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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
RestrictedBinding ruleOriginal is EnglishOfficial-source import checked

Resorcinol (1,3-benzenediol)

CAS 108-46-3 · EC 203-585-2

New Zealand Cosmetic Products Group Standard Schedule 5, reference 22.

Conditions: Product scope: (a) Hair dye substance in oxidative hair dye products (b) Products intended for colouring eyelashes (c) Hair lotions and shampoos · Maximum concentration: (a) and (b): After mixing under oxidative conditions the maximum concentration applied to hair or eyelashes must not exceed 1.25% (c) 0.5% · Other limitations: (b) For professional use only · Warnings: For (a): The mixing ratio. Contains resorcinol. ⚠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. Rinse hair well after application. Rinse eyes immediately if product comes into contact with them. Do not use to dye eyelashes or eyebrows For (b): The mixing ratio. For professional use only. Contains resorcinol. ⚠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 hair or eyelashes, - has experienced a reaction to a temporary black henna tattoo in the past. Rinse eyes immediately if product comes into contact with them. For (c): Contains resorcinol.

Source:Schedule 5, reference 22, source row 41 · version effective-2026-01-01 · effective Jan. 1, 2026 · source checked 2026-08-30

RestrictedBinding ruleOriginal is EnglishOfficial-source import checked

Rose ketone-3ξ

CAS 57378-68-4

New Zealand Cosmetic Products Group Standard Schedule 5, reference 161.

Conditions: Product scope: (a) Oral products (b) Other products · Maximum concentration: (b) 0.02%

Source:Schedule 5, reference 161, source row 193 · version effective-2026-01-01 · effective Jan. 1, 2026 · source checked 2026-08-30

RestrictedBinding ruleOriginal is EnglishOfficial-source import checked

Rose ketone-4ξ (1-(2,6,6-trimethylcyclohexa-1,3-dien-1-yl)-2-buten-1-one; damascone)

CAS 23696-85-7 · EC 245-833-2

New Zealand Cosmetic Products Group Standard Schedule 5, reference 160.

Conditions: Product scope: (a) Oral products (b) Other products · Maximum concentration: (b) 0.02%

Source:Schedule 5, reference 160, source row 192 · version effective-2026-01-01 · effective Jan. 1, 2026 · source checked 2026-08-30

ProhibitedBinding ruleOriginal is EnglishOfficial-source import checked

Safrole except for normal content in the natural essences used and provided the concentration does not exceed: 100 ppm in the finished product, 50 ppm in products for dental and oral hygiene, and provided that Safrole is not present in toothpastes intended specifically for children

Safrole except for normal content in the natural essences used and provided the concentration does not exceed: 100 ppm in the finished product, 50 ppm in products for dental and oral hygiene, and provided that Safrole is not present in toothpastes intende

CAS 94-59-7

New Zealand Cosmetic Products Group Standard Schedule 4, reference 360.

Source:Schedule 4, reference 360, source row 374 · version effective-2026-01-01 · effective Jan. 1, 2026 · source checked 2026-08-30

RestrictedBinding ruleOriginal is EnglishOfficial-source import checked

Salicylic acid (benzoic acid, 2-hydroxy-)

CAS 69-72-7 · EC 200-712-3

New Zealand Cosmetic Products Group Standard Schedule 5, reference 98.

Conditions: Product scope: (a) Rinse-off hair products (b) Other products except body lotion, eye shadow, mascara, eyeliner, lipstick, roll-on deodorant (c) Body lotion, eye shadow, mascara, eyeliner, lipstick, roll-on deodorant · Maximum concentration: (a) 3.0% (b) 2.0% (c) 0.5% · Other limitations: (a), (b) and (c): - Not to be used in preparations for children under three years of age - Not to be used in applications that may lead to exposure of the end-user’s lungs by inhalation - Not to be used in oral products - For purposes other than inhibiting the development of microorganisms in the product - This purpose has to be apparent from the presentation of the product - These levels are inclusive of any use of salicylic acid · Warnings: Not to be used for children under three years of age.†

Source:Schedule 5, reference 98, source row 127 · version effective-2026-01-01 · effective Jan. 1, 2026 · source checked 2026-08-30

Permitted list with conditionsBinding ruleOriginal is EnglishOfficial-source import checked

Salicylic acid and its salts

CAS 69-72-7 · EC 200-712-3

New Zealand Cosmetic Products Group Standard Schedule 7, reference 3.

Conditions: Maximum concentration: 0.5% (acid) · Other limitations: For salicylic acid: Not to be used in preparations for children under three years of age Not to be used in oral products Not to be used in applications that may lead to exposure of the end-user’s lungs by inhalation For salicylic acid salts: Not to be used in products for children under 3 years of age, except for shampoos · Warnings: Not to be used for children under three years of age. Solely for products which might be used for children under three years of age and which remain in prolonged contact with the skin.

