Maya Ellison
The use of plastic microbeads in toothpaste has been a topic of concern for many consumers. In 2014, it was revealed that Crest, a popular toothpaste brand, used polyethylene microbeads in some of its products. These tiny plastic beads, also found in other personal hygiene items, were added for aesthetic purposes and to enhance the polishing effect. However, dental professionals raised concerns about the potential health risks associated with microbeads, including gingivitis and periodontal disease. As a result, Crest faced criticism from consumers and dentists, prompting the company to announce plans to remove plastic microbeads from its toothpaste formulations. By 2015, Crest committed to making its toothpaste microbead-free, addressing both health and environmental concerns associated with plastic microbeads in oral care products.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic in Crest Toothpaste | Polyethylene microbeads were found in Crest toothpaste |
| Year of Discovery | 2014 |
| Action Taken | Crest promised to remove microbeads from its toothpaste within six months |
| Year of Action | 2015 |
| Toothpaste Varieties with Microbeads | Crest Pro-Health, Crest 3D White, Crest 3D White Radiant Mint, Crest Pro-Health For Me, Crest 3D White Arctic Fresh, Crest 3D White Enamel Renewal, Crest 3D White Luxe Glamorous White, Crest Sensitivity Treatment and Protection, Crest Complete Multi-Benefit Whitening Plus Deep Clean, Crest 3D White Luxe Lustrous Shine, Crest Extra White Plus Scope Outlast, Crest SensiRelief Maximum Strength Whitening Plus Scope, Crest Pro-Health Sensitive + Enamel Shield, Crest Pro-Health Clinical Gum Protection, Crest Pro-Health For Life for Ages 50+, Crest Complete Multi-Benefit Extra White+ Crystal Clean Anti-Bacterial, Crest Be Adventurous Mint Chocolate Trek, Crest Be Dynamic Lime Spearmint Zest, Crest Be Inspired Vanilla Mint Spark, Crest Pro-Health Healthy Fresh, Crest Pro-Health Smooth Mint |
| Health Risks | Gingivitis, periodontal disease, tooth loss |
| Environmental Risks | Plastic pollution in oceans |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Crest's plastic microbeads
In 2014, it was discovered that Crest toothpaste contained plastic microbeads. The microbeads were made from polyethylene, the same plastic used in plastic bags and bottles. They were included in the toothpaste formula for aesthetic purposes, to give the product an appealing look and to enhance its polishing power.
However, dental professionals began to notice these microbeads in their patients' gums. Some claimed that the plastic particles could trap bacteria in the gums, leading to gingivitis and potentially periodontal disease. While Procter & Gamble, the manufacturer of Crest, initially defended the safety of its product, citing FDA approval of polyethylene as a food additive, they eventually conceded to growing pressure from consumers and dental professionals.
Crest promised to remove the plastic microbeads from their toothpastes, including Crest Pro-Health and Crest 3D White, within six months, aiming for their products to be microbead-free by March 2015.
The issue also gained legislative attention, with Illinois being the first state to ban the manufacture and sale of products containing microbeads by 2018. This contributed to the growing movement to phase out plastic microbeads from personal hygiene products, recognising their potential harm to human health and the environment.
Plastic Water Filters: Are Microplastics Leaching into Your Drink?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$8.99 $9.99
Health risks of microbeads
Microbeads, small plastic beads found in many personal hygiene products, including toothpaste, have been linked to several health risks. While they are touted for their abrasive qualities, microbeads can get stuck in people's gums, attracting bacteria and leading to gingivitis and periodontal disease. This was confirmed by dental professionals who noticed the presence of microbeads in their patients' gums.
In 2014, it was revealed that Crest toothpaste contained plastic microbeads, specifically in the Crest Pro-Health and Crest 3D White lines. Following criticism from consumers and dental professionals, Crest's parent company, Procter & Gamble, announced that it would remove polyethylene microbeads from its toothpaste line. The company stated that while the ingredient was safe, it understood the growing preference for its removal.
The health risks associated with microbeads in toothpaste underscore the importance of oral hygiene and the potential impact of plastic pollutants on dental health. Microbeads, typically made from polyethylene, polypropylene, or other synthetic polymers, are not easily biodegradable and can accumulate in the environment, contributing to plastic pollution.
The Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2015 in the United States outlawed the manufacturing, delivery, and sale of rinse-off products containing microbeads smaller than 5 millimeters. This legislation was a response to the recognition of the environmental and health concerns associated with microbeads.
Despite the phase-out of microbeads in some products, microplastics (of which microbeads are a type) continue to be found in various dental care products, including toothpaste. Microplastics have been detected in tap water and bottled water samples worldwide, indicating their persistence in the environment.
