South Korea Seeks Public Input on Cosmetic Safety Standards Updates and New UV Filter

On 12 January, 2026 Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS), Republic of Korea This is an Administrative Notice (Public Notice No. 2026-012) issued to inform the public in advance and gather opinions on a proposed partial amendment to the "Regulations on Cosmetic Safety Standards, etc." (previously notified as Ministry of Food and Drug Safety Notice No. 2025-63, dated September 2, 2025). The notice is published in accordance with Article 46 of the Administrative Procedures Act. Purpose: To seek public feedback on the draft partial revision before final implementation. Reason for Revision: 1. To uniformly organise and clarify the lists of ingredients usable only as hair dyeing agents within the prohibited ingredients (Attachment 1) and restricted ingredients (Attachment 2), reducing confusion. 2. To add one new UV-blocking ingredient that has completed a safety review under the relevant designation regulations. 3. To improve and update testing methods for better safety management of cosmetics already on the market. Main Contents of the Proposed Amendment: 1. Reorganisation of hair dye-related ingredient lists in the prohibited (Attachment 1) and restricted (Attachment 2) categories to eliminate ambiguities and align entries properly. 2. Addition of one new UV filter to the restricted ingredients list (Attachment 2): Phenylbis-diphenyltriazine (also referred to as Phenylene Bis-Diphenyl triazine, CAS No. 55514-22-2), placed after Polysilicone-15, following its review as a UV-blocking agent. 3. Updates to safety testing methods for distributed cosmetics (Attachment 4), specifically for dioxane, formaldehyde, and soluble alkali. Public Comment Period: Opinions are invited until February 6, 2026 (Friday).