Study on Differences in Cosmetics Labeling Check Behvior According to Adult Women’s Experience of Side Effects from Cosmetics

The purpose of this study was to examine the behavior of checking cosmetic labels (usage instructions, precautions, ingredient listings) according to general characteristics of adult women, and to investigate how the experience of cosmetic side effects influences this behavior. The study targeted women in their 20s and 30s, who represent the primary consumer group in the cosmetics market. A survey was conducted with 317 adult women residing in the Seoul and Gyeonggi areas, and the collected data were analyzed using SPSS v.21.0. The results showed that 58.4% of participants checked usage instructions when purchasing cosmetics, 43.2% checked precautions, and only 24.6% checked full ingredient lists. The main reasons for not checking usage instructions were “already knowing the information” and “lack of interest,” while the primary reasons for not checking ingredient lists were “lack of interest” and “difficulty understanding technical terms.” It was also found that individuals who were older, married, or had experienced side effects were more likely to actively check label information. Furthermore, 60.3% of the respondents reported experiencing skin side effects after using cosmetics, with common symptoms being redness, small pimple-like inflammation, stinging, and itching. Most individuals responded to side effects by discontinuing the product or switching to another, although their awareness of the causative ingredients was generally low. The conclusion showed that the experience of cosmetic side effects significantly influences the behavior of checking cosmetic label information, including ingredient lists, usage instructions, and precautions. These findings highlight the importance of improving consumers’ understanding and awareness of cosmetic labels. Therefore, consumer education programs aimed at enhancing the ability to interpret cosmetic labels and ingredients are essential for promoting safer cosmetic use.