CHAILEEDO found that customer service for several Japanese brands responded that their products are not affected by nuclear sewage.
On August 24th, Japan initiated the discharge of contaminated water from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the ocean, attracting global attention. Recently, several Japanese cosmetic brands have urgently responded to concerns about potential impacts.
Curel, a well-known Japanese brand under Kao Corporation, stated in its response that products imported through official channels under Kao China undergo relevant tests for radioactive substances and have passed inspections by Chinese customs. Only products that meet national standards are allowed into the country, ensuring the normal use of purchased goods.
The customer service representative also emphasized the company’s serious approach to the issue of radioactive water discharge. Since the early stages of the incident, Kao Corporation has been in communication with Japanese production areas and relevant Chinese departments. They currently advise customers to purchase imported products through official and authorized sales points to ensure product quality. Any issues that may arise will be announced through official channels and flagship stores.
Additionally, Muji, another renowned Japanese brand, responded through its customer service that most of its products are not manufactured in Japan alone but have various origins. While the company is based in Japan, consumers can identify the origin of products through the labeling on their packaging and make purchasing decisions accordingly. Online shopping channels also provide information about the product’s origin on their detail pages.
SK-II customer service assured customers that the production site for SK-II products is located in Shiga Prefecture, western Japan, far from the Fukushima nuclear power plant. No radiation hazards have been detected in the surrounding areas. Therefore, SK-II products have not been affected by the discharge of contaminated water, and consumers can use and purchase them with confidence. They further explained that the manufacturing process for their products utilizes freshwater and undergoes rigorous treatment and quality checks to ensure compliance with high standards for water resources.
Shu Uemura customer service also stated that the discharge of radioactive water in Japan would not affect their products. While the production of makeup products is primarily based in Japan, they are manufactured in multiple locations globally, and all production facilities strictly adhere to the Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) integrated management system and quality management measures. Consumers can confidently purchase and use their products.
Furthermore, customer service representatives from CPB, a brand under the Shiseido Group, confirmed that all products sold in China meet national safety and quality standards. As for Innisfree, a popular Korean brand, its customer service explained that some products are imported from South Korea, while others are manufactured in China, with ingredients and machinery originating from Korea.
Although many Japanese brand customer service representatives have responded, assuring customers that their products are not affected by the nuclear-contaminated water, some consumers have already expressed on social media platforms their intention to return the Japanese cosmetics they purchased.
According to data from the General Administration of Customs, imports of cosmetics from Japan have shown a significant decline since May of this year. In June, the import value decreased by 8.4% compared to the same period last year, while in July, it experienced a substantial decline of 30%.
As of the time of writing, the hashtag #MultipleJapaneseCosmeticBrandsFaceReturns# is trending ninth on Weibo, a popular Chinese social media platform.
