Sort the Free-From, Natural and Dermatologist-Tested Claims on a Cosmetic Front Label
Key Takeaway
Under MFDS guidance, free-from, natural and dermatologist-tested claims are either banned wording or claims that need evidence. Sort each by type, then read it with the back label.
On what basis are these claims handled?
The MFDS Guideline on Cosmetic Labeling and Advertising is guidance for applicants. It lists examples of banned wording and the main claims for which evidence can be requested, for labels, packaging and package inserts and for advertising. This article uses the August 14, 2025 edition. The guideline itself says it is not a legally binding rule but a statement of the MFDS position, and that claims missing from its tables can also be asked to show evidence when they relate to facts.
| Type of claim | Where the guideline places it | What to look for on the front |
|---|---|---|
| Claims that a prohibited ingredient was not used, such as steroid-free or benzopyrene-free (including free-from and "free") | Example of banned wording | Whether such wording appears, and the ingredient named |
| Other "free of X" claims | A main claim to prove with test and analysis data | Whether the same name appears in the full ingredient list on the back |
| Test or inspection claims such as "dermatologist tested" | A main claim to prove with human-use or non-human test data | Whether the test type, body and subjects are stated |
| "Natural" and "organic" claims | Requires materials that meet the Korea Cosmetic Association's guide | The stated criteria, and the wording beside a natural index |
| "MFDS-approved or certified product", and hospital-only or pharmacy-only claims | Examples of banned wording (MFDS-approved or certified wording is excepted for functional cosmetics reviewed or reported) | Whether it appears on the front of an ordinary cosmetic |
Checked on October 23, 2026. The guideline can be revised, so open the latest edition again in the MFDS list of guidance for applicants.
Do all free-from claims mean the same thing?
The wording looks alike, but the guideline splits them in two. One is a claim that a prohibited ingredient was not used. Steroid-free and benzopyrene-free are listed as examples, and the guideline says free-from and "free" are included. The other is a claim that a specific ingredient is absent, which is a main claim to prove with test and analysis data. A footnote excludes claims that fall under banned wording from that item.
Which kind a claim is depends on the ingredient, so the front-label wording alone makes it hard to tell. Copy down the ingredient named in the "free of" claim and look for the same name in the full ingredient list on the back. If you wonder about the basis, you can ask the seller which test data supports the claim.
What does "dermatologist tested" tell you?
The guideline lists wording such as "dermatologist tested" or "effect proven by an inspection body" as claims to prove with human-use test data or non-human test data. The same list includes figures such as "30% better hydration" and comparisons such as "five times longer lasting than ○○".
The wording alone does not say what test was done or on whom. First look on the front or the product page for the test type, body and subjects. "No side effects at all" is among the guideline's examples of banned wording.
What materials are needed to say natural or organic?
The guideline treats "natural" or "organic" on a product that does not meet the Korea Cosmetic Association's Guide to Labeling and Advertising of Natural and Organic Cosmetics as wording consumers could take as fact. To use it, you need materials that meet that guide. MFDS's page on improper labeling and advertising also includes presenting a product that is not an organic cosmetic as one. Specific criteria such as proportions are in the association's guide, so the front-label wording cannot tell you.
If a product prints a figure such as "natural index 00%" calculated under ISO 16128, know the labeling method the guideline sets. On the front, it recommends adding "not a natural cosmetic (organic cosmetic)" alongside. If it is not on the front, another face must carry a conspicuous note that this is a simple calculation under ISO 16128 and does not mean the product is a natural cosmetic (organic cosmetic). Do not read the index figure alone as meaning a natural cosmetic.
How should you read "MFDS certified" or "hospital only" claims?
The guideline's examples of banned wording include "this product has MFDS approval or certification". Wording tied to a functional cosmetic's review or report is excepted. Hospital-use, hospital-only, dermatology-only, pharmacy-use and pharmacy-only cosmetics, "a safe cosmetic recommended by ○○ hospital" and "a cosmetic developed by Dr. ○○" are also banned examples.
For the scope in which functional cosmetics are reviewed, see our check of the wording on boxes of hair-loss and acne functional cosmetics.
In what order should you check a product in hand?
- Copy down the wording on the front and on the product page exactly.
- Sort each claim into a type from the table above.
- Look in the full ingredient list on the back for any ingredient named in a "free of" claim. For fragrance ingredients that are listed by name, read our guide to fragrance allergen ingredients as well.
- For test or natural claims, see whether the test type or applied criteria are stated. If not, ask the seller or manufacturer which materials support the claim.
- For a natural index figure, check whether "not a natural cosmetic" appears beside it.
When you ask, send the product name and variant along with a photo showing the claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
If a label says free-from, can I assume the ingredient is completely absent?
The claim alone does not settle it. The guideline treats a claim that a specific ingredient is absent as something to prove with test and analysis data, and lists claims that a prohibited ingredient was not used as examples of banned wording. Look for the ingredient name in the full ingredient list on the back, and ask the seller if you want to know the basis.
Does "dermatologist tested" mean the product causes no irritation for anyone?
The phrase does not say what kind of test was done or on whom. The guideline lists it as a claim to be proved with human-use test data or non-human test data, and includes "no side effects at all" among examples of banned wording. If your skin reacts after use, stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.
If a product says natural cosmetic, does it contain only natural ingredients?
The wording alone cannot tell you. The guideline says that to use "natural" you need materials that meet the Korea Cosmetic Association's guide, and the specific criteria are in that guide. If a natural index figure is printed, check whether a phrase such as "not a natural cosmetic" appears beside it.
Sources & Verification Date
- Ministry of Food and Drug Safety — Guideline on Cosmetic Labeling and Advertising (guidance for applicants), August 14, 2025 edition · Verified
- Ministry of Food and Drug Safety — Scope of improper cosmetic labeling and advertising · Verified
- Ministry of Food and Drug Safety — Guidance for applicants: Guideline on Cosmetic Labeling and Advertising · Verified
All materials have been verified from official announcements and may have changed since verification.