Is Korean skincare safe?
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Summary
Korean skincare is safe – when it is intended for the EU market. Europe has strict rules about ingredients, safety testing, and registration. At nat and bam, we select only products that meet these standards.
In the EU, the Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 applies.
Before a product is sold in the EU, it must:
- be registered in the Cosmetic Product Notification Portal (CPNP)
- undergo a full security assessment by a qualified professional
- appoint a responsible person based in the EU
- List all ingredients
Although K-Beauty is now very widespread, one still hears:
- "You don't even know what's in there."
- "This comes from the other side of the world – is it even safe?"
- "Are the ingredients even allowed or controlled here?"
In this post, we'll debunk some myths. We'll show you why you can use Korean skincare without any worries.
In the EU, over 1,600 substances are banned that are sometimes still permitted in other countries.
Strict rules apply in the EU - for all cosmetic products
Did you know that the European Union has one of the strictest cosmetics markets in the world? EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 applies here.
Important: These rules apply to every product , regardless of whether it comes from Germany, the USA or South Korea.
- Security check:
- Before a cosmetic product can be sold in the EU, it must be registered in the EU system. This is the Cosmetic Product Notification Portal. (Source: BVL Notification)
- Furthermore, the product undergoes a safety assessment. A specially trained expert examines all ingredients. They evaluate whether the product can be used safely under normal conditions. Only then is it permitted to be placed on the market in the EU.
- Additionally, every product must have a so-called "responsible person" in the EU. This person or company is legally responsible for the product. It must have all relevant documentation available, such as safety certificates, product information, and the complete list of ingredients.
- Customs check: Products that do not follow EU regulations can be stopped by customs. The product will be immediately rejected, if the ingredients are unsafe, or if they are not correctly listed (Source: Zoll.de 2026) .
- Banned list: In the EU, over 1,600 substances are banned that are sometimes still permitted in other countries.
3. What does this mean for Korean skincare?
If Korean products are officially imported into the EU and sold here , then:
- They were tested according to EU law.
- were they registered
- Is there a responsible EU address?
- Do they meet the same safety standards as German products?
That means:
Product safety does not depend on the country of origin , but rather on whether the product was imported in compliance with EU regulations.
Our commitment at nat and bam
That's precisely why at nat and bam we don't focus on mass production, but on only select products. These have already met all EU requirements. We work exclusively with products that:
- are officially intended for the EU market
- all legal requirements must be met
- are clearly marked
We've put together a simple checklist for you. With it, you can check in a few minutes whether a shop is trustworthy and complies with applicable EU regulations.
👉 Here you can find our complete 1-minute safety checklist for K-Beauty products online.
