South Korea Issues Draft Revision to Functional Cosmetics Standards and Test Methods    

"The South Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) issued an administrative notice proposing revisions to the Functional Cosmetics Standards and Test Methods. The amendment introduces a new definition for “solid substances” used in functional cosmetics to reflect current formulation trends. It also adds standards and test methods for nine whitening and wrinkle-improvement solid active ingredients, such as niacinamide solids, retinol solids, adenosine solids, and various vitamin C derivative solids.

Additionally, the proposal supplements 11 new quantification test methods for whitening, wrinkle-care, and UV-protection raw materials, covering ingredients such as ascorbyl glucoside, adenosine, benzophenone-3 and -4, ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, and homosalate. The MFDS also updates UV-filter verification testing by adjusting the absorption wavelength criteria for diethylhexyl butamido triazone. Stakeholders may submit comments by 27 November 2025 via mail, email, or fax."