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NZEnglishOfficial records available

New Zealand cosmetic ingredient regulations

Official group-standard schedules cover prohibited, restricted and positive-list substances.

Regulator
Environmental Protection Authority
Source language
English
Coverage version
Cosmetic Products Group Standard schedules effective 1 January 2026

What this list is

New Zealand regulates cosmetics as hazardous substances. The rules sit in a group standard issued by the Environmental Protection Authority, not in a cosmetics act, and the schedules read differently as a result.

  • 2,913 New Zealand records: 2,166 prohibited, 390 restricted, 357 on a positive list.
  • The instrument is the Cosmetic Products Group Standard, made under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act.
  • The regulator is the Environmental Protection Authority, not a medicines or food agency.
  • Schedules 4 to 8 mirror the EU annex structure closely, which makes the divergences easy to miss.

New Zealand reaches cosmetics through hazardous-substances law. The Cosmetic Products Group Standard, issued under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act, sets the conditions under which cosmetic products may be imported or manufactured, and the Environmental Protection Authority administers it. There is no separate cosmetics regulator.

In substance the schedules will look familiar: schedules 4 through 8 are laid out much like the EU annexes, with prohibited substances, restricted substances and positive lists for colourants, preservatives and UV filters. That resemblance is the risk. Because the structure matches, it is easy to assume the contents do, and the group standard is amended on its own schedule by its own authority.

The 2,913 records here carry the status the group standard gives them. Where a substance appears as restricted, the limit and conditions are as written in the schedule; where a substance does not appear, no New Zealand entry was resolved for it, which is not the same as a finding that it may be used.

Checked against

Official ingredient records

2913 matching records
Permitted list with conditionsBinding ruleOriginal is EnglishOfficial-source import checked

Polyhexamethylene biguanide hydrochloride (polyaminopropyl biguanide)

CAS 32289-58-0

New Zealand Cosmetic Products Group Standard Schedule 7, reference 28.

Conditions: Maximum concentration: 0.1% · Other limitations: Not to be used in applications that may lead to exposure of the end-user's lungs by inhalation

Source:Schedule 7, reference 28, source row 87 · version effective-2026-01-01 · effective Jan. 1, 2026 · source checked 2026-08-30

Permitted list with conditionsBinding ruleOriginal is EnglishOfficial-source import checked

Polyhexamethylene biguanide hydrochloride (polyaminopropyl biguanide)

CAS 27083-27-8

New Zealand Cosmetic Products Group Standard Schedule 7, reference 28.

Conditions: Maximum concentration: 0.1% · Other limitations: Not to be used in applications that may lead to exposure of the end-user's lungs by inhalation

Source:Schedule 7, reference 28, source row 88 · version effective-2026-01-01 · effective Jan. 1, 2026 · source checked 2026-08-30

Permitted list with conditionsBinding ruleOriginal is EnglishOfficial-source import checked

Polyhexamethylene biguanide hydrochloride (polyaminopropyl biguanide)

CAS 28757-47-3

New Zealand Cosmetic Products Group Standard Schedule 7, reference 28.

Conditions: Maximum concentration: 0.1% · Other limitations: Not to be used in applications that may lead to exposure of the end-user's lungs by inhalation

Source:Schedule 7, reference 28, source row 89 · version effective-2026-01-01 · effective Jan. 1, 2026 · source checked 2026-08-30

Permitted list with conditionsBinding ruleOriginal is EnglishOfficial-source import checked

Polyhexamethylene biguanide hydrochloride (polyaminopropyl biguanide)

CAS 133029-32-0

New Zealand Cosmetic Products Group Standard Schedule 7, reference 28.

Conditions: Maximum concentration: 0.1% · Other limitations: Not to be used in applications that may lead to exposure of the end-user's lungs by inhalation

Source:Schedule 7, reference 28, source row 90 · version effective-2026-01-01 · effective Jan. 1, 2026 · source checked 2026-08-30

RestrictedBinding ruleOriginal is EnglishOfficial-source import checked

Potassium fluoride

CAS 7789-23-3 · EC 232-151-5

New Zealand Cosmetic Products Group Standard Schedule 5, reference 32.

