Warning Issued Over Functional Claims Such as "Whitening" and "Anti-Aging" in Some Sunscreens

Korea Consumer Agency Investigates 38 Products
Advertisements Found to Mislead Consumers Without Objective Evidence
Correction or Removal Recommended for 7 Products Requiring Improvement

The Korea Consumer Agency announced on June 26 that, after investigating 38 sunscreen products currently distributed in the market, it found that some items had advertised functionalities such as whitening, anti-aging, and trouble care that were unrelated to the actual product, and urged consumers to exercise caution.

Cream-type sunscreen. Provided by Korea Consumer Agency

According to the agency, 6 out of the 38 products investigated advertised functionalities such as waterproof or whitening without having undergone the required functional cosmetics review (notification), or used advertising phrases like trouble care without scientific or objective substantiation, potentially misleading consumers about the effects. In addition, 1 product had discrepancies between the ingredient names displayed on its online sales page and those listed on the product itself.

The agency stated that it had recommended that the businesses responsible for these 7 products revise or remove the problematic phrases in their labeling and advertising. Furthermore, 4 products used 4-methylbenzylidene camphor (4-MBC) as a UV-blocking ingredient. While the 4-MBC content in these products ranged from 2% to 4%, which complies with the domestic usage limit (not exceeding 4%), 1 product failed to list 4-MBC among its ingredients, requiring correction.

The European Union (EU) plans to ban the distribution of cosmetics containing 4-MBC starting next year, as 4-MBC may act as an endocrine disruptor if absorbed in large amounts by the body. The agency recommended that manufacturers and sellers of the relevant product discontinue the use of 4-MBC. Four companies plan to either stop using 4-MBC or replace it with alternative UV-blocking functional ingredients.

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety is also conducting a regular risk assessment of 4-MBC. Based on the results of this investigation, the ministry plans to inspect and take action regarding products that require improvements in labeling and advertising.

The agency advised consumers to carefully check the ingredients when using sunscreen and to be wary of advertisements that emphasize effects without objective evidence.