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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
ProhibitedBinding ruleOriginal is EnglishOfficial-source import checked

Tetrasodium 6-amino-4-hydroxy-3-[[7-sulfonato-4-[(4-sulfonatophenyl)azo]-1-naphthyl]azo]naphthalene-2,7-disulfonate (Food Black 2; CI 27755) when used as a substance in hair dye products

CAS 2118-39-0 · EC 218-326-9

New Zealand Cosmetic Products Group Standard Schedule 4, reference 1354.

Source:Schedule 4, reference 1354, source row 1433 · version effective-2026-01-01 · effective Jan. 1, 2026 · source checked 2026-08-30

Permitted list with conditionsBinding ruleOriginal is EnglishOfficial-source import checked

Tetrasodium 6-amino-4-hydroxy-3-[[7-sulfonato-4-[(4-sulfonatophenyl)​azo]-1-naphthyl]azo]naphthalene-2,7-disulfonate (Food Black 2)

CAS 2118-39-0 · EC 218-326-9

New Zealand Cosmetic Products Group Standard Schedule 6, reference 52.

Conditions: Colour index: 27755 · CAS: 2118-39-0 · Colour: Black

Source:Schedule 6, reference 52, source row 54 · version effective-2026-01-01 · effective Jan. 1, 2026 · source checked 2026-08-30

Permitted list with conditionsBinding ruleOriginal is EnglishOfficial-source import checked

Tetrasodium 7-hydroxy-8-[(4-sulfonato-1-naphthyl)azo]​naphthalene-1,3,6-trisulfonate (Acid Red 41)

CAS 5850-44-2 · EC 227-454-4

New Zealand Cosmetic Products Group Standard Schedule 6, reference 36.

Conditions: Colour index: 16290 · CAS: 5850-44-2 · Colour: Red

Source:Schedule 6, reference 36, source row 38 · version effective-2026-01-01 · effective Jan. 1, 2026 · source checked 2026-08-30

RestrictedBinding ruleOriginal is EnglishOfficial-source import checked

Thioglycolic acid and its salts

CAS 68-11-1 · EC 200-677-4

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

Conditions: Product scope: (a) Hair waving or straightening products: (i) General use (ii) Professional use (b) Depilatories (c) Other hair-care products which are removed after application (d) Products intended for eyelash waving (e) Other hair-care products which are removed after application · Maximum concentration: ((a)(i)) 8% ready for use pH 7 to 9.5 ((a)(ii)) 11% ready for use pH 7 to 9.5 (b) 5% ready for use pH 7 to 12.7 (c) 2% ready for use pH to 9.5 (d) 11% The above-mentioned percentages are calculated as thioglycolic acid · Other limitations: Follow the instructions · Warnings: Conditions of use: For (a), (b), (c), and (d): Avoid contact with eyes. Rinse eyes immediately if product comes into contact with them. For (a), (c), and (d): Wear suitable gloves. Warnings: For ((a)(i)), (b), (c): Contains thioglycolate. Follow the instructions. Keep out of reach of children. For ((a)(ii)), and (d): For professional use only. Contains thioglycolate.

Source:Schedule 5, reference 2a, source row 4 · version effective-2026-01-01 · effective Jan. 1, 2026 · source checked 2026-08-30

RestrictedBinding ruleOriginal is EnglishOfficial-source import checked

Thioglycolic acid esters

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

Conditions: Product scope: Hair waving or straightening products: (a) General use (b) Professional use · Maximum concentration: (a) 8% ready for use pH 6 to 9.5 (b) 11% ready for use pH 6 to 9.5 The above-mentioned percentages are calculated as thioglycolic acid · Warnings: Conditions of use: (a) and (b): May cause sensitization in the event of skin contact. Avoid contact with eyes. In the event of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice. Wear suitable gloves. Warnings: Contains thioglycolate. Follow the instructions. Keep out of reach of children. For (b): For professional use only.

Source:Schedule 5, reference 2b, 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

Thiomersal

CAS 54-64-8 · EC 200-210-4

New Zealand Cosmetic Products Group Standard Schedule 7, reference 16.

Conditions: Product scope: Eye products · Maximum concentration: 0.007% of mercury (Hg) If mixed with other mercurial compounds authorized by this Group Standard, the maximum concentration of mercury (Hg) remains fixed at 0.007% · Warnings: Contains thiomersal.

