Korean beauty and household product manufacturers said Monday they are considering taking out antimicrobial substances from all products, in the latest response to aggravating toxic chemical fears.

The nation’s two largest cosmetic giants -- Amore Pacific and LG Household & Health -- are seeking ways to get rid of CMIT and MIT, ingredients that have been linked to an ongoing deadly humidifier disinfectant case.


The government approves the use of the two substances for washable cleaning products, such as shampoo and body wash gel. The authorities, however, limit the proportion of the two substances in the products to under 0.0015 percent.

“The products are safe to use as they carry minimal amounts of the substances,” said an official at LG H&H.

“But we are actively looking into ways to remove the agents from all products as part of voluntary decisions to cope with the growing concerns over the substances that were used for humidifier sterilizers,” he said.

AmorePacific is also taking similar measures, but such plans are being considered in separate responses, not joint moves, the official added.

Beauty retailers such as Olive Young are also considering reviewing all substances used in all products on sale at its stores.

Another cleaning supplies manufacturer, Aekyung, has excluded the antimicrobial agents since 2011, according to reports. But the firm that sold humidifier sterilizers similar to that of Oxy Reckitt Benckiser has remained silent over calls to take responsibility. About 27 people have died so far using the product by Aekyung, according to civic activists.

By Cho Chung-un (christory@heraldcorp.com)