Source:Schedule 7, reference 3, source row 22 · version effective-2026-01-01 · effective Jan. 1, 2026 · source checked 2026-08-30

Permitted list with conditionsBinding ruleOriginal is EnglishOfficial-source import checked

Salicylic acid and its salts e.g. MEA-salicylate

CAS 59866-70-5 · EC 261-963-2

New Zealand Cosmetic Products Group Standard Schedule 7, reference 3.

Conditions: Maximum concentration: 0.5% (acid) · Other limitations: For salicylic acid: Not to be used in preparations for children under three years of age Not to be used in oral products Not to be used in applications that may lead to exposure of the end-user’s lungs by inhalation For salicylic acid salts: Not to be used in products for children under 3 years of age, except for shampoos · Warnings: Not to be used for children under three years of age. Solely for products which might be used for children under three years of age and which remain in prolonged contact with the skin.

Source:Schedule 7, reference 3, source row 25 · version effective-2026-01-01 · effective Jan. 1, 2026 · source checked 2026-08-30

Permitted list with conditionsBinding ruleOriginal is EnglishOfficial-source import checked

Salicylic acid and its salts e.g. TEA-salicylate

CAS 2174-16-5 · EC 218-531-3

New Zealand Cosmetic Products Group Standard Schedule 7, reference 3.

Conditions: Maximum concentration: 0.5% (acid) · Other limitations: For salicylic acid: Not to be used in preparations for children under three years of age Not to be used in oral products Not to be used in applications that may lead to exposure of the end-user’s lungs by inhalation For salicylic acid salts: Not to be used in products for children under 3 years of age, except for shampoos · Warnings: Not to be used for children under three years of age. Solely for products which might be used for children under three years of age and which remain in prolonged contact with the skin.

Source:Schedule 7, reference 3, source row 28 · version effective-2026-01-01 · effective Jan. 1, 2026 · source checked 2026-08-30

Permitted list with conditionsBinding ruleOriginal is EnglishOfficial-source import checked

Salicylic acid and its salts e.g. calcium salicylate

CAS 824-35-1 · EC 212-525-4

New Zealand Cosmetic Products Group Standard Schedule 7, reference 3.

Conditions: Maximum concentration: 0.5% (acid) · Other limitations: For salicylic acid: Not to be used in preparations for children under three years of age Not to be used in oral products Not to be used in applications that may lead to exposure of the end-user’s lungs by inhalation For salicylic acid salts: Not to be used in products for children under 3 years of age, except for shampoos · Warnings: Not to be used for children under three years of age. Solely for products which might be used for children under three years of age and which remain in prolonged contact with the skin.

Source:Schedule 7, reference 3, source row 23 · version effective-2026-01-01 · effective Jan. 1, 2026 · source checked 2026-08-30

Permitted list with conditionsBinding ruleOriginal is EnglishOfficial-source import checked

Salicylic acid and its salts e.g. magnesium salicylate

CAS 18917-89-0 · EC 242-669-3

New Zealand Cosmetic Products Group Standard Schedule 7, reference 3.

Conditions: Maximum concentration: 0.5% (acid) · Other limitations: For salicylic acid: Not to be used in preparations for children under three years of age Not to be used in oral products Not to be used in applications that may lead to exposure of the end-user’s lungs by inhalation For salicylic acid salts: Not to be used in products for children under 3 years of age, except for shampoos · Warnings: Not to be used for children under three years of age. Solely for products which might be used for children under three years of age and which remain in prolonged contact with the skin.

Source:Schedule 7, reference 3, source row 24 · version effective-2026-01-01 · effective Jan. 1, 2026 · source checked 2026-08-30

Permitted list with conditionsBinding ruleOriginal is EnglishOfficial-source import checked

Salicylic acid and its salts e.g. potassium salicylate

CAS 578-36-9 · EC 209-421-6

New Zealand Cosmetic Products Group Standard Schedule 7, reference 3.

Conditions: Maximum concentration: 0.5% (acid) · Other limitations: For salicylic acid: Not to be used in preparations for children under three years of age Not to be used in oral products Not to be used in applications that may lead to exposure of the end-user’s lungs by inhalation For salicylic acid salts: Not to be used in products for children under 3 years of age, except for shampoos · Warnings: Not to be used for children under three years of age. Solely for products which might be used for children under three years of age and which remain in prolonged contact with the skin.

