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Aquatic Toxicity of Polyethylene and Microcrystalline Cellulose Microbeads Used as Abrasives in Cosmetics
Summary
When companies replaced plastic microbeads in cosmetics with microcrystalline cellulose as a supposedly greener alternative, this study tested whether that swap actually reduced harm to aquatic life — and found neither polyethylene nor cellulose microbeads caused significant toxic effects on a water plant or a common crustacean at tested concentrations. However, because polyethylene persists indefinitely in the environment while cellulose degrades, the study still recommends phasing out plastic microbeads from personal care products.
Microplastics have been part of personal care products for years, but due to microplastic pollution, many companies have replaced microplastics with natural particles, such as microcrystalline cellulose. Although natural particles are considered more environmentally friendly, their ecotoxicological profile is unknown. In this context, the aim of this study was to compare the ecotoxicity of polyethylene and microcrystalline cellulose microbeads, both extracted from a cosmetic product. The effects of the two types of particles on the aquatic macrophyte Lemna minor and the crustacean Daphnia magna, as well as the bioadhesion of the particles to Lemna minor were evaluated. The results showed no significant effects of either particle on the specific growth rate, root length, and chlorophyll content of Lemna minor. The bioadhesion of both types of particles to the plant biomass was comparable. Furthermore, no significant effects were observed on the mobility and body length of Daphnia magna. Thus, the investigated polyethylene and cellulose microbeads showed no significant toxic effects on the tested organisms. However, due to the persistence of polyethylene in the environment, the use of polyethylene microbeads in cosmetics and personal care products should be avoided.
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