While we often associate microplastic pollution with plastic bags, bottles, and other visible waste, one lesser-known source is skincare products. The beauty and skincare industry, in its quest for innovation and performance, has inadvertently contributed to this growing problem through the inclusion of plastic-based ingredients. This article explores how skincare contributes to microplastic pollution, the mechanisms by which this occurs, and what consumers and manufacturers can do to mitigate the problem.
The Role of Microplastics in Skincare
For decades, plastics have been incorporated into skincare formulations for various purposes:
- Exfoliants: Plastic microbeads, small round particles, were once popular as exfoliating agents in face washes, body scrubs, and toothpastes.
- Film-forming agents: Some skincare products include synthetic polymers that create a barrier on the skin to lock in moisture. These polymers are often derived from plastic sources.
- Emulsifiers: Plastics can also be used as emulsifiers to stabilize mixtures, ensuring that water and oils blend together seamlessly in creams, lotions, and makeup.
- Thickeners and texturizers: In some cases, plastic-based ingredients provide texture, making products feel more luxurious or thicker.
The use of these synthetic materials has been largely driven by their low cost, versatility, and effectiveness. However, their presence in skincare products has an environmental downside.
How Skincare Products Release Microplastics into the Environment
Once applied, many skincare products are rinsed off and washed down the drain. This is particularly true for cleansers, exfoliants, and body scrubs. As these products break down, the microplastics they contain enter wastewater systems. Unfortunately, most wastewater treatment plants are not equipped to filter out microplastics, allowing these tiny particles to pass through and enter rivers, lakes, and oceans.
Once in aquatic environments, microplastics are consumed by marine life, from tiny plankton to large fish, eventually moving up the food chain and potentially impacting human health through seafood consumption.
Microplastic Ingredients in Skincare Products
Several ingredients commonly found in skincare and cosmetic products are classified as microplastics. Some of the most prevalent include:
- Polyethylene (PE): Often used in exfoliating beads or film-forming agents.
- Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA): Found in some skincare products to create a smooth texture.
- Nylon: A synthetic polymer that can be used as a thickener or texturizer.
- Polypropylene (PP): Used for both exfoliation and as a structural component in cosmetics.
- Polyethylene terephthalate (PET): Another common plastic used in personal care products.
These ingredients are often listed on product labels under their chemical names, which can make it difficult for the average consumer to recognize their presence.
The Environmental Impact of Microplastics from Skincare
Once released into the environment, microplastics have several concerning impacts:
- Ingestion by Marine Life: Microplastics are often mistaken for food by marine animals. This ingestion can lead to physical harm, such as blockages in digestive systems, and chemical harm, as microplastics can absorb and carry toxic pollutants from the water.
- Chemical Leaching: Microplastics can leach harmful chemicals, such as phthalates, into water bodies. These chemicals may disrupt hormone systems in both wildlife and humans.
- Persistence in the Environment: Microplastics do not biodegrade in the same way organic matter does. They can persist in ecosystems for hundreds or even thousands of years, leading to long-term environmental contamination.
- Bioaccumulation: As microplastics move up the food chain, they accumulate in higher concentrations. This phenomenon, known as bioaccumulation, means that animals higher up the food chain, including humans, may be exposed to significant levels of microplastics and their associated toxic chemicals.
Regulatory Efforts and Industry Response
Growing awareness of the environmental impact of microplastics has led to regulatory actions in several countries. In 2015, the United States passed the Microbead-Free Waters Act, which banned the use of plastic microbeads in rinse-off cosmetics and personal care products. The European Union and several other countries have followed suit with similar legislation.
In response, many companies have started to remove microplastics from their formulations. Some brands have reformulated their products to use natural exfoliants, such as sugar, salt, or ground seeds, instead of plastic microbeads. Others are moving toward more sustainable alternatives, including biodegradable polymers derived from natural sources.
However, while these efforts represent progress, they often focus on the most visible types of microplastics, such as exfoliating beads. The less obvious microplastic ingredients, like synthetic polymers used as film formers or emulsifiers, remain common in many products.
Alternatives to Microplastics in Skincare
As the industry shifts away from plastic-based ingredients, several alternatives have emerged:
- Natural Exfoliants: Ingredients like crushed apricot kernels, oatmeal, and pumice provide physical exfoliation without the environmental impact.
- Biodegradable Polymers: Some companies are exploring plant-based polymers, such as those derived from corn or seaweed, which break down more easily in the environment.
- Non-plastic Emulsifiers and Stabilizers: There is a growing interest in natural emulsifiers like beeswax, lecithin, and squalane, which offer similar benefits without contributing to microplastic pollution.
What We Can Do
We play a critical role in driving change within the skincare industry. By being mindful of the products they purchase, individuals can help reduce the demand for plastic-based ingredients. Here are a few steps we can take:
- Check Ingredient Lists: Avoid products containing known microplastic ingredients like polyethylene, nylon, and polypropylene.
- Opt for Natural Exfoliants: Choose products that use natural exfoliants instead of synthetic microbeads.
- Support Eco-Friendly Brands: Many skincare brands are making strides toward sustainability. Look for certifications like “Zero Plastic Inside” or “EcoCert” that indicate a brand’s commitment to avoiding microplastics.
- Reduce Waste: Beyond ingredients, consumers can also choose skincare products with minimal or plastic-free packaging to further reduce plastic pollution.