Where are your skin care products made?
In my recent post about Hada Labo available in Singapore, there were a few comments about where the products are made. I’ll address that when I review the products but from the comments, it’s quite obvious that the preference is for the products to be made in Japan over made in China as those coming from the former is perceived to be of better quality since it’s the country the brand originated from. I’m not sure if this is true but come to think about it, I do prefer my skin care products to be imported from the country of origin.
It’s a norm for bigger companies to establish factories at different geographical locations to meet the demands of their customers and their quality should not be compromised if they manufacture according to a standard system. However, I’m not sure if there are guarantees on that standard across the board so it’s understandable that consumers have their reservations.
Anyway, today is Vesak Day and I’m keeping this short. I just like to find out if you are particular about where your skin care products are made. If you are, do you have special preferences in terms of the country of origin? And are you willing to pay more if the same products are made in Japan vs made in South East Asia or China? Personally, I like skin care products that are made in Europe because I think they have stricter regulations and hence, better quality control as well.
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i’m rather particular when it comes to where everything i use are made and i like to go for the ‘developed’ countries – japan, europe, taiwan, hong kong, singapore etc. as i’m more convinced of their regulations & QC, and increasingly corporate responsibility in terms of environmental protection and workers’ welfare especially now that i’m older and can afford a little more for what i use in life; after all, you saving a few cents for that great made in china product may mean that something/one is really suffering a great deal for it, how’s that for karma?
Interesting enough, I had this discussion with a friend just a few days ago about this topic. For me, I don’t particularily target specific countries to buy from. However, I do find myself buying more and more products from countries such as Japana and South Korea simply because some of their products are more towards what I want to target for my skin (and the packaging is cute). My friend however only buys skincare products from Asia mostly Japan and Taiwan since she’s Asian and she believes that products from Asian countries are made more suitable for Asian skin than those of European brands.
I can’t wait for the Hado Labo review!! I agree with you regarding the country of origin. However, I think the recent events with China’s manufacturing safety issues, many Americans are leery of Chinese products… especially skin care products.
all i can say is that products that are topical will eventually become legal issues, france is starting by acting on binding legislation by 2013 that all skincare needs to have an ISO 22716 certification. this is as strong if not stronger than the FDA in the USA. it is interesting that ASIA is very strict with its imports but western society lets asia dump anything untested over here
http://www.hadalabo.com.my/index_EN.htm
i have to say i do feel better when i look on the back of a product and it says it is made in a developed country like japan, maybe usa, canada, korea, anywhere in europe. its mostly because i dont know a whole lot about south-east asian cosmetics but im sure if i were to try out some good products, i would trust se asian factories for sure.
china on the other hand… theres been so many articles on the news about children getting lead poisoning and people getting horrible diseases from products imported from china… i have to say im quite scared now! lol
I am very concern in my skincare products.Frankly specking, thoese made in China, I confirm will avoid.I somehow don’t trust coz it’s had so many case, including the milk powder…Most of my skincare products I buy from Japan, once I back there, I will buy to keep stk but I will see their expiry date.
I share your concerns too but one particular one you raised – workers’ welfare – that’s one major area that will most probably cause discrepancy in standards. System is one thing but it’s still managed by the local people and that’s where the consistency might differ in some cases.
I know what your friend means. Many people seems to share her sentiments about products developed in Asia being more suitable for Asian skin. I’ll say it’s true for makeup but for skin care, I don’t find it so.
So question to you – would you still buy Hada Labo here that are made in China?
I really heart European standards. They’re really stringent in terms of their testing and certification. I started using them and still find myself going back to them.
Oh, I didn’t know about the dumping of products. Where is this happening?
That’s understandable…I feel the same. I feel worried for example, when I purchase an eye lotion or eye bath and it’s made in one of the countries with dubious safety standards.
It’s so true…I had to stop myself from purchasing some products cos they are made in China. The bad press really doesn’t help.
I admit I am prejudiced when it comes to skincare/cosmetic products manufactured in China. You’d think the cost of producing products there would be cheap yet the prices are quite high in drugstores. Yes, I would prefer to purchase products made in Japan or Europe. It doesn’t matter what assurances of quality the companies give, I’d drop any products like a stone once I see that they’re made in China.
I agree with you on that. I suspect the West might be more advanced on skincare formulations hence the efficacy of them.
I prefer US and European skincare products (like Avene, LRP) as they seem to work better for me.
