Safety Regulations Approaching... LED Mask Sales Plummet Causing Concern

Implementation in September... Sales Decline in May-June

LED Mask PlatinumR released by Cellreturn

[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] Manufacturers of beauty LED masks are experiencing severe sales slumps ahead of government regulation enforcement.

According to the related industry on the 7th, sales of LED mask products for skin beauty purposes have sharply declined due to the new safety standards scheduled to be implemented in September. Although a three-month grace period was given, consumers are reluctant to purchase products released before the safety standards take effect.

An official from one of the top three domestic LED mask manufacturers said, "Since the preliminary safety standards were announced last month, the impact on sales has been significant," adding, "Sales growth rates in May and June have shown a clear downward trend." As sales plummet, some small businesses are preparing short-term rental marketing strategies lasting one to two months as a desperate measure.

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has mandated that the safety standards, which include "reducing light output to a level harmless to the human body, specifying the light output measurement distance as 1?2 cm to match actual usage conditions, and making the wearing of eye protectors mandatory," will be equally applied to both medical and non-medical existing products starting from September 25.

With market distrust growing due to safety controversies last year and regulations now being fully enforced, the related industry is suffering from double hardships. Some predict that the 40 to 50 small and micro enterprises will be largely consolidated, further solidifying the duopoly of LG Pra.L and Cellreturn.

Leading LED mask manufacturers are increasing the proportion of medical device-certified products integrated with healthcare functions. LED masks with hair loss management features are also gaining popularity. A Cellreturn official stated, "In addition to our flagship LED mask, we plan to add a variety of product lineups in the second half of the year, ranging from healthcare-function-equipped, medical device-certified products to beauty devices."