Contents:

• What is microplastic and why is it also found in cosmetics?
• What is plastic in cosmetics called?

Plastic is everywhere today. We find it in kitchen appliances, clothing, and shoes. Our windows, children's chairs, bottles, and drinking bottles are made of plastic. Plastic particles can be found in food and even in the air. Studies by scientists at the University of Newcastle in Australia and scientists at the University of Vienna show that each of us ingests microplastic particles every day, and in a week this can amount to up to 5 grams. There is also increasing talk about the fact that most of the cosmetics we use every day, such as toothpastes, shampoos, soaps, balms, creams, and scrubs, contain plastic particles.

What is microplastic and why is it also found in cosmetics?

Microplastics are small plastic particles no larger than 5 mm. Although we don't realize it, plastic has been used in the cosmetics industry since the 1960s. In balms, face creams, and shampoos, it acts as a stabilizer, thickener, or film-forming agent. Thanks to these properties, the creams don't separate, retain moisture in the skin, and, most importantly, facilitate application.

Numerous studies have shown that plastic particles in cosmetics are neither toxic nor allergenic. However, the more plastic particles present in the composition, the greater the likelihood that the product will be of lower quality and contain fewer active ingredients that have a positive effect on our skin, body, or hair. Plastic particles in face cream can also clog pores, ultimately worsening the condition of the skin.

Although microplastics found in cosmetics aren't considered toxic, the use of products containing microplastics impacts the natural environment and can contribute to the pollution of our planet. This happens because we rinse off all the plastic contained in shampoos, soaps, and scrubs, which, along with water, enter wastewater, then water reservoirs, animal stomachs, and later the food chain. The plastic then accumulates in the human body, where it can become toxic over time.

Unfortunately, microplastics significantly pollute the seas and oceans and pose a threat to flora and fauna. Plastic particles that accumulate in living organisms, including the human body, can contribute to the development of hormonal disorders and even cancer.

What is plastic in cosmetics called?

Microplastics are known under the following names:

• Crosspolymer, Acrylate Copolymer – Acrylic copolymers that prevent delamination of cosmetics. We find them in creams, mascaras, masks , and hair conditioners, among others.
• Polyethylene, polypropylene – has abrasive properties, is mainly added to peelings and toothpastes,
• Terephthalate and polyester – are used as stabilizers mainly in the production of color cosmetics and in hair and nail care products.
• Polyurethane, Polyurethane-2, Polyurethane-14, Polyurethane-35 – is mainly used as a hair fixing agent and is found mainly in varnishes, mousses and other hair styling products.
• Polyamide, nylon-6, nylon-12, and nylon-66 – their addition prevents the product from rolling off and ensures easier distribution of the cosmetic on the skin. They are mainly found in foundations, makeup bases, lipsticks, and BB creams.
• Polyquaternium-7 – is the most common ingredient in soaps, shampoos and shower gels.

Fortunately, more and more local companies and global corporations are recognizing the magnitude of this problem and offering ecologically certified cosmetics containing natural substances such as shea butter , hyaluronic acid, or glycerin, and natural oils such as coconut or jojoba oil . We ourselves can influence the reduction of these environmentally harmful products by carefully reading the ingredients and choosing cosmetics that do not contain microplastics, especially those that come into direct contact with seawater, such as sunscreens, or are rinsed off with water—shampoos, gels, and scrubs .