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Occurrence of microplastics in cosmetic products collected from Myanmar
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Microplastic beads made of polyethylene were found in eight facial scrub products sold in Myanmar. These cosmetic microplastics enter waterways during washing and can be ingested by marine organisms, potentially entering the human food chain through seafood.
Abstract Plastics pollution in the ocean is an area of growing concern, with research efforts focusing on the cosmetic products of the microplastic (<5mm) fractions. Cosmetic products, such as facial scrubs, have been identified as potentially important primary sources of microplastics to the marine environment. In my study, I observed microplastic beads found in eight facial scrub cleansers that listed polyethylene as an ingredient. They are ingested by diverse marine fauna, including zooplanktons, mussel, oyster, shrimp, fish etc. They can enter human food chains via several pathways. Marine scientists need to educate the public to the dangers of using products that pose an immediate and long-term threat to the health of the oceans and the food we eat.
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Microplastics in cosmetics and their impact on human health
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Researchers reviewed 14 studies on microplastics in cosmetics and personal care products, finding polyethylene is the most common microplastic in facial scrubs, body washes, and toothpaste, with exposure occurring mainly through skin contact and ingestion. Despite growing awareness, major gaps remain in understanding the long-term health effects and environmental persistence of these cosmetic microplastics.
Microplastics in personal care products and cosmetics in Sri Lanka
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Researchers analyzed 15 brands of personal care and cosmetic products sold in Sri Lanka for microplastic content, making it the first such study in the country. They found microplastics in products including face washes, facial scrubs, baby creams, and skin creams. The study highlights personal care products as a significant and often overlooked source of microplastic pollution entering waterways.
Presence of microplastic in personal care and cosmetic products from markets in Punjab, Pakistan
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Researchers assessed microplastic content in 103 personal care and cosmetic products (body scrubs and face washes) randomly sampled from markets in Punjab, Pakistan. They found that 45.6% of products contained plastic microbeads, with polyethylene microbeads present in 42.7% of products, and a higher prevalence in imported products compared to locally manufactured ones.
Exploration of microplastics from personal care and cosmetic products and its estimated emissions to marine environment: An evidence from Malaysia
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Microplastics including microbeads were quantified in personal care and cosmetic products sold in Malaysia, with scrubs and toothpastes as the top contributors, and estimated emissions to marine environments were calculated. The findings support the case for regulations banning plastic microbeads in cosmetics as a pollution prevention measure.
Microplastics in Personal Care Products and Cosmetics
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This review documented the types and quantities of microplastics deliberately added to personal care and cosmetic products — including microbeads in exfoliants, glitter in makeup, and plastic-encapsulated fragrances — and traced their path from consumer drains through wastewater treatment to aquatic environments. Personal care products represent one of the most direct routes of purposeful microplastic introduction into water systems and onto human skin and mucous membranes, making regulatory bans on intentionally added microplastics an immediately actionable health and environmental intervention.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.