The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (Minister Oh Yoo-gyeong) has detected 83 online sales posts that advertised cosmetics with medical efficacy and effects, in violation of the “Cosmetic Act,” and requested the Korea Communications Standards Commission to block access to the relevant sites.
This inspection was conducted as some companies were advertising cosmetics as medical devices that penetrate down to the skin’s dermis layer or using expressions that could be mistaken for pharmaceuticals, raising concerns about consumer harm.
Of the 83 cases detected, 53 (64%) were advertisements that could be mistaken for pharmaceuticals, such as “anti-inflammatory action,” “skin cell regeneration,” and “inflammation relief.” 25 cases (30%) involved promotions that ingredients reach the dermis and fascial layer when used with MTS (Microneedle Therapy System) devices, which went beyond the scope of cosmetics. The remaining 5 cases (6%) involved general cosmetics being mistaken for functional cosmetics or containing information different from the actual review details.
The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has detected 36 cases of unfair advertising by general sales companies and further investigated the responsible sales companies that distributed them, confirming an additional 3 cases. Blocking measures for all 83 cases have been completed, and 35 related responsible sales companies are planned for on-site inspections and administrative actions at local food and drug administration offices.
Responsible sales companies are the entities legally liable for managing the quality control and advertising of cosmetics. General sales companies are distribution companies registered as simple telecommunication sellers.
Shin Jun-su, head of the Bio and Herbal Medicine Bureau of the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, stated, “Cosmetics are not pharmaceuticals, and advertisements claiming medical-level effects should be questioned and verified,” adding, “We will continue to conduct regular inspections to prevent consumer harm and ensure a fair market order.”