Conditions: Product scope: Oral products · Maximum concentration: 0.15% calculated as F When mixed with other fluorine compounds permitted under Schedule 5, total F concentration must not exceed 0.15% · Warnings: Contains potassium fluoride. For any toothpaste with compounds containing fluorine at a concentration of 0.1 to 0.15%, calculated as F, unless it is already labelled as contra-indicated for children (e.g. for adult use only) the following labelling is obligatory: Children five years and under should use a smear of toothpaste and children six years and over should use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.

Source:Schedule 5, reference 32, source row 53 · version effective-2026-01-01 · effective Jan. 1, 2026 · source checked 2026-08-30

RestrictedBinding ruleOriginal is EnglishOfficial-source import checked

Potassium fluorosilicate (dipotassium hexafluorosilicate)

CAS 16871-90-2 · EC 240-896-2

New Zealand Cosmetic Products Group Standard Schedule 5, reference 41.

Conditions: Product scope: Oral products · Maximum concentration: 0.15% calculated as F When mixed with other fluorine compounds permitted under Schedule 5, total F concentration must not exceed 0.15% · Warnings: Contains potassium fluorosilicate. For any toothpaste with compounds containing fluorine at a concentration of 0.1 to 0.15%, calculated as F, unless it is already labelled as contra-indicated for children (e.g. for adult use only) the following labelling is obligatory: Children five years and under should use a smear of toothpaste and children six years and over should use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.

Source:Schedule 5, reference 41, source row 62 · version effective-2026-01-01 · effective Jan. 1, 2026 · source checked 2026-08-30

RestrictedBinding ruleOriginal is EnglishOfficial-source import checked

Potassium hydroxide

CAS 1310-58-3 · EC 215-181-3

New Zealand Cosmetic Products Group Standard Schedule 5, reference 15d.

Conditions: Product scope: Callosity softener/remover · Maximum concentration: 1.5% · Warnings: Contains alkali. Avoid contact with eyes. Keep out of reach of children. Read directions for use carefully.

Source:Schedule 5, reference 15d, source row 34 · version effective-2026-01-01 · effective Jan. 1, 2026 · source checked 2026-08-30

RestrictedBinding ruleOriginal is EnglishOfficial-source import checked

Potassium monofluorophosphate (dipotassium fluorophosphate)

CAS 14104-28-0

New Zealand Cosmetic Products Group Standard Schedule 5, reference 28.

Conditions: Product scope: Oral products · Maximum concentration: 0.15% calculated as F When mixed with other fluorine compounds permitted under Schedule 5, total F concentration must not exceed 0.15% · Warnings: Contains potassium monofluorophosphate. For any toothpaste with compounds containing fluorine at a concentration of 0.1 to 0.15%, calculated as F, unless it is already labelled as contra-indicated for children (e.g. for adult use only) the following labelling is obligatory: Children five years and under should use a smear of toothpaste and children six years and over should use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.

Source:Schedule 5, reference 28, source row 49 · version effective-2026-01-01 · effective Jan. 1, 2026 · source checked 2026-08-30

RestrictedBinding ruleOriginal is EnglishOfficial-source import checked

Potassium or sodium hydroxide

CAS 1310-58-3 · EC 215-181-3

New Zealand Cosmetic Products Group Standard Schedule 5, reference 15a.

Conditions: Product scope: (a) Nail cuticle solvent (b) Hair straightener (i) General use (ii) Professional use (c) pH adjuster – depilatories (d) Other uses as pH adjuster · Maximum concentration: (a) 5% by weight* (b)(i) 2% by weight* (b)(ii) 4.5% by weight* · Other limitations: (c) pH value not to exceed pH 12.7 (d) pH value not to exceed pH 11 · Warnings: For (a): Contains alkali. Avoid contact with eyes. Can cause blindness. Keep out of reach of children. For ((b)(i)): Contains alkali. Avoid contact with eyes. Can cause blindness. Keep out of reach of children. For ((b)(ii)): For professional use only. Avoid contact with eyes. Can cause blindness. For (c): Keep out of reach of children. Avoid contact with eyes.

Source:Schedule 5, reference 15a, source row 30 · version effective-2026-01-01 · effective Jan. 1, 2026 · source checked 2026-08-30

RestrictedBinding ruleOriginal is EnglishOfficial-source import checked

Potassium or sodium hydroxide

CAS 1310-73-2 · EC 215-185-5

New Zealand Cosmetic Products Group Standard Schedule 5, reference 15a.

