Everything You Need to Know About Microplastics in Personal Care Products

Microplastics are often discussed in the context of food, as many food-prep tools and food packaging contain such plastics. However, people should also be wary of these substances in their personal care products. Skincare and cosmetics regularly come into close contact with the body, so it’s paramount to be more careful of their presence. 

Are There Microplastics in Personal Care?

Yes, certain personal care items do contain microplastics. About nine in 10 products from big cosmetic companies, like Nivea, contain nanoplastics. This figure doesn’t mean smaller brands avoid utilizing these ingredients. The unfortunate fact is plastic is relatively cheap and malleable. Whether it’s as an additive or a container, many brands gravitate toward using it. 

However, as eco-conscious consumers, it’s vital to realize microplastics and microbeads can harm the environment. Since these materials never degrade, they pollute the planet. When you discard your body care products, the remnants enter the ocean and other natural spaces.

Microplastics aren’t good for personal health either. These small particles tend to harbor toxic chemicals that can irritate the skin. They can also be abrasive, which damages the face and body even more. 

Efforts in Sustainable Personal Care

While microplastics are prominent in regular skincare, eco-friendly products are striving to be better. For example, non-woven fabric face sheets offer soil and marine biodegradability, with skin rejuvenation. They’re a better alternative to traditional face masks, which are traditionally single-use and imperishable. 

People are also seeking new alternatives to microplastic. For example, bioplastics made from fruit and vegetable peels are low in carbon and incredibly versatile as packaging materials. It’s also possible to tune silk materials to harden them, creating the same exfoliating effects nanobeads have. 

How to Avoid Microplastics

After learning about microplastics, what can you actually do to avoid making contact with them in your personal care products? Here’s a guide on how to give your face, body and hair some love, without harming the environment. 

Look for Natural Personal Care

Most personal care products contain synthetics, with nanoplastics being the most prominent. The best way to avoid such plastic is to use natural skin care products instead. Seek brands with biodegradable ingredients. You can also check out the formulation to ensure it still matches your skin needs. 

Read the Ingredients List

Natural ingredients do not always guarantee microplastic-free natural skin care products. Some companies like to mix the two together, especially with the rise of greenwashing. Look out for products with butylene, dimethicone, cross polymer and other harmful particles. 

Stay Away from Plastic Packaging

Microplastics aren’t just inside your product. Opening plastic packaging can trigger the generation of these plastics, which you can inhale from the air. When looking for personal care items, look for more environmentally friendly options. Some brands like to utilize paper-based packaging since it’s biodegradable and secure. 

Check Your Applicators

Plastic is also present in your applicators. If your lip balm has a silicone tip, or you have a plastic bath loofah, you must be careful of the microplastics these create. Natural options are available, like plant-based sponges. You can also practice direct application instead by squeezing the product onto your fingertips or palms. 

Try DIY Personal Care

There are many DIY solutions to help you avoid the microplastic dilemma, because, many body scrubs contain microbeads. Unfortunately, about 15 billion particles enter oceans and other bodies of water, even after rinsing. Create your own by mixing together coconut oil and sugar. You can add some of your favorite fruit zest for the scent. 

Advocate for Policies

Microplastics harm the planet, so a more proactive move to avoid their integration into personal care is advocating against them. Bring up their disadvantages while in conversation. Get on social media spaces to share why they shouldn’t be used anymore. Environmental education and experience can impact public intention of usage in the long run.  

Practice Mindfulness with Your Personal Care

Microplastics are present in many personal care products. As a consumer, you need to make informed decisions, so remember to do your research before making purchases. Eco-friendly brands are making strides to do better and avoid plastic pollution. Seek out such brands or DIY your own products using natural ingredients.