New Zealand to ban 'forever chemicals' in makeup

New Zealand is set to become one of the first countries to ban harmful "forever chemicals" from cosmetic products, environment watchdogs said Wednesday, Jan. 31.

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

Found in items like nail polish, shaving cream, foundation, lipstick and mascara, PFAS make products more durable, spreadable, and water-resistant.

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

"Our concern is they don't break down, either in the body or the environment," Shaun Presow from the Environmental Protection Authority told AFP.

"As they accumulate, they have been linked to a range of harmful effects, like some cancers and hormonal issues."

The cosmetics industry has until Dec. 31, 2026 to phase out the use of the 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 mulling a ban, but Presow says New Zealand is among the first banning them from cosmetics. 

"We're one of the first countries to do it, we haven't seen many others yet," he added. (AFP)