What does '기능성화장품' on a Korean skincare box mean?

Shop for skincare in Korea and you'll often see 기능성화장품​on the box. It means 'functional cosmetics'.

In short

• It's a Korean regulatory category for cosmetics that make specific efficacy claims
• The best-known ones are brightening, wrinkle improvement and UV protection, plus categories linked to easing hair-loss symptoms and cleansing for acne-prone skin, among others
• Products go through a review or reporting process with Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety before they can claim these effects

On the packaging

• The box usually says which function(s) it covers
• Some products carry two or three
• No label doesn't mean a bad product; it just can't advertise those specific claims

Keep in mind

• Functional cosmetics are still cosmetics, not medicines
• Results vary and take consistent use

Do you look for this label when you buy Korean skincare?

#KBeauty #FunctionalCosmetics #Brightening