Source:Schedule 7, reference 16, source row 69 · version effective-2026-01-01 · effective Jan. 1, 2026 · source checked 2026-08-30

RestrictedBinding ruleOriginal is EnglishOfficial-source import checked

Thuja occidentalis oil and extract e.g. Thuja occidentalis bark extract; leaf; leaf extract; leaf oil; stem extract; stem oil; root extract

CAS 90131-58-1

New Zealand Cosmetic Products Group Standard Schedule 5, reference 119.

Conditions: Other limitations: Peroxide value less than 10 mmoles/L*

Source:Schedule 5, reference 119, source row 149 · version effective-2026-01-01 · effective Jan. 1, 2026 · source checked 2026-08-30

Permitted list with conditionsBinding ruleOriginal is EnglishOfficial-source import checked

Titanium dioxide

CAS 13463-67-7 · EC 236-675-5

New Zealand Cosmetic Products Group Standard Schedule 6, reference 143.

Conditions: Colour index: 77891 · CAS: 13463-67-7 · Colour: White · Other limitations: E 171 Titanium dioxide in powder form containing 1% or more of particles with aerodynamic diameter ≤ 10 μm, to be used in compliance with Schedule 5, entry 321

Source:Schedule 6, reference 143, source row 159 · version effective-2026-01-01 · effective Jan. 1, 2026 · source checked 2026-08-30

Permitted list with conditionsBinding ruleOriginal is EnglishOfficial-source import checked

Titanium dioxide (nano)

CAS 13463-67-7

New Zealand Cosmetic Products Group Standard Schedule 8, reference 27a.

Conditions: Maximum concentration: 25% · Other limitations: Not to be used in applications that may lead to exposure of the end-user’s lungs by inhalation Only nanomaterials having the following characteristics are allowed: - Purity ≥ 99% - Rutile form, or rutile with up to 5% anatase, with crystalline structure and physical appearance as clusters of spherical, needle, or lanceolate shapes - Median particle size based on number size distribution ≥ 30 nm - Aspect ratio from 1 to 4, 5, and volume specific surface area ≤ 460 m2/cm3 - Coated with silica, hydrated silica, alumina, aluminium hydroxide, aluminium stearate, stearic acid, trimethoxycaprylylsilane, glycerin, dimethicone, hydrogen dimethicone, simethicone, or coated with one of the following combinations: o Silica at a maximum concentration of 16% and cetyl phosphate at a maximum concentration of 6% o Alumina at a maximum concentration of 7% and manganese dioxide at a maximum concentration of 0.7% (not to be used in lip products) o Alumina at a maximum concentration of 3% and triethoxycapryl​ylsilane at a maximum concentration of 9% - Photocatalytic activity ≤ 10% compared to corresponding noncoated or non-doped reference - Nanoparticles are photostable in the final formulation · Warnings: For face products containing titanium dioxide (nano) coated with the combination alumina and manganese dioxide: Not to be used on the lips.

Source:Schedule 8, reference 27a, 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

Titanium dioxide (nano)

CAS 1317-70-0

New Zealand Cosmetic Products Group Standard Schedule 8, reference 27a.

Conditions: Maximum concentration: 25% · Other limitations: Not to be used in applications that may lead to exposure of the end-user’s lungs by inhalation Only nanomaterials having the following characteristics are allowed: - Purity ≥ 99% - Rutile form, or rutile with up to 5% anatase, with crystalline structure and physical appearance as clusters of spherical, needle, or lanceolate shapes - Median particle size based on number size distribution ≥ 30 nm - Aspect ratio from 1 to 4, 5, and volume specific surface area ≤ 460 m2/cm3 - Coated with silica, hydrated silica, alumina, aluminium hydroxide, aluminium stearate, stearic acid, trimethoxycaprylylsilane, glycerin, dimethicone, hydrogen dimethicone, simethicone, or coated with one of the following combinations: o Silica at a maximum concentration of 16% and cetyl phosphate at a maximum concentration of 6% o Alumina at a maximum concentration of 7% and manganese dioxide at a maximum concentration of 0.7% (not to be used in lip products) o Alumina at a maximum concentration of 3% and triethoxycapryl​ylsilane at a maximum concentration of 9% - Photocatalytic activity ≤ 10% compared to corresponding noncoated or non-doped reference - Nanoparticles are photostable in the final formulation · Warnings: For face products containing titanium dioxide (nano) coated with the combination alumina and manganese dioxide: Not to be used on the lips.

