Cosmetic peptides in skincare are legal to buy in New Zealand. Many injectable peptides are different: Medsafe says they are prescription medicines, and that supplying them without authorisation is unlawful. Retatrutide and BPC-157 are named in its 2026 warning. Medsafe has not approved those unapproved products.
What is the difference between cosmetic and injectable peptides?
The difference is how the product is used and what it claims to do. Skincare peptides are applied to the skin for appearance. Injectable peptides are sold for effects inside the body, and that puts them under medicines law.
| Cosmetic peptides | Injectable peptides | |
|---|---|---|
| Examples | Copper tripeptide-1, acetyl hexapeptide-8 | BPC-157, retatrutide, TB-500 |
| How used | On the skin | Injected |
| NZ rules | Cosmetic rules through the EPA | Medicines Act, through Medsafe |
| Legal access | Normal retail | Prescription and approved supply |
What has Medsafe said?
Medsafe’s May 2026 advisory says many peptide products are prescription medicines and that products sold outside the regulated system are illegal however they are labelled. It names BPC-157, CJC-1295, ipamorelin, melanotan II, retatrutide and others, and says the list is not complete.
Medsafe also says it has not assessed these products for quality, safety or efficacy.
Is enforcement active?
Yes. The NZ Herald reported in July 2026 that Medsafe intercepted more than 370 parcels in 2025, up from 15 in 2022. It also contacted 22 New Zealand websites selling peptides, and all were taken down.
Is it legal to import peptides for personal use?
Not for prescription medicines without authorisation. Medsafe says it is unlawful to import, supply, possess or procure prescription medicines unless this is authorised, and it continues to seize these products.
What should you do if you want a peptide medicine?
Talk to your GP. Approved peptide medicines, such as semaglutide, are available through a prescriber. Report any serious reaction to a product to the Centre for Adverse Reactions Monitoring.
For a wider overview, read peptides in NZ, or see what applies to weight loss and muscle growth. For skincare, start with peptides in skincare.
Common questions
Is retatrutide legal in New Zealand?
Medsafe says retatrutide is still being studied, is not approved in New Zealand, and that any retatrutide sold to the public comes from the black market. Talk to your doctor about approved options.
Does a research use only label make peptides legal?
No. Medsafe says the wording has no legal effect and does not permit sale, supply or use in people. A product offered for personal use, injection or consumption is being supplied unlawfully.
How do I know whether a product is a cosmetic?
A cosmetic is applied to the skin to clean, protect or improve how it looks. If a product is injected or claims to treat a disease, it falls outside cosmetics and medicine rules can apply.