Why Korean hair loss shampoos carry a 'functional cosmetic' label
Browse the shampoo shelf in Korea and you will notice many bottles marked as functional cosmetics for easing hair loss. A U.S. trade market report explains how that category came about.
Key points from the report:
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In 2017, hair loss products moved from quasi-drugs to the functional cosmetics category, which made market entry simpler.
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Functional cosmetics reviews for hair loss products rose from 28 cases in 2021 to 131 in 2023.
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MFDS approval for a functional cosmetic takes roughly three to six months.
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Hair loss care shampoos grew from 31.2%of the hair loss care market in 2015 to42.7% in 2020.
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Adults aged 20 to 40 make up about 64% of hair loss patients, per the report.
What this means for shoppers: the label tells you the product went through a regulatory review for its claim. It is still a cosmetic, not a treatment. If you are losing hair suddenly or in patches, a dermatologist is the right first stop.
Have you noticed the functional label on Korean shampoos, and does it affect what you buy?
Source: International Trade Administration — South Korea Cosmetics Hair Loss Products
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