Source:Schedule 8, reference 27a, source row 32 · version effective-2026-01-01 · effective Jan. 1, 2026 · source checked 2026-08-30

Permitted list with conditionsBinding ruleOriginal is EnglishOfficial-source import checked

Titanium dioxide (nano)

CAS 1317-80-2

New Zealand Cosmetic Products Group Standard Schedule 8, reference 27a.

Conditions: Maximum concentration: 25% · Other limitations: Not to be used in applications that may lead to exposure of the end-user’s lungs by inhalation Only nanomaterials having the following characteristics are allowed: - Purity ≥ 99% - Rutile form, or rutile with up to 5% anatase, with crystalline structure and physical appearance as clusters of spherical, needle, or lanceolate shapes - Median particle size based on number size distribution ≥ 30 nm - Aspect ratio from 1 to 4, 5, and volume specific surface area ≤ 460 m2/cm3 - Coated with silica, hydrated silica, alumina, aluminium hydroxide, aluminium stearate, stearic acid, trimethoxycaprylylsilane, glycerin, dimethicone, hydrogen dimethicone, simethicone, or coated with one of the following combinations: o Silica at a maximum concentration of 16% and cetyl phosphate at a maximum concentration of 6% o Alumina at a maximum concentration of 7% and manganese dioxide at a maximum concentration of 0.7% (not to be used in lip products) o Alumina at a maximum concentration of 3% and triethoxycapryl​ylsilane at a maximum concentration of 9% - Photocatalytic activity ≤ 10% compared to corresponding noncoated or non-doped reference - Nanoparticles are photostable in the final formulation · Warnings: For face products containing titanium dioxide (nano) coated with the combination alumina and manganese dioxide: Not to be used on the lips.

Source:Schedule 8, reference 27a, source row 33 · version effective-2026-01-01 · effective Jan. 1, 2026 · source checked 2026-08-30

RestrictedBinding ruleOriginal is EnglishOfficial-source import checked

Titanium dioxide in powder form containing 1% or more of particles with aerodynamic diameter ≤ 10 μm

CAS 13463-67-7

New Zealand Cosmetic Products Group Standard Schedule 5, reference 321.

Conditions: Product scope: (a) Face products in loose powder form (b) Hair aerosol spray products (c) Other products · Maximum concentration: (a) 25% (b) 1.4% for general consumers, and 1.1% for professional use · Other limitations: (a) and (b): Only in pigmentary form (c) Not to be used in applications that may lead to exposure of the end-user’s lungs by inhalation

Source:Schedule 5, reference 321, source row 401 · version effective-2026-01-01 · effective Jan. 1, 2026 · source checked 2026-08-30

RestrictedBinding ruleOriginal is EnglishOfficial-source import checked

Titanium dioxide in powder form containing 1% or more of particles with aerodynamic diameter ≤ 10 μm

CAS 1317-70-0

New Zealand Cosmetic Products Group Standard Schedule 5, reference 321.

Conditions: Product scope: (a) Face products in loose powder form (b) Hair aerosol spray products (c) Other products · Maximum concentration: (a) 25% (b) 1.4% for general consumers, and 1.1% for professional use · Other limitations: (a) and (b): Only in pigmentary form (c) Not to be used in applications that may lead to exposure of the end-user’s lungs by inhalation

Source:Schedule 5, reference 321, source row 402 · version effective-2026-01-01 · effective Jan. 1, 2026 · source checked 2026-08-30

RestrictedBinding ruleOriginal is EnglishOfficial-source import checked

Titanium dioxide in powder form containing 1% or more of particles with aerodynamic diameter ≤ 10 μm

CAS 1317-80-2

New Zealand Cosmetic Products Group Standard Schedule 5, reference 321.

Conditions: Product scope: (a) Face products in loose powder form (b) Hair aerosol spray products (c) Other products · Maximum concentration: (a) 25% (b) 1.4% for general consumers, and 1.1% for professional use · Other limitations: (a) and (b): Only in pigmentary form (c) Not to be used in applications that may lead to exposure of the end-user’s lungs by inhalation

Source:Schedule 5, reference 321, source row 403 · version effective-2026-01-01 · effective Jan. 1, 2026 · source checked 2026-08-30

RestrictedBinding ruleOriginal is EnglishOfficial-source import checked

Toluene (benzene, methyl-)

CAS 108-88-3 · EC 203-625-9

New Zealand Cosmetic Products Group Standard Schedule 5, reference 185.

