What is a functional cosmetic in Korea?

Korean MFDS classifies certain cosmetics as 'functional cosmetics' requiring separate approval. The 11 categories include whitening, anti-wrinkle, UV protection, hair dyeing, hair loss prevention, acne relief, stretch mark reduction, and more. Functional cosmetics need efficacy data and MFDS review before sale in Korea.

How do I sell cosmetics in South Korea?

To sell cosmetics in Korea, you need a Korean Responsible Seller, product notification with MFDS, Korean language labeling, and compliance with KFCC ingredient restrictions. If your product falls into one of the 11 functional cosmetic categories, you also need functional cosmetic approval with efficacy testing. Our Korea Functional Check determines your product's classification.

Is my cosmetic ingredient legal in Korea?

Korea maintains its own list of restricted and prohibited ingredients (KFCC) that differs from EU and FDA lists. Some ingredients legal in the EU may be restricted in Korea, and vice versa. Our tool checks your ingredients against Korean regulations and flags any that require functional cosmetic classification or are prohibited in the Korean market.

🇰🇷 Korea MFDS

Korea Functional Cosmetics

Check if your product needs MFDS approval for the Korean market

General Cosmetics

Simple notification process

✓ No efficacy testing required
✓ Faster market entry
✓ Lower registration cost
✓ Timeline: 2-4 weeks

Functional Cosmetics

MFDS review required

△ Efficacy testing required
△ KFCC approved ingredients
△ Human patch testing
△ Timeline: 3-6 months

Check Your Product

Product Type

Key Claims

11 Functional Cosmetic Categories

Korea Contaminant Limits

Contaminant	General Limit	Special Limits	Note

Korea Regulatory Changes (2025-2027)

Popular KFCC-Approved Functional Ingredients

183 approved functional ingredients in KFCC database

Whitening

• Niacinamide (2-5%)
• Arbutin (2-5%)
• Ascorbic Acid (2%)
• Tranexamic Acid

Anti-Wrinkle

• Retinol (0.075%)
• Adenosine (0.04%)
• Peptides
• EGF

UV Protection

• Zinc Oxide
• Titanium Dioxide
• Avobenzone
• Tinosorb S

Need Korea Market Entry Support?

Get full MFDS registration guidance, KFCC ingredient analysis, and Korean labeling requirements.

Get Full Report