Source:Schedule 7, reference 3, source row 27 · version effective-2026-01-01 · effective Jan. 1, 2026 · source checked 2026-08-30

Permitted list with conditionsBinding ruleOriginal is EnglishOfficial-source import checked

Salicylic acid and its salts e.g. sodium salicylate

CAS 54-51-7

New Zealand Cosmetic Products Group Standard Schedule 7, reference 3.

Conditions: Maximum concentration: 0.5% (acid) · Other limitations: For salicylic acid: Not to be used in preparations for children under three years of age Not to be used in oral products Not to be used in applications that may lead to exposure of the end-user’s lungs by inhalation For salicylic acid salts: Not to be used in products for children under 3 years of age, except for shampoos · Warnings: Not to be used for children under three years of age. Solely for products which might be used for children under three years of age and which remain in prolonged contact with the skin.

Source:Schedule 7, reference 3, source row 26 · version effective-2026-01-01 · effective Jan. 1, 2026 · source checked 2026-08-30

Permitted list with conditionsBinding ruleOriginal is EnglishOfficial-source import checked

Salts of benzoic acid other than that listed under Schedule 7, entry 1, and esters of benzoic acid e.g. MEA-benzoate

CAS 4337-66-0 · EC 224-387-2

New Zealand Cosmetic Products Group Standard Schedule 7, reference 1a.

Conditions: Maximum concentration: 0.5% (acid)

Source:Schedule 7, reference 1a, source row 8 · version effective-2026-01-01 · effective Jan. 1, 2026 · source checked 2026-08-30

Permitted list with conditionsBinding ruleOriginal is EnglishOfficial-source import checked

Salts of benzoic acid other than that listed under Schedule 7, entry 1, and esters of benzoic acid e.g. ammonium benzoate

CAS 1863-63-4 · EC 217-468-9

New Zealand Cosmetic Products Group Standard Schedule 7, reference 1a.

Conditions: Maximum concentration: 0.5% (acid)

Source:Schedule 7, reference 1a, source row 4 · version effective-2026-01-01 · effective Jan. 1, 2026 · source checked 2026-08-30

Permitted list with conditionsBinding ruleOriginal is EnglishOfficial-source import checked

Salts of benzoic acid other than that listed under Schedule 7, entry 1, and esters of benzoic acid e.g. butyl benzoate

CAS 136-60-7 · EC 205-252-7

New Zealand Cosmetic Products Group Standard Schedule 7, reference 1a.

Conditions: Maximum concentration: 0.5% (acid)

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

Permitted list with conditionsBinding ruleOriginal is EnglishOfficial-source import checked

Salts of benzoic acid other than that listed under Schedule 7, entry 1, and esters of benzoic acid e.g. calcium benzoate

CAS 2090-05-3 · EC 218-235-4

New Zealand Cosmetic Products Group Standard Schedule 7, reference 1a.

Conditions: Maximum concentration: 0.5% (acid)

Source:Schedule 7, reference 1a, source row 5 · version effective-2026-01-01 · effective Jan. 1, 2026 · source checked 2026-08-30

Permitted list with conditionsBinding ruleOriginal is EnglishOfficial-source import checked

Salts of benzoic acid other than that listed under Schedule 7, entry 1, and esters of benzoic acid e.g. ethyl benzoate

CAS 93-89-0 · EC 202-284-3

New Zealand Cosmetic Products Group Standard Schedule 7, reference 1a.

Conditions: Maximum concentration: 0.5% (acid)

Source:Schedule 7, reference 1a, source row 10 · version effective-2026-01-01 · effective Jan. 1, 2026 · source checked 2026-08-30

Permitted list with conditionsBinding ruleOriginal is EnglishOfficial-source import checked

Salts of benzoic acid other than that listed under Schedule 7, entry 1, and esters of benzoic acid e.g. isobutyl benzoate

CAS 120-50-3 · EC 204-401-3

New Zealand Cosmetic Products Group Standard Schedule 7, reference 1a.

Conditions: Maximum concentration: 0.5% (acid)

Source:Schedule 7, reference 1a, source row 13 · version effective-2026-01-01 · effective Jan. 1, 2026 · source checked 2026-08-30

Permitted list with conditionsBinding ruleOriginal is EnglishOfficial-source import checked

Salts of benzoic acid other than that listed under Schedule 7, entry 1, and esters of benzoic acid e.g. isopropyl benzoate

CAS 939-48-0 · EC 213-361-6

New Zealand Cosmetic Products Group Standard Schedule 7, reference 1a.

Conditions: Maximum concentration: 0.5% (acid)

Source:Schedule 7, reference 1a, source row 14 · version effective-2026-01-01 · effective Jan. 1, 2026 · source checked 2026-08-30

Permitted list with conditionsBinding ruleOriginal is EnglishOfficial-source import checked

Salts of benzoic acid other than that listed under Schedule 7, entry 1, and esters of benzoic acid e.g. magnesium benzoate

CAS 553-70-8 · EC 209-045-2

New Zealand Cosmetic Products Group Standard Schedule 7, reference 1a.

