Amorepacific apologises for carcinogenic metal content in cosmetics

South Korean cosmetics firm Amorepacific Group has apologised to consumers after its products were found to contain carcinogenic metal antimony.

Antimony is a chemical substance used to produce crystal diodes and infrared detectors. Contact with this substance leads to itching, blisters and erythema.

People exposed to low levels of antimony may suffer from headaches, dizziness and depression while a high level of exposure can cause lung and eye irritation, as well as gastrointestinal ailments.

On 19 March, the South Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety identified 13 cosmetic items on the market that contained antimony levels above the permissible level.

Out of these 13 products, six were sold by Amorepacific’s brands, including four concealers from Aritaum and a concealer and an eyebrow pencil from Etude House.

Original design manufacturer Hwasung Cosmetics supplied these products to eight different companies. The ministry has ordered the companies concerned to suspend the sale of the products and recall those already in the market.

In a statement, Amorepacific Group said: “As a manufacturer, we should have paid full attention to quality control. We are sorry for your inconvenience. We will try our best to minimise your inconveniences during the recall.”

Aritaum and Etude House are popular Amorepacific budget brands. Aritaum is targeted at customers aged 30 or more, while Etude House targets customers aged 20 or younger.

Amorepacific said it will give refunds for the products at its stores across South Korea.