Cosmetics regulations: FDA vs Korean KFDA (MFDS)

You might feel uneasy purchasing products that have not been approved by the globally recognized Food and Drug Administration (FDA). But rest assured, the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) thoroughly analyses the product to ensure adequate safety and quality for each product.

Most consumers don’t know what quality checks cosmetics undergo to become available to them. From super excessive procedures to get a product on the market to just “suggesting” producers to avoid certain ingredients, the Korean MFDS and the FDA exist to ensure your safety. Though they have some common grounds, they also differ quite a bit. So, let’s dive in and compare the two administrations.

The FDA & MFDS

It’s important to note that the American FDA and the Korean MFDS are both responsible for regulating a wide variety of products ranging from food, human and veterinary drugs all the way to cosmetics. The staff is highly qualified to analyse different substances, assess their safety, and verify that products comply with the established cosmetic standards.

In today’s globalised markets and a large number of available products, the internationally renowned FDA recognizes other systems like the Korean MFDS that achieve safety outcomes comparable to them. Additionally, they acknowledge that the MFDS reaches the same level of public health protection despite having other safety rules and regulations.

Both administrations apply the global Indication of All Ingredients System (AIIS), requiring all companies to disclose their content. This system ensures that your “right to know” as a consumer is satisfied. In addition, the Korean regulation requires a “toxic” warning in the form of a pictogram to be placed on a product containing toxic substances regardless of quantity. In contrast, the FDA requires the toxins to be written in the ingredient list.

Offices of Korean MFDS and American FDA.

Sources: https://www.dttoday.com/news/userArticlePhoto.html ; https://www.fda.gov/files/white_oak_exterior.jpg

Flaws in the system

The FDA has been receiving a lot of critique for setting the bar for safety regulations too low. The Journal of Law, Medicine and Ethics (JLME) found that the American FDA has sped up the product review process during this past decade, consequently increasing the chances for later complications and affecting the product’s quality. On the contrary, the Korean MFDS has a long and complex procedure in place to allow product distribution. 

Additionally, critics argue that the FDA does not devote enough money to ensure that individuals do not receive unbiased or false information crafted by companies that publish literature that overstates benefits and understate harms of their products. The MFDS, on the other hand, has a list compiled of specific terminology that may or may not be used when describing a product. For e.g. anti-wrinkle products are not allowed to claim “anti-ageing”.

The FDA, aside from colour additives, does not require cosmetic products to be approved before they hit the market, nor does it recall cosmetic products from the market that are hazardous or deceitful. The MFDS, however, thoroughly analyses the product to ensure adequate safety and quality for each product.

CelestaKorea products

CelestaKorea makes sure to abide by all the regulations to provide their top tier products to cross-continental consumers. Our Korean MFDS approved products have undergone excessive research and analysis that ensures the safety and quality for you. ​​For example, one of our best-selling products is Kabelline. Its main ingredient is deoxycholic acid, which is approved by the FDA. Likewise, WonderTox 100 Unit, also known as botox, follow all the requirements set by the MFDS. So, shopping with us will ensure that you obtain the best possible product quality currently on the market.

Your Safety, is our priority 

All in all, both the American FDA and the Korean MFDS both have the consumer’s best interest at heart. The procedures and regulations set in place aim to ensure the best possible quality products that ensure your safety. The administrations may have differences, but they provide equal protection to consumers. Whether it’s FDA or MFDS approved, you are guaranteed safe to use products. CelestaKorea follows all required regulations to bring the best quality cosmetic products right to your door. Your safety is our priority.