Conditions: Maximum concentration: 0.5% (acid)

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

Permitted list with conditionsBinding ruleOriginal is EnglishOfficial-source import checked

Salts of benzoic acid other than that listed under Schedule 7, entry 1, and esters of benzoic acid e.g. methyl benzoate

CAS 93-58-3 · EC 202-259-7

New Zealand Cosmetic Products Group Standard Schedule 7, reference 1a.

Conditions: Maximum concentration: 0.5% (acid)

Source:Schedule 7, reference 1a, source row 9 · version effective-2026-01-01 · effective Jan. 1, 2026 · source checked 2026-08-30

Permitted list with conditionsBinding ruleOriginal is EnglishOfficial-source import checked

Salts of benzoic acid other than that listed under Schedule 7, entry 1, and esters of benzoic acid e.g. phenyl benzoate

CAS 93-99-2 · EC 202-293-2

New Zealand Cosmetic Products Group Standard Schedule 7, reference 1a.

Conditions: Maximum concentration: 0.5% (acid)

Source:Schedule 7, reference 1a, source row 15 · version effective-2026-01-01 · effective Jan. 1, 2026 · source checked 2026-08-30

Permitted list with conditionsBinding ruleOriginal is EnglishOfficial-source import checked

Salts of benzoic acid other than that listed under Schedule 7, entry 1, and esters of benzoic acid e.g. potassium benzoate

CAS 582-25-2 · EC 209-481-3

New Zealand Cosmetic Products Group Standard Schedule 7, reference 1a.

Conditions: Maximum concentration: 0.5% (acid)

Source:Schedule 7, reference 1a, source row 6 · version effective-2026-01-01 · effective Jan. 1, 2026 · source checked 2026-08-30

Permitted list with conditionsBinding ruleOriginal is EnglishOfficial-source import checked

Salts of benzoic acid other than that listed under Schedule 7, entry 1, and esters of benzoic acid e.g. propyl benzoate

CAS 2315-68-6 · EC 219-020-8

New Zealand Cosmetic Products Group Standard Schedule 7, reference 1a.

Conditions: Maximum concentration: 0.5% (acid)

Source:Schedule 7, reference 1a, source row 11 · version effective-2026-01-01 · effective Jan. 1, 2026 · source checked 2026-08-30

RestrictedBinding ruleOriginal is EnglishOfficial-source import checked

Selenium disulfide

CAS 7488-56-4 · EC 231-303-8

New Zealand Cosmetic Products Group Standard Schedule 5, reference 49.

Conditions: Product scope: Antidandruff shampoos · Maximum concentration: 1% · Warnings: Contains selenium disulfide. Avoid contact with eyes or damaged skin.

Source:Schedule 5, reference 49, source row 70 · version effective-2026-01-01 · effective Jan. 1, 2026 · source checked 2026-08-30

Permitted list with conditionsBinding ruleOriginal is EnglishOfficial-source import checked

Silver

CAS 7440-22-4 · EC 231-131-3

New Zealand Cosmetic Products Group Standard Schedule 6, reference 142.

Conditions: Colour index: 77820 · CAS: 7440-22-4 · Colour: White · Other limitations: E 174

Source:Schedule 6, reference 142, source row 158 · version effective-2026-01-01 · effective Jan. 1, 2026 · source checked 2026-08-30

Permitted list with conditionsBinding ruleOriginal is EnglishOfficial-source import checked

Silver chloride deposited on titanium dioxide

CAS 7783-90-6 · EC 232-033-3

New Zealand Cosmetic Products Group Standard Schedule 7, reference 52.

Conditions: Maximum concentration: 0.004% calculated as AgCl · Other limitations: 20% AgCl (w/w) on TiO2. Not to be used in products for children under three years of age, in oral products and in eye and lip products

Source:Schedule 7, reference 52, source row 128 · version effective-2026-01-01 · effective Jan. 1, 2026 · source checked 2026-08-30

RestrictedBinding ruleOriginal is EnglishOfficial-source import checked

Silver nitrate

CAS 7761-88-8 · EC 231-853-9

New Zealand Cosmetic Products Group Standard Schedule 5, reference 48.

Conditions: Product scope: Solely for products intended for colouring eyelashes and eyebrows · Maximum concentration: 4% · Warnings: Contains silver nitrate. Rinse the eyes immediately if product comes into contact with them.

Source:Schedule 5, reference 48, source row 69 · 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.