It is estimated that the average adult uses at least seven
different skin care products each day, so it’s not surprising that reactions
to these products are very common. Reactions can be seen after the first
application or after years of use. In New Zealand, like the rest of the
developed world, there is a trend towards using "natural products", with the
misconception that natural products are "healthier" and cause fewer reactions
than artificial products. This myth is debunked when people are reminded that
most allergens are "natural” proteins.
What is even more worrying is the fact that there are at present no
regulations in New Zealand that cover cosmetic ingredient labelling. In
October 1991, the Cosmetic Ingredient Labelling Regulations were introduced in
Australia. These regulations define the term “cosmetic product” and require
that all ingredients be listed in descending order of concentration (although
no naming convention is specified nor is there a minimum print size
requirement apart from it being legible). This is a major step in helping
consumers become aware of exactly what they are rubbing into their skin and
putting in their hair. In New Zealand it is still possible to buy cosmetics
with no proper labelling, with known allergens omitted from the label or with
the term "hypoallergenic" used loosely on the label.
Quoted from allergy.org.nz