Study Reveals Microplastics Detected in 90% of Cosmetic Items

A study reveals alarming findings: microplastics are present in 90% of cosmetic products. These tiny plastic particles, often added as exfoliants or binders, pose environmental and health risks, potentially entering ecosystems and human bodies. Urgent action is needed to regulate and reduce microplastic use in cosmetics to safeguard both the environment and public health.

Most cosmetic producers strongly depend on microplastic ingredients

The discovery of microplastic particles in nine out of ten cosmetic products from leading brands, as reported by the Plastic Soup Foundation (PSF), underscores the pervasive presence of plastic pollution in everyday consumer goods. With over 7,000 products analyzed, including popular labels such as Garnier, Gillette, Nivea, L’Oréal Paris, Oral-B, and Head & Shoulders, the prevalence of microplastics in cosmetics is concerning.

Microplastics, tiny plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in size, pose a significant threat to the environment and human health. These particles can enter waterways, ecosystems, and ultimately the food chain, with potential adverse effects on marine life and ecosystems.

The findings from the PSF's report highlight the urgent need for increased awareness and action to address plastic pollution in cosmetic products. Efforts to develop and promote microplastic-free alternatives, along with stricter regulations and industry accountability, are essential steps toward mitigating the environmental and health risks associated with microplastics.

The discovery of plastic in various cosmetic products underscores the pressing need for stricter regulations on the use of synthetic polymers in consumer goods. However, the definition of microplastics remains a contentious issue, posing challenges to effective regulation.

Microplastics are typically defined as small plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in size, but variations in definitions and measurement methods complicate regulatory efforts. Additionally, the diverse sources and forms of microplastics, including primary microplastics intentionally added to products and secondary microplastics resulting from the breakdown of larger plastic items, further complicate regulatory frameworks.

Despite these challenges, addressing the issue of microplastics in cosmetics requires collaborative efforts among policymakers, industry stakeholders, and scientific experts. Clear and standardized definitions, robust testing methods, and transparent labeling practices are essential components of effective regulation.

Moreover, comprehensive measures to reduce plastic pollution, such as promoting the use of biodegradable and microplastic-free alternatives, investing in innovative research and development, and raising consumer awareness, are critical for mitigating the environmental and health impacts of microplastics in cosmetic products. By working together to address this complex issue, we can strive towards a more sustainable and plastic-free future.

Campaigners advocating for stricter regulations on microplastics in cosmetic products emphasize the importance of implementing rigorous checks before these products reach the shelves for consumer purchase. With approximately 3,800 tonnes of microplastics estimated to be released annually in Europe from the use of typical cosmetic products, as reported by the European Chemicals Agency, the need for proactive measures to address this issue is urgent.

Enhanced scrutiny and testing protocols during the production and distribution stages can help identify and minimize the presence of microplastics in cosmetics, thereby reducing their environmental impact. This includes comprehensive assessments of ingredients and manufacturing processes to ensure compliance with stringent standards and regulations.

Furthermore, fostering greater transparency within the cosmetics industry, including clear labeling practices that inform consumers about the presence of microplastics in products, can empower individuals to make informed purchasing decisions and support the demand for microplastic-free alternatives.

By implementing stricter checks and regulations on cosmetic products, policymakers can play a pivotal role in safeguarding environmental and human health while promoting sustainable practices within the beauty industry. Collaborative efforts between governments, industry stakeholders, and civil society are essential for addressing the pervasive issue of microplastics and advancing towards a more sustainable and plastic-free future.

Despite being found in diverse environments ranging from Arctic snow to the depths of the sea, the environmental consequences of microplastics remain uncertain.

A recent study conducted by the University of Hull has discovered microplastics present in the deepest regions of human lungs. This finding raises concerns as it suggests that plastic particles are either not being filtered out or are remaining trapped within the respiratory system.

Despite the ban on plastic microbeads in rinse-off cosmetics and personal care products implemented in 2018, the Plastic Soup Foundation (PSF) asserts that many products still contain other forms of plastic.

There is currently a proposal to ban "intentionally added microplastics," but the Plastic Soup Foundation (PSF) warns that certain ingredients, such as liquid polymers and water-soluble plastics, may not be included in this definition. If these substances are excluded, producers could continue using them in their products.

PSF is urging consumers to take action by asking their favorite brands to support a comprehensive ban on microplastic ingredients in personal care products and cosmetics, encouraging them to sign a petition in support of this cause.

In response to these concerns, a spokesperson for Nivea stated, "We have ambitious sustainability goals and are committed to ensuring that our products have minimal impact on the environment. Since the end of 2021, all Nivea products have been completely free of solid microplastics."

In response to concerns raised by the Plastic Soup Foundation (PSF), Nivea emphasizes the complexity of the public debate surrounding microplastics due to the absence of an internationally binding definition for the term. Nivea defines microplastics as solid, water-insoluble plastic particles smaller than five millimeters that are not biodegradable, aligning with the definition provided by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and broadly shared scientific opinion.

Proctor & Gamble, the parent company of brands such as Head & Shoulders, Gillette, and Oral-B, addressed the issue by stating that the ingredients identified by PSF in their products were not classified as microplastics in regulations because they were in liquid form.

Source: independent‍