Microplastics in Cosmetics and the Search for Sustainable Alternatives

“This document discusses the use of microplastics (MPs) in personal care, cosmetics, and cleaning products, their environmental impact, and global efforts to find sustainable alternatives.

• Microplastics in Cosmetics:

MPs, such as glitter (metalized PET) and plastic beads (PE), are added to cosmetics for aesthetic and functional purposes but pose environmental risks.
These MPs persist in the environment, accumulating in organisms and entering the food chain, potentially causing harm.

• Environmental and Health Impact:

MPs can last for centuries and accumulate persistent organic pollutants (POPs).
Found in riverbed sediments and marine life, MPs can lead to inflammation, immune issues, and neurological effects in humans.

• Regulatory Actions:

The EU and other countries, including the USA, Canada, and South Korea, have banned MPs in rinse-off cosmetics.
The EU aims to cut environmental release of MPs by 400,000 tons over 20 years.
Italy banned advertising of rinse-off products with MPs since 2020, while the UAE has not yet introduced regulations.

Efforts continue to eliminate MPs in products and replace them with sustainable alternatives.”

Source: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/11/5/145##~https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/11/5

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