What are liquid microplastics?

Microplastic as liquid polymers in skincare: what are they and how to identify them.

Liquid polymer plastics, also known as synthetic polymers, are commonly used in skincare products to improve the texture, stability, and spreadability of the product. These polymers are made from chemical compounds and are not derived from natural sources. They are used in a wide range of skincare products, including facial cleansers, toners, moisturizers, and makeup. Unfortunately, they can be found in brands that are branded as natural such as AĒSOP, L’Occidant for instance.

One common type of liquid plastic used in skincare products is carbomer, which is a thickening agent and stabilizer. Carbomer can be identified on ingredient lists by looking for the names “acrylic” or “polyacrylic,” as well as other variations such as “Carbomer 940” or “Carbopol.” This polymer is used to improve the sensory feel and stability of products. It also functions as a thickening agent and film-forming agent and unfortunately is found in many different types of skincare products.

Microplastics are defined as particles that are less than 5mm in size. They are usually larger than nano-particles but can break-down to become nano-particles that are small enough to penetrate the skin, other organs and make their way into the bloodstream. Nano-plastics, have even been found in the placenta!

Microplastics are in a wide range of personal care products, including skincare products. These particles come from a variety of sources, such as microbeads added to products for exfoliation, or they are formed from the breakdown of larger plastic items. Microplastics have been linked to environmental and health concerns, such as the release of toxic substances when they break down and the potential for skin irritation or allergies. However, regulating these plastics in skincare products is challenging.

If you are concerned about the use of solid or liquid microplastics in skincare products, there are steps you can take to reduce your exposure and help to reduce the overall impact of these plastics on the environment. Some options include:

• Looking for products that are certified as polymer-free or microplastic-free by third-party organizations
• Seeking out products that use natural or biodegradable alternatives to synthetic polymers
• Reading ingredient lists carefully and looking for specific names of synthetic polymers and microplastics, such as “acrylic,” “poly-acrylic,” “Carbomer 940,” and “Carbopol”
• Supporting companies that are transparent about their use of synthetic polymers and microplastics and that take steps to minimize their environmental impact
• Contacting your local government representatives and asking them to support stricter regulations on the use of synthetic polymers and microplastics in personal care products.

Good news! At SKAAI we do not use micrplastics nor nano-particles in our products. We hand-blend our botanicals for the whole family with only natural ingredients and organic oils. Good for you and Good for our plantet!

References:

Du, Y., Li, H., & Bao, Y. (2018). The application of synthetic polymers in the cosmetic industry: A review. Polymers, 10(2), 143.

Janssen, L., & Koelmans, A. A. (2020). Microplastics in personal care products: A review of the scientific literature. Environmental science & technology, 54(5), 2921-2934.

Sifferlen, D., Dupuis, C., & Maître, A. (2018). The environmental and health impacts of synthetic polymers: A review. Environmental science and pollution research, 25(32), 32025-32039.

Meysman, F. J. R., Middelburg, J. J., & Mooij, W. M. (2018). Microplastics in the oceans: A review.