With Thailand's skin care segment a dynamic standout when compared with other countries in Southeast Asia, new producers and players can easily enter the local market.
There are currently 762 skin care and cosmetics factories nationwide. They can serve as original equipment manufacturers for a brand's owners or create their own brands.
Of the total factories, 520 of them are small, 220 are mid-sized and 22 are large.
Skin care entrepreneurs find it quite easy to get started. As a result, there are many products that are below par in quality.
Consumers should be aware that some products have never even passed muster with the Food and Drug Administration.
Some skin care products may be harmful for topical use, such as those containing mercury and hydroquinone.
Fortunately, leery consumers have a place to go for help. The Department of Medical Sciences at the Public Health Ministry is open to testing any skin care and cosmetic products of questionable safety.
The department has many offices to receive all inquiries from customers. Importantly, customers can also buy test kits at a low price.
For the department's lab testing, each inquiry takes roughly 4-6 weeks to return a result. However, results could take up to three months in the event of numerous requests from consumers and private companies.
