cosmetic Safety Standards Revised

On March 25, 2026, the Korea Cosmetic Industry Association (KCIA) issued a notification regarding the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety's (MFDS) issuance of Notification No. 2026-16 to amend the "Regulation on Safety Standards, etc. for Cosmetics." The key amendments include the reorganization of hair dye ingredient lists, the addition of a new UV filter, and the revision of certain test methods. The amendments entered into effect on March 18, 2026.

Background of the Amendment

1. Optimization of Hair Dye Ingredient Management

Currently, there exist inconsistencies in the regulations governing certain hair dye ingredients listed under both "Prohibited Ingredients" and "Restricted Ingredients." There is a need to consolidate and standardize these ingredient lists.

2. Addition of New UV Filter

Following the completion of safety assessment in accordance with the "Regulation on Review for Designation and Change of Use Standards for Cosmetic Ingredients," one UV filter has been added.

3. Improvement of Test Methods

Optimization of test methods for safety management of cosmetics in distribution to enhance testing efficiency.

Key Amendment Details

1. Reorganization of Hair Dye Ingredient Lists

Affected Documents:

• Attached Table 1 (Prohibited Ingredients)
• Attached Table 2 (Restricted Ingredients)

Purpose: To consolidate ingredients exclusively permitted for use in hair dyes, thereby eliminating regulatory confusion.

2. Addition of One New UV Filter

New Ingredient: Phenylene bis-diphenyltriazine

3. Revision of Certain Test Methods

Revised Items:

• Test method for Dioxane
• Test method for Formaldehyde
• Test method for Free Alkali

About CIRS

The CIRS cosmetic team is dedicated to ensuring that cosmetic products meet stringent global regulatory standards. We are able to provide one-stop services covering the whole life-cycle of a personal care product, which includes cosmetic ingredient development, physical/chemical tests, toxicological tests (in vivo & in vitro), efficacy studies (in vivo & in vitro), ingredient registration, and product registration.

Our Services

• Korean Cosmetics Product Notification & Registration (General Cosmetics, Functional Cosmetics)
• Standardization of Cosmetic Ingredient Names in Korea
• Korean Cosmetics Label Review
• Quality Inspection

If you need any assistance or have any questions, please get in touch with us via service@cirs-group.com.

Further Information

KCA