Some of the practitioners of cosmetics and skincare service providers may found that there are multiple versions for a same product, such as domestic version, DFS version and global version. Based on opinion of some influencers, domestic version of cosmetic products is always better than the so called global version. However, is it the fact? 

To answer this question, we need to firstly clarify the origin of version differentiation. Though the versions mentioned above are commonly known by consumers, to name versions based on markets or territories are more appropriate. They are developed and produced in accordance with laws and regulations of different markets, such as China Mainland, South Korea and Europe. Indeed, differences may exist among different versions. 

After defining versions, it will be helpful if we deep dive the reasons why markets and territories will lead to version differences.

Regional Laws and Regulations

Laws and regulations upon cosmetics and skincare ingredients varies based on governmental regions. Ingredient allowed to be applied in region A might be fobidden in region B. The most well-known example is Deoxyarbutin, an active ingredient that applied in premium brightening and whitening products. The practise is popular in all the markets, including US and Taiwan. Meanwhile, Deoxyarbutin is forbidden for cosmetics products in EU and UK due to its instability. 

Another case is the selecting of sun-screening agent. Take SynchroShield of SHISEIDO for an example, most of the comsumers will prefer Asian version, especially Korean DFS version, due to its stronger sun-screening effect. The reason for effect difference is that there are limited options for sun-screening ingredient in European or US version products since the regulations in these markets are stricter.

Preference of Consumers

Proportion of ingredients of a product might be adjusted in accordance with the skin types of consumers from different regions. 

The skin type of Asian consumer is relatively sensitive. Hence, retinoic and salicylic acid is more in European and US version while less in Asian version in most skincare products. 

Due to the inspiration from a BBC documentary, The Truth about Looking Good, it became a popular idea that Vitamin C-related ingredient should be applied in day cream while Vitamin A-related ingredient should be applied in night crea. However, when consumer may find propotion of ingredients varies from region to region. 

Take KIEHL’S Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum for an exemple, the proportion of retinol in Chinese version is only 0.1%. However, consumer may find two proportion versions, 0.1% and 0.3%, in US market.

Places of Origin

Some of the global brands have multiple manufacturing bases accross the world. In other words, a version for specific region may not neccessarily be produced in that region.  Hence, product differences may occurs due to difference of bases, workers, devices, origins of ingredients, especially regarding to scent, viscosity and colors.

However, these differences are usually slight, which will not lead to any difference of efficacy to skin. Usually speaking the core efficacy of a specific product won’t change based on regions.

In conclusion, no matter which version you bought, as long as it is geniune, please rest assured to use it. In addition to this, the criteria for you to select from different versions only lies in skin sensibility and price.


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