Mask Removal, Increase in Consumption

'Safety Inspections Absolutely Necessary'

The Gyeongbuk Provincial Institute of Health and Environment has begun testing for harmful heavy metal content in color cosmetics sold at large supermarkets and cosmetic road shops within the province from March to November to ensure the safety of distributed cosmetics in preparation for the complete lifting of the mask-wearing mandate.


The inspection targets 150 color cosmetic products sold at supermarkets and road shops in 12 cities and counties within the province, including Gyeongsan, Chilgok, Yecheon, and Andong. The inspection items include six harmful heavy metals: lead, cadmium, arsenic, antimony, nickel, and mercury.

Investigating the presence of harmful heavy metals in cosmetics.

Investigating the presence of harmful heavy metals in cosmetics.

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Color cosmetics are products applied to certain parts of the skin to cover imperfections while expressing beauty through color effects. Types include blush, foundation, makeup base, lipstick, and others.


Recently, with mask-wearing lifted except in specific environments, citizens' outdoor activities have become more active, and the consumer base seeking color cosmetics has significantly increased. Additionally, the frequency of daily use is gradually rising, making continuous monitoring of color cosmetics necessary.



Lee Chang-il, Head of the Food and Drug Research Department at the Gyeongbuk Provincial Institute of Health and Environment, stated, “The demand for color cosmetics, which had been subdued during the COVID-19 pandemic due to mask-wearing, is greatly increasing. We will do our best to secure the health of residents by proactively conducting safety inspections in preparation for the full lifting of mask mandates.”


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

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