We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastics in cosmetics: Environmental issues and needs for global bans
Summary
This review examined the environmental impact of microbeads in personal care and cosmetic products, noting that products can contain up to 50,391 microbeads per gram and contribute 229,000 microbeads per use to domestic sewage, with many countries now implementing or planning bans. The authors argue that voluntary industry commitments are insufficient and that global bans are needed to prevent further environmental contamination.
Despite the microbeads from cosmetic products do not contribute with high percentages to the microplastic pollution, they can pose a threat to the environment, being discharged into the water bodies and just partially blocked by the wastewater treatment plants. As environmental associations have been fighting for the abolition of microplastics in PCCPs, in many countries measures have been taken and bans are already operational or in process. Some cosmetic companies have voluntarily renounced the use of microbeads and some voluntary certifications of PCCPs prohibit their use. PCCPs recently analysed can contain levels of microbeads reaching 50,391 per g and can contribute with every single use to the introduction of 229,000 microbeads into the domestic sewage. Given the spread and danger of these pollutants, the problem is global and unthinkable to be solved by banning microplastic-containing products only in some countries, thus a general ban would be necessary.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Worldwide actions against plastic pollution from microbeads and microplastics in cosmetics focusing on European policies. Has the issue been handled effectively?
This review examines global policy actions targeting microbeads and microplastics in cosmetics, with a focus on European regulations. Researchers found that while several countries have implemented bans on microbeads in rinse-off products, enforcement and scope vary widely, and many policies still contain significant loopholes. The study suggests that current regulatory approaches have been only partially effective and calls for more comprehensive, harmonized measures.
Microplastics: Applications in the Cosmetic Industry and Impacts on the Aquatic Environment
This review examines how microplastics are used in cosmetics as microbeads in products like exfoliating cleansers, and how these particles enter waterways through drain disposal and harm aquatic life. The authors summarize the main problems caused by cosmetic microplastics and discuss regulatory efforts to phase them out.
Exploration of microplastics from personal care and cosmetic products and its estimated emissions to marine environment: An evidence from Malaysia
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.
Plastic microbeads: small yet mighty concerning
This review discusses the environmental concerns surrounding plastic microbeads - the tiny plastic particles used in cosmetic scrubs and personal care products - tracing their sources, distribution in aquatic environments, and potential ecological effects. The study supports regulatory bans on microbeads given their persistence, wide distribution, and ingestion by aquatic organisms.
Microplastics and cosmetics: Problems and solutions
This review examines the role of microplastics in cosmetics — including microbeads, glitter, and synthetic polymer thickeners — discussing the scale of environmental release from rinse-off products and the regulatory responses across different countries. The authors survey alternative natural ingredients and call for comprehensive bans on intentionally added microplastics in personal care.