China's drug administration launched its first-ever public awareness week to address cosmetic safety on Monday. The event's opening day saw consumers, companies and government gather together to aim for a healthy beauty industry.

When cosmetics first hit the Chinese market in the 1980s, they were "must-haves" for many women. Since 2010, the industry's sales revenue has registered a 10-percent increase annually. But for the consumers, safety remains a big concern. 

"Over 37 percent of the consumer complaints about cosmetics are related to their safety," said Li Yuanguang, vice secretary-general of China Consumers Association, adding that cosmetics sold online are particularly hard to identify as they lack tracing system. 

Excluding dyes, sun protection, freckle removal and breast-beautifying products, over 1.3 million non-special-purpose cosmetics were registered in China by the end of 2018.

Doctors warn consumers that some cosmetics can cause allergic reactions, and encourage those with symptoms to get a proper treatment. Currently, over 4,700 companies are licensed to produce cosmetics in China. The industry even made a Declaration of Self-Discipline, vowing to abide by rules and not exaggerate effects in promotions. 

Chen Shaojun, director of the China Association for Fragrance Flavor and Cosmetic Industries, called for member-companies to abide by laws and regulations in ensuring product quality and safety, at the same time fight against illegal production and sales. 

Last October, China's National Medical Products Administration launched a subsidiary department specifically for cosmetics management. 

"We're drafting a new safety regulation with tougher punishments and more random checks. We've launched a campaign to clear online promotions and offline resources of fake and unqualified cosmetics sales. It's just begun, but will be tougher after the regulation comes out," said Li Jinju, deputy director of the department. 

For many people, cosmetics are something they can't live without. Now the government has launched a new mobile app for consumers to check if a beauty product is registered and approved. The app also helps in finding additional information about using cosmetics, and register grievances. 

As medical authorities vow to strengthen supervision, the public is also expected to make safer beauty choices.