New Zealand to ban 'permanent chemicals' in makeup

New Zealand will become one of the first countries to ban harmful “permanent chemicals” from cosmetic products, environmental watchdogs said on Wednesday.

The Environmental Protection Authority said it will ban perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl long-lasting substances, known as PFAS or “forever chemicals”, by 2027.

PFAS, found in items such as nail polish, shaving cream, foundation, lipstick and mascara, make products more durable, spreadable and waterproof.

They are virtually indestructible, but can build up in the body over time, and studies have linked them to cancer, infertility, and environmental damage.

“We are concerned that they do not decompose in the body or in the environment,” Shaun Presow of the Environmental Protection Authority told AFP on Wednesday.

“As they accumulate, they have been linked to a variety of harmful effects, such as some cancers and hormonal problems.”

The cosmetics industry has until December 31, 2026 to phase out the use of these chemicals.

New Zealand will also ban the use of PFAS in firefighting foams from December 2025.

Some US states have adopted policies protecting people from PFAS and the European Union is considering a ban, but Presow says New Zealand is among the first to ban them in cosmetics.

“We are one of the first countries to do it, we haven't seen many others yet,” he added.