What are microplastics and what are they doing in skincare?
Microplastics are small plastic particles that are less than 5mm in size. They can be found in a variety of products, including skincare products, where they are often used in the form of acrylic polymers to stabilize emulsions, give products a smooth texture, and improve their spreadability. Microplastics are most commonly found in products in bead form, such as in exfoliating scrubs, toothpaste, and facial cleansers, but they can also be incorporated into products in a more subtle way, as liquid plastics that have various names that may not be easily recognizable to the conscious consumer reading ingredient lists.
The use of microplastics in skincare and other products has come under scrutiny in recent years due to concerns about their environmental impact. When these products are washed down the drain, microplastics can enter the water cycle and end up in rivers, lakes, and oceans. There, they can be ingested by marine life, which can have negative impacts on their health and if we consume them, they end up in our organs and bloodstream.
Health Concerns
The use of microplastics in skincare has also been linked to health concerns. Studies have suggested that these particles (when sufficiently small) can be absorbed through the skin. It is also unclear what effects, if any, microplastics may have on human health.
Given these concerns, many consumers and companies are looking for alternatives to microplastics in skincare products. Some companies are using natural alternatives, such as plant-based polymers. Others are using biodegradable polymers, which break down over time and do not contribute to the growing problem of plastic pollution.
Detection of microplastics
To detect the presence of microplastics in a skincare product, consumers can look for common names on the ingredient list, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene. These are all types of plastic that may be used in the form of microplastics in skincare products. Consumers can also look for ingredients with “acrylic” or “copolymer” in the name, as these are often used as microplastics in skincare products. Additionally, consumers can look for products that are certified as microplastic-free by third-party organizations, such as the Microbead-Free Waters Act.
When it comes to choosing skincare products, it is important to consider the environmental and health impacts of the ingredients they contain. If you are concerned about the use of microplastics in skincare products, look for products that use natural or biodegradable alternatives. Is it unclear, choose another brand. There are many natural skincare brands that offer transparency about their products, including SKAAI! By choosing green and honest skincare you are reducing the environmental impact of your skincare routine, and helping to protect the life on this planet!
References:
Brown, K., & Galloway, T. S. (2018). Microplastic pollution in the marine environment: A review of the methods used to quantify the levels of microplastic particles. Environmental pollution, 241, 782-792.
Janssen, L., & Koelmans, A. A. (2020). Microplastics in personal care products: A review of the scientific literature. Environmental science & technology, 54(5), 2921-2934.
Thompson, R. C., & Moore, C. J. (2004). Lost at sea: Where is all the plastic?. Science, 304(5672), 838-838
Zohreh, M., & Dabir, S. (2020). Microplastics in the marine environment: A review of the methods used for their detection, quantification and analysis. Environmental science and pollution research, 27(9), 10199-10217.
Zhang, X., & Li, Y. (2016). Microplastic pollution in the marine environment: A review of the methods used for identification and quantification. Environmental science and pollution research, 23(22), 22861-22870.