Conditions: Product scope: (a) Nail cuticle solvent (b) Hair straightener (i) General use (ii) Professional use (c) pH adjuster – depilatories (d) Other uses as pH adjuster · Maximum concentration: (a) 5% by weight* (b)(i) 2% by weight* (b)(ii) 4.5% by weight* · Other limitations: (c) pH value not to exceed pH 12.7 (d) pH value not to exceed pH 11 · Warnings: Contains alkali.

Source:Schedule 5, reference 15a, source row 31 · version effective-2026-01-01 · effective Jan. 1, 2026 · source checked 2026-08-30

Permitted list with conditionsBinding ruleOriginal is EnglishOfficial-source import checked

Propyl 4-hydroxybenzoate and its salts e.g. potassium propylparaben

CAS 84930-16-5 · EC 284-597-5

New Zealand Cosmetic Products Group Standard Schedule 7, reference 12a.

Conditions: Maximum concentration: 0.14% (as acid) for the sum of the individual concentrations 0.8% (as acid) for mixtures of substances mentioned in Schedule 7, entries 12 and 12a, where the sum of the individual concentrations of butyl and propylparaben and their salts does not exceed 0.14% · Other limitations: Not to be used in leave-on products designed for application on the nappy area of children under three years of age · Warnings: For leave-on products designed for children under three years of age: Do not use on the nappy area.

Source:Schedule 7, reference 12a, source row 62 · version effective-2026-01-01 · effective Jan. 1, 2026 · source checked 2026-08-30

Permitted list with conditionsBinding ruleOriginal is EnglishOfficial-source import checked

Propyl 4-hydroxybenzoate and its salts e.g. propylparaben

CAS 94-13-3 · EC 202-307-7

New Zealand Cosmetic Products Group Standard Schedule 7, reference 12a.

Conditions: Maximum concentration: 0.14% (as acid) for the sum of the individual concentrations 0.8% (as acid) for mixtures of substances mentioned in Schedule 7, entries 12 and 12a, where the sum of the individual concentrations of butyl and propylparaben and their salts does not exceed 0.14% · Other limitations: Not to be used in leave-on products designed for application on the nappy area of children under three years of age · Warnings: For leave-on products designed for children under three years of age: Do not use on the nappy area.

Source:Schedule 7, reference 12a, source row 58 · version effective-2026-01-01 · effective Jan. 1, 2026 · source checked 2026-08-30

Permitted list with conditionsBinding ruleOriginal is EnglishOfficial-source import checked

Propyl 4-hydroxybenzoate and its salts e.g. sodium propylparaben

CAS 35285-69-9 · EC 252-488-1

New Zealand Cosmetic Products Group Standard Schedule 7, reference 12a.

Conditions: Maximum concentration: 0.14% (as acid) for the sum of the individual concentrations 0.8% (as acid) for mixtures of substances mentioned in Schedule 7, entries 12 and 12a, where the sum of the individual concentrations of butyl and propylparaben and their salts does not exceed 0.14% · Other limitations: Not to be used in leave-on products designed for application on the nappy area of children under three years of age · Warnings: For leave-on products designed for children under three years of age: Do not use on the nappy area.

Source:Schedule 7, reference 12a, source row 59 · version effective-2026-01-01 · effective Jan. 1, 2026 · source checked 2026-08-30

RestrictedBinding ruleOriginal is EnglishOfficial-source import checked

Pyridine-2,6-diyldiamine (2,6-diaminopyridine)

CAS 141-86-6 · EC 205-507-2

New Zealand Cosmetic Products Group Standard Schedule 5, reference 285.

Conditions: Product scope: (a) Hair dye substance in oxidative hair dye products (b) Products intended for colouring eyelashes · Maximum concentration: (a) and (b): After mixing under oxidative conditions the maximum concentration applied to hair must not exceed 0.15% · Other limitations: (b) For professional use only · Warnings: For (a): The mixing ratio. ⚠Hair colourants can cause severe allergic reactions. Read and follow instructions. This product is not intended for use on persons under the age of 16. Temporary “black henna” tattoos may increase your risk of allergy. Do not colour your hair if: - you have a rash on your face or sensitive, irritated and damaged scalp, - you have ever experienced any reaction after colouring your hair, - you have experienced a reaction to a temporary “black henna” tattoo in the past. For (b): The mixing ratio. For professional use only. ⚠This product can cause severe allergic reactions. Read and follow instructions. This product is not intended for use on persons under the age of 16. Temporary “black henna” tattoos may increase your risk of allergy. Eyelashes shall not be coloured if the consumer: - has a rash on the face or sensitive, irritated and damaged scalp, - has experienced any reaction after colouring your hair, - has experienced a reaction to a temporary “black henna” tattoo in the past. Rinse eyes immediately if product comes into contact with them.