I find it a pity that modern day China has “degenerated” to a certain degree in terms of its integrity in manufacturing skincare products and producing fakes for the mass market. Considering that the physicians had fantastic herbal formulations for medicine both oral and application, I’m very very sure there are good skincare products that can be made from those. The only issue would be the standard of ingredients used vs large profit margins!
yes you are totally right. China products??it freaks me out…It doesn’t matter what assurance the company gives. I just don’t like there products.:(
i’m so glad i’m no the only one who passes on skin care made in china. i left two olay’s creams on the shelf, couldn’t bring myself to purchase them after all troubles with infant formula. for china putting money above their children health i say they asked for it..
You’re right…why are products made in China? If it’s a foreign brand, obviously it’s to drive down the cost of production but the price doesn’t reflect that. I suppose the companies position their pricing to their branding and not to the country of manufacture.
They’re more rigorous in terms of testing because of the strong consumer voices and rights as well. We need to do more in Asia.
Unfortunately. it is a problem of greed and exploitation on the part of capitalists when money is concerned. To get rich is glorious in China and it doesn’t matter at what price for some of them.
Going by the responses, I’m really curious about how well foreign skin care brands that are made in China does in terms of their sales outside of that country.
So you couldn’t bring yourself to buy the products too? I can see your concerns…plus, we do have many other choices.
No, I refuse to purchase any products made in China, for now. Their formulas might not be too consistent and the “areas” where they source their ingredients from = sure to be contaminated.
If they tighten up their regulations in the future and really make efforts to implement changes, I may change my mind. Being supportive of environmental changes is good. Otherwise, the companies might be disillusioned and not progress much.
USA and even many “developed” European countries have their fair share of “environmental problems” and “people dying from contamination of edible products”. Many wealthier European countries get away with their “environmental record” because the press pays little attention to their deeds. They too dump their trash and waste anywhere and everywhere: in poorer Asian/African/European countries and even in the ocean.
Say, if Chagrin Valley’s soaps are average, do you have another brand to recommend: for non-scented soap that’s ultra-moisturizing?
Hi Kate: I personally haven’t come across soaps that are ultra moisturizing. Even if they are handmade, they tend to leave my skin squeaky clean. It’s not drying but it’s not moisturizing to me either. I always use a foaming body that doesn’t contain SLS if I want something that is more moisturizing for my body.
I’ve never tried soaps made from milk. I wonder if those might be more moisturizing?
Oh, thanks for reminding me that milk with soap is more moisturizing. ? Which brand of foaming body do you use?
I currently use Milk Baby Bath Time. Just reviewed it recently here:
https://www.vivawoman.net/2010/05/06/moo-its-milk-baby-bath-time-wash/
The other one I used which is very nourishing is from this range:
https://www.vivawoman.net/2009/12/01/olive-body-range-with-extra-virgin-olive-oil/
I have been using a French Formula skin care product specifically for Asian skin and it has improved my complexion.
Okay, thanks! I’ll look at those links.
I am a filmmaker in Shenzhen. My company from America is doing a documentary on aromatherapy and it’s impact on Asian especially the center focus is China. While filming this documentary we have to compile several amounts of research to make our topic believable. In our studies in China it has been closely seen that the society is somewhat targeted by several skin product companies to advertise labels such as “Whitening Creams” or Whitening” This or that. These skincare advertisements not only allows one to not appreciate the beauty of their own skin, by saying white skin is better, but it gives the idea that we should all be perfect and white. Thus in the long run starts the word every Asian hates to admit but it’s strong here and that is I dare to say… “RACISM”. Japan was also the center of this marketing deception that had them believing Asian eyes were bad and needed cosmetic surgery in the early 1950’s, everyone hated their eyes and wanted to look more Euro then, now everyone hates their skin and walks around with umbrellas in the summer to keep their skin white all because of someone’s idea of what the world should be. China especially made up a reason that something is wrong with their skin just to cover up how ridiculous it looks to walk around with umbrellas to protect their skin.
All this hullabaloo about being scared to use Skincare made in China…Bunch of Baloney!
There is lots of American Toothpaste ( very popular brands are made in China). Check out Dollar Tree Stores, almost everything in that store is made in China…& may i add, they are a big Busy Business Store. also some skincare products from China also sold at Walmart stores. Besides on that Baby Formula Scandal the Excecutives were Excecuted & punished to death by their Government. You naysayers have to get around more often & be more observant. Just saying 😊. Given fact that China is ahead of the game in the Whole World.
PS : I am not Chinese by the way, I am a Practical Polynesian with Beautiful skin using facial cream skincare made in China..its fabulous. 👩ðŸ»ðŸŒºðŸŒ´ðŸŒˆðŸ¤™ðŸ½