[2022 National Audit] Modamoda at the Audit Site... Controversy Over Harmfulness Continues

CEO Baek Hyeong-jin: "Leave Verification to the Group of Scientists"
"Side Effect Claims Lower Than Industry Average"

Bae Hyeong-jin, CEO of Modamoda, appeared as a witness at the National Assembly's Health and Welfare Committee's audit of the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety held on the 7th, responding to lawmakers' questions. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Hyewon] Controversy continues over the safety verification of 1,2,4-Trihydroxybenzene (THB), the key ingredient in Modamoda’s ‘gray hair shampoo.’ The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) announced that it would form a verification committee to re-examine the safety of THB, but Modamoda is opposing this, arguing that it is inappropriate for the committee to be led by consumer organizations.

According to industry sources on the 15th, Modamoda stated in a press release, “Modamoda’s products apply a new chemical technique that combines the THB ingredient with high-molecular polyphenols to prevent THB from being absorbed into hair, scalp, and skin, thus ensuring it does not remain in the human body.” They requested, “The MFDS should entrust this re-verification process to a group of scientists with authority and credibility.”

Modamoda explained, “There is no research anywhere in the world confirming that THB is a ‘confirmed genotoxic substance.’ It has been used in the United States for over 50 years without any safety issues arising even once.” They added, “The current side effect controversies are at a general level seen in all cosmetics, and Modamoda’s side effect claim rate is 0.004%, which is significantly lower than the cosmetics industry average.”

Earlier, in January, the MFDS announced its intention to designate THB as a prohibited ingredient based on the European Consumer Safety Science Committee (SCCS)’s judgment banning THB in cosmetics, its own evaluation, and expert consultations.

Subsequently, the Regulatory Reform Committee under the Office for Government Policy Coordination recommended at the end of March that additional risk verification be conducted before deciding on the new regulation banning THB use.

Currently, the MFDS has delegated additional risk verification to the Korea Consumer Organization Council.

Modamoda responded, “Having a consumer organization lead the verification raises concerns about a lack of expertise. It is like having a volleyball referee officiate a soccer match,” expressing strong opposition.

Meanwhile, on the 7th, Baehyungjin, CEO of Modamoda, appeared as a witness at the National Assembly’s Health and Welfare Committee’s MFDS audit and stated that he would take responsibility if any side effect cases related to the 1,2,4-THB ingredient shampoo arise.