Source:Schedule 5, reference 285, source row 345 · version effective-2026-01-01 · effective Jan. 1, 2026 · source checked 2026-08-30

RestrictedBinding ruleOriginal is EnglishOfficial-source import checked

Pyridinium, 1-methyl-4-[(methyl-phenyl​hydrazono)​methyl]-, methyl sulfate (Basic Yellow 87)

CAS 68259-00-7 · EC 269-503-2

New Zealand Cosmetic Products Group Standard Schedule 5, reference 275.

Conditions: Product scope: (a) Hair dye substance in oxidative hair dye products (b) Hair dye substance in non-oxidative hair dye products · Maximum concentration: (a) After mixing under oxidative conditions the maximum concentration applied to hair must not exceed 1.0% (b) 1.0% · Warnings: For (a): The mixing ratio. ⚠Hair colourants can cause severe allergic reactions. Read and follow instructions. This product is not intended for use on persons under the age of 16. Temporary “black henna” tattoos may increase your risk of allergy. Do not colour your hair if: - you have a rash on your face or sensitive, irritated and damaged scalp, - you have ever experienced any reaction after colouring your hair, - you have experienced a reaction to a temporary “black henna” tattoo in the past.

Source:Schedule 5, reference 275, source row 332 · version effective-2026-01-01 · effective Jan. 1, 2026 · source checked 2026-08-30

RestrictedBinding ruleOriginal is EnglishOfficial-source import checked

Pyrithione zinc (Zinc pyrithione)

CAS 13463-41-7 · EC 236-671-3

New Zealand Cosmetic Products Group Standard Schedule 5, reference 2.

Conditions: Product scope: Leave-on hair products · Maximum concentration: 0.1% · Other limitations: For purposes other than inhibiting the development of microorganisms in the product. This purpose has to be apparent from the presentation of the product

Source:Schedule 5, reference 2, source row 408 · version effective-2026-01-01 · effective Jan. 1, 2026 · source checked 2026-08-30

Permitted list with conditionsBinding ruleOriginal is EnglishOfficial-source import checked

Pyrithione zinc (zinc pyrithione)

CAS 13463-41-7 · EC 236-671-3

New Zealand Cosmetic Products Group Standard Schedule 7, reference 2.

Conditions: Product scope: (a) Hair products (b) Other products · Maximum concentration: (a) 1.0% (b) 0.5% · Other limitations: Rinse off products only Not to be used in oral products

Source:Schedule 7, reference 2, source row 145 · version effective-2026-01-01 · effective Jan. 1, 2026 · source checked 2026-08-30

Market coverage contract

Complete schedules dataset
Included scope
Schedules 4–8: prohibited, restricted, colourant, preservative and UV-filter entries.
If no match is found
The searchable spreadsheet is an aid; the legal Group Standard and incorporated notices remain authoritative.

Complete verification checklist

  1. Search exact identity across Schedules 4–8.
  2. Apply use, concentration and warning conditions.
  3. Check hazardous-substance classification and Group Standard scope.
  4. Confirm the latest legal instrument, not only the spreadsheet.

How New Zealand differs from other markets

Comparing this market's imported rules against every other market's for the same substance. A market with no imported rule for a substance is left out of that comparison rather than treated as permitting it.

Official sources and legal role

New Zealand cosmetic product schedules 4–8

Prohibited and restricted substances, permitted colorants, preservatives and UV filters

Legal meaning: Official EPA group standard schedules; current market-specific rule source

Available language: English

What this market page can answer

Source and authority

Identify the official material and the regulator responsible for it: Environmental Protection Authority.

Language and scope

See whether usable English or bilingual material exists and what the mapped source actually covers. Current source language: English.

Evidence status

Browse ingredient-level records imported from official sources. Each row states whether it passed deterministic source checks or human editorial review.

How to verify an ingredient for this market

  1. Search the ingredient by INCI name, CAS number or EC number and record the exact identity.
  2. Open each official source above and check the current version, product scope, concentration limits and required warnings.
  3. Confirm effective dates and whether an English text is official, reviewed or only contextual.
  4. Treat a missing local match as unknown, never as permission or a safety conclusion.