Conditions: Product scope: Nail products · Maximum concentration: 25% · Warnings: Keep out of reach of children. To be used by adults only.

Source:Schedule 5, reference 185, source row 219 · version effective-2026-01-01 · effective Jan. 1, 2026 · source checked 2026-08-30

RestrictedBinding ruleOriginal is EnglishOfficial-source import checked

Toluene-2,5-diamine and its saltsϖ e.g. 1,4-benzenediamine, 2-methyl-; toluene-2,5-diamine; 2,5-diaminotoluene sulfate; toluene-2,5-diamine sulfate

CAS 95-70-5 · EC 202-442-1

New Zealand Cosmetic Products Group Standard Schedule 5, reference 9a.

Conditions: Product scope: (a) Hair dye substance in oxidative hair dye products: (i) General use (ii) Professional use (b) Products intended for colouring eyelashes · Maximum concentration: (a) and (b): After mixing under oxidative conditions the maximum concentration applied to hair or eyelashes must not exceed 2.0% (calculated as free base) or 3.6% (calculated as sulfate salt) · Other limitations: ((a)(ii)) and (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. Contains phenylenediamines (toluenediamines). For ((a)(i)): Do not use to dye eyelashes or eyebrows. For ((a)(ii)): Wear suitable gloves. 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 the 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. Contains phenylenediamines (toluenediamines). Wear suitable gloves.

Source:Schedule 5, reference 9a, source row 22 · version effective-2026-01-01 · effective Jan. 1, 2026 · source checked 2026-08-30

RestrictedBinding ruleOriginal is EnglishOfficial-source import checked

Toluene-2,5-diamine and its saltsϖ e.g. 1,4-benzenediamine, 2-methyl-; toluene-2,5-diamine; 2,5-diaminotoluene sulfate; toluene-2,5-diamine sulfate

CAS 615-50-9 · EC 210-431-8

New Zealand Cosmetic Products Group Standard Schedule 5, reference 9a.

Conditions: Product scope: (a) Hair dye substance in oxidative hair dye products: (i) General use (ii) Professional use (b) Products intended for colouring eyelashes · Maximum concentration: After mixing under oxidative conditions the maximum concentration applied to hair or eyelashes must not exceed 2.0% (calculated as free base) or 3.6% (calculated as sulfate salt) · Other limitations: 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. Contains phenylenediamines (toluenediamines). For ((a)(i)): Do not use to dye eyelashes or eyebrows. For ((a)(ii)): Wear suitable gloves. 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 the 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. Contains phenylenediamines (toluenediamines). Wear suitable gloves.

Source:Schedule 5, reference 9a, source row 23 · version effective-2026-01-01 · effective Jan. 1, 2026 · source checked 2026-08-30

RestrictedBinding ruleOriginal is EnglishOfficial-source import checked

Treemoss extract (Evernia furfuracea extract)

CAS 90028-67-4

New Zealand Cosmetic Products Group Standard Schedule 5, reference 92.

Conditions: Other limitations: The presence of the substance must be indicated in the list of ingredients referred to in Schedule 1, condition 1(2) when its concentration exceeds: 0.001% in leave-on products 0.01% in rinse-off products

Source:Schedule 5, reference 92, source row 121 · version effective-2026-01-01 · effective Jan. 1, 2026 · source checked 2026-08-30

RestrictedBinding ruleOriginal is EnglishOfficial-source import checked

Trialkylamines, trialkanolamines and their salts

New Zealand Cosmetic Products Group Standard Schedule 5, reference 62.

Conditions: Product scope: (a) Non-rinse-off products (b) Other products · Maximum concentration: (a) 2.5% · Other limitations: (a) and (b): - Do not use with nitrosating systems - Minimum purity: 99% - Maximum secondary amine content: 0.5% (applies to raw materials) - Maximum nitrosamine content: 50 μg/kg - Keep in nitrite-free containers

Source:Schedule 5, reference 62, source row 84 · 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.