Cosmetics Containing Allergy-Inducing Ingredients, Is It Safe to Use? [Reading Science]

Various cosmetics.
[Photo by Korea Cosmetic Association website]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Jong-hwa] Cosmetics have long become essential items in modern life. The law defines the concept of cosmetics as "products used on the human body by applying or spraying, etc., to clean and beautify the body, enhance attractiveness, change appearance brightly, or maintain or promote the health of skin and hair, with mild effects on the human body."

Rather than the legal interpretation, the explanation by the Korea Cosmetic Association is more intuitive and easier to understand. They define cosmetics as "playing a very important and direct role in physical health by keeping the skin and hair clean and healthy, and also having a positive effect on mental health."

Regarding the act of applying makeup, the association interprets "makeup" as "making the skin look more beautiful and healthy, expressing individuality and charm, thereby helping one to have more confidence in their body and engage in socially vibrant activities."

The law emphasizes safety by including the clause "mild effects on the human body," while the association highlights the point that cosmetics have a positive impact on both physical and mental health, emphasizing their status as "essential daily items."

Thus, cosmetics are essential daily items where safety is paramount. This is because various chemical ingredients contained in them can adversely affect the human body. Consumers inevitably become sensitive to safety issues. However, since the beginning of this year, controversy has arisen over "cosmetics containing allergenic ingredients."

This is because, according to the revised "Cosmetics Act Enforcement Rules" effective this year, fragrance components used in cosmetics must be labeled by ingredient name if they are among the "25 allergenic substances" designated by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. This ingredient labeling has caused confusion among consumers.

The allergenic substances among the fragrance components notified by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety are as follows: ▲Amyl cinnamal ▲Benzyl alcohol ▲Cinnamyl alcohol ▲Citral ▲Eugenol ▲Hydroxycitronellal ▲Isoeugenol ▲Amyl cinnamyl alcohol ▲Benzyl salicylate ▲Cinnamal ▲Coumarin ▲Geraniol ▲Anise alcohol ▲Benzyl cinnamate ▲Farnesol ▲Butylphenyl methylpropional ▲Linalool ▲Benzyl benzoate ▲Citronellol ▲Hexyl cinnamal ▲Limonene ▲Methyl 2-octynoate ▲Alpha-isomethyl ionone ▲Oakmoss extract ▲Tree moss extract, totaling 25 substances.

There is a problem because some consumers mistakenly believe that if even one of these ingredients is listed, the cosmetic product is unsafe and should not be used due to causing allergies.

From this year, cosmetics containing allergenic ingredients are required to display those ingredients.
[Image=Korea Consumer Agency]

Labeling allergenic ingredients on products is intended to help consumers with allergies to specific substances choose products safely. In other words, it is to assist allergic consumers in selecting products that will not cause allergic reactions.

Allergy is an immune response that produces antibodies against specific substances. It does not occur in everyone but only in individuals who have allergic reactions to certain ingredients. Also, allergenic substances do not necessarily have harmful effects on the skin.

Just as peanuts, milk, or peaches, which frequently cause allergies, are not harmful foods, allergenic substances themselves are not harmful or ingredients to be avoided. Even if skin troubles occur after using cosmetics, it is likely not due to allergies. Most cosmetic troubles are temporary contact dermatitis caused by skin irritation. In mild cases, symptoms disappear simply by avoiding contact.

If a consumer who has previously shown allergic reactions is unsure whether an allergenic ingredient will cause an allergy, they can perform a patch test in advance. Before using the cosmetic, apply an appropriate amount to a soft area of skin such as the inside of the arm or behind the ear, test the reaction for 48 hours, and then decide whether to use the product.

Allergenic substances themselves are not harmful or ingredients to be avoided; rather, they provide information to protect the health of consumers allergic to specific ingredients. Ordinary people without allergies do not need to fear using cosmetics containing allergenic substances.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.