In exfoliants, in shower gels, in toothpaste... The so-called plastic microbeads are present in dozens of cosmetics we use every day. But what are they and why are they used so much in the world of cosmetics?
Plastic microbeads in cosmetics: what are they?
As their name suggests, plastic microbeads are small colored beads often found in cosmetic products such as facial scrubs, shower gels, or toothpaste.
According to Greenpeace, each cosmetic containing plastic has between 130,000 and 2.8 million plastic microbeads.
Besides being present in cosmetics, they can also be found in industrial cleaning products, in clothing made with synthetic materials, or in chewing gum.
But why are plastic microbeads used in cosmetics? Years ago, various multinational companies publicized the exfoliating properties of microbeads, especially in facial and body exfoliants, which led to their widespread use year after year.
How to detect their presence?
But how can you tell if the products you have at home contain plastic microbeads or not?Microplastics are manufactured through a petroleum refining process, and you can detect their presence because they are listed on labels as:
- Polypropylene (PPG)
- Polyethylene (PE)
- Polycarbonate (PC)
- Polypropylene (PP)
- Nylon (PA)
- Polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC)
- Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
- Polyester (PES)
- Polystyrene
Plastic microbeads: an invisible danger
Despite being present in a large number of cosmetics, the use of plastic microbeads is being heavily criticized, to the point that some countries, such as Argentina and the USA, have already banned their use.
In Europe, on July 3rd, a law was approved prohibiting single-use plastics, and therefore also prohibiting the sale of anything made with oxo-degradable plastic or beads smaller than 5 millimeters.
However, in Spain, the measure will not come into force until January 1, 2023, even though the waste and contaminated soils law was approved by the Council of Ministers on May 18th.
But what are the dangers of their use? At Maminat, we give you several reasons why you should avoid products that contain this ingredient in their formulation.
They destroy our oceans
Due to the small size of plastic microbeads, they are very difficult to treat. They are resistant to chemical treatments, so they go directly into our rivers and eventually into the sea, remaining completely unaltered.
According to Greenpeace, in Europe alone, 8,627 tons of plastic from cosmetic microbeads reach the marine environment, a very concerning figure considering that they take more than 100 years to degrade.
Present in our food
Because they are present unaltered in the oceans, many animals mistake these microbeads for food, causing an alteration of the food chain.
That is why it is not uncommon to find plastic microbeads in salt, seafood, or even drinking water.
Although it is still unknown whether it is due to the use of cosmetics or our diet, the truth is that according to a National Geographic study, plastic microbeads have already been found in human feces, which shows that we are also somehow ingesting these harmful particles.
Alternatives to plastic microbeads
There are various alternatives on the market to traditional cosmetics that use plastic microbeads in their products. In recent years, the consumption of natural cosmetics has increased, which is a good alternative if you want to take care of your skin and the planet at the same time.
If you are someone who uses exfoliant to improve the appearance of your skin, pay attention! because at Maminat we show you how to make a totally natural citrus-based exfoliant.