One Of Korea’s Biggest Cosmetics Manufacturers Once Sold Cancer-Causing Beauty Products

AmorePacific is one of Korea’s largest cosmetics manufacturers, who in recent times have admitted to discovering that some of their products contained “heavy metals”. Heavy metals are known to be very dangerous to health and can even cause cancer.

On March 19, 2018 the South Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety issued bans and recalls for 13 locally manufactured products that were discovered to contain over 10 micrograms per gram of the heavy metal “antimony”.

In low levels, prolonged exposure to antimony is known to produce headaches, dizziness, and depression. Higher levels of antimony can cause severe skin, lung, and eye irritation. The heavy metal is also known to be a potential cause of cancer.

Two of AmorePacific’s many brands are directly affected: four Aritaum concealers, an Etude House concealer, and an Etude House eyebrow pencil were among those named, as shown below:

On March 20, 2018, AmorePacific released an apology to its customers, promising refunds to those who purchased the named products: “As a manufacturer, we should have paid full attention to quality control. We are sorry for your inconvenience. We will try our best to minimize your inconveniences during the recall.”

It’s been years since the recall so it’s very unlikely the dangerous products can be found on authorized retailer’s shelves anymore. But keep an eye out wherever you shop, whether it be online or while travelling, and stay aware of the ingredients of your skincare!