11% of Elementary Students Use Color Cosmetics
Most Start in Fifth Grade
YouTube and Social Media Are Main Sources of Information
Low-Priced Cosmetics from Daiso, AliExpress, and Temu Also Have an Impact
Ministry of Food and Drug Safety: "Thorough Cleansing After Makeup Is Essential"
One out of ten elementary school students in Korea was found to use color cosmetics such as lipstick and eyeliner. In response, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety emphasized that while it is best for adolescents to avoid color cosmetics as much as possible, if they do use them, they should follow safe usage guidelines.
According to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety on the 25th, a survey conducted from May to November last year targeting 9,274 elementary students and 4,678 middle and high school students nationwide?a total of 13,952 respondents?revealed that 11.1% (1,025) of elementary students reported using color cosmetics. Among middle and high school students, the figure was as high as 25.6% (1,196).
The most common grade for elementary students to start using color cosmetics was 5th grade (32.1%), followed by 6th grade at 24% (243 students). Among middle and high school students, 39% (470 students) said they began using color cosmetics in 6th grade. Of the 1,025 students who had used color cosmetics, 36 (3.5%) first used them in kindergarten, and 177 (17.3%) reported starting in grades 1 to 3 of elementary school.
In this survey, 38.9% of elementary students said they obtain information about cosmetics through YouTube and Instagram. In fact, content such as "kindergarten makeup," "elementary school makeup for school," and "student cosmetic recommendations" can commonly be found on YouTube and various social networking services (SNS). Teenagers share recommendations for school makeup products and makeup techniques on these platforms.
The increase in low-priced cosmetics sold through stores like Daiso and C-commerce (Chinese e-commerce) has also lowered the entry barrier to color cosmetics. Daiso sells various cosmetics such as foundation, lipstick, and mascara at prices ranging from 1,000 to 5,000 KRW. Products sold at higher prices in places like Olive Young are offered at lower prices by reducing volume or simplifying packaging. Ultra-low-priced cosmetics can also be easily found on AliExpress and Temu. For example, AliExpress sells a "Korean style 16-color eyeshadow palette" for just 500 KRW. Because the prices are so low, teenagers can purchase these products without much financial burden.
Experts express concern that starting color makeup at too young an age may cause adverse effects on the skin. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety stated, "Since hormone secretion is active during adolescence, it is best to avoid color cosmetics as much as possible. However, if used, it is important to apply a small amount on the skin beforehand to test for allergic reactions and to wash the face thoroughly after makeup." They also noted, "Because color cosmetics are often shared among friends, there is a risk of spoilage or contamination, so caution is necessary."
They added, "Especially last year, some color cosmetics and eye makeup products sold on AliExpress and Temu contained heavy metals such as lead and nickel exceeding domestic standards, so extra caution is needed when purchasing cosmetics through overseas direct purchase. Even if the product name is the same, prohibited ingredients may differ by country, so it is essential to check through 'Uiyakpum Anjeon Nara' (Drug Safety Korea) whether the product contains ingredients banned domestically."
When using cosmetics, it is also advisable to follow precautions such as ▲checking the expiration date ▲storing in a cool place away from direct sunlight ▲avoiding use on wounded areas ▲maintaining hand cleanliness during use ▲keeping makeup tools clean ▲closing the lid properly after use ▲and discontinuing use if the color or scent of the contents changes.
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