What type of products are cosmetics?
The definition of a cosmetic is described in the Korean Cosmetics Act. Cosmetics are divided into cosmetics and functional cosmetics as below.
Cosmetics: “The term cosmetic means any item intended to be used by means of spreading, rubbing, spraying on or otherwise applied to the human body for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness or brightening the appearance, or maintaining or improving the health of skin and hair, which have light effects on the human body”.
Functional cosmetics: The term “functional cosmetics” means cosmetics prescribed by ordinance of the prime minister, falling under any of the following:
(a) Products that encourage the whitening of skin;
(b) Products that help improve or limit wrinkles;
(c) Products that gently tan or protect skin from ultraviolet rays;
(d) Products that aid in the changing or removal of colour from, or nourishment of, hair;
(e) Products that aid in the prevention of, or improvement on, problems resulting from weakened functions of skin or hair e.g., dryness, split-ends, hair- loss, cornification, etc.