The presence of microplastics in the water supply and their potential accumulation in the human body over time may pose unknown health risks. While the full extent of these risks is yet to be determined, the reduction and eventual elimination of microplastics and microbeads from personal care products is a positive step toward safeguarding both environmental and human health.
Plastic Surgery Speculations: Mark Hamill's Transformation
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Microbeads in the ocean
Microbeads are a type of microplastic, defined as small plastic pieces less than five millimeters long. They are manufactured pieces of plastic that are added as exfoliants to health and beauty products, such as some cleansers and toothpastes. Microbeads are designed to be rinsed down the drain and often end up in the ocean, adding to the plastic pollution that creates floating plastic islands. They are not biodegradable and are small enough to slip through water filtration systems, passing unchanged through waterways into the ocean.
Microbeads have been found to threaten the lives of aquatic animals, as they can enter the food chain. Over 250 species of marine wildlife, including fish, turtles, and seagulls, have mistaken microbeads for food. Even one shower can release 100,000 microbeads into the ocean, contributing to the eight million tons of plastics that enter the world's oceans each year.
In 2014, it was discovered that Crest toothpaste contained plastic microbeads, specifically in the Crest Pro-Health and Crest 3D White lines. Procter & Gamble, the company that manufactures Crest, initially defended the use of microbeads, citing approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and years of clinical research showing no evidence of harm. However, due to criticism from consumers and dental professionals, Crest announced that it would remove microbeads from its toothpaste within six months, with most products being microbead-free by March 2015.
To address the environmental concerns surrounding microbeads, Illinois became the first state to ban products containing microbeads, with companies given until 2017 to phase them out. In 2015, the United States banned the use of microbeads in cosmetics and personal care products through the Microbead-Free Waters Act. Other countries, such as Canada, have also implemented similar bans. Despite these efforts, microplastics remain a significant problem in the ocean, and scientists are still working to understand their impacts on ocean life, ecosystems, and human health.
Plastic vs Metal: Which Frame Offers Better Comfort?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2015
In 2014, it was discovered that Crest toothpaste contained plastic microbeads. Microbeads are tiny pieces of plastic found in many health and beauty products, including soap and body scrubs. They are made of polyethylene or polypropylene, the same ingredient used in plastic bags. These microbeads are so small that they can slip through water filtration systems and end up in lakes, oceans, and other surface waters. This contributes to plastic pollution and can be harmful to the environment as they absorb toxic chemicals and are capable of bioaccumulation.
Due to the growing concern about plastic microbeads in the water supply, Congress passed the Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2015. This Act prohibits the manufacturing, packaging, and distribution of rinse-off cosmetics containing plastic microbeads, including toothpastes. The Act was enacted on December 18, 2015, and amended the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act). It provides deadlines for companies to stop manufacturing and introducing products with microbeads into the market, with the aim of completely eliminating plastic microbeads from these products.
In response to the Act and public criticism, Crest agreed to remove plastic microbeads from its toothpaste line. Procter & Gamble, the company that manufactures Crest, stated that while clinical studies showed that the microbeads did not pose a health risk, they understood the growing preference for their removal. By March 2015, most of their products were already microbead-free.
Acrylic Plastic: Memory Retention or a Myth?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Crest's microbead-free toothpastes
In 2014, Crest was found to have been using polyethylene microbeads in some of its toothpastes, including Crest Pro-Health and Crest 3D White. Polyethylene is the most common plastic in the world, often used for containers and packaging. The microbeads were included in toothpaste for decorative purposes and to enhance the product's polishing power.
However, after criticism from consumers, dentists, and dental hygienists, Crest's parent company, Procter & Gamble, announced that it would remove polyethylene microbeads from its Crest toothpaste line. Some dental professionals argued that the microbeads could trap bacteria in the gums and lead to gingivitis and periodontal disease. While Procter & Gamble initially defended the safety of its product, citing years of clinical research, it acknowledged the growing preference for removing the ingredient and committed to making its toothpaste microbead-free within six months.
By 2015, Crest had removed plastic microbeads from its toothpastes, and most of its products were microbead-free. The brand now offers a range of microbead-free toothpastes, ensuring that its customers can maintain good oral hygiene without the potential risks associated with plastic microbeads.
Crest's decision to remove plastic microbeads from its toothpastes demonstrates its commitment to listening to consumer concerns and adapting its products to meet evolving preferences. This move has likely contributed to maintaining the trust and loyalty of its customers, who can now be confident that their oral care routine is free from potentially harmful plastic ingredients.
Today, Crest offers a diverse range of microbead-free toothpastes, catering to various oral care needs, including whitening, sensitivity relief, enamel protection, and gum health. The brand has successfully addressed the issue of plastic microbeads and continues to innovate in oral care, ensuring that its products are not only effective but also safe and environmentally responsible.
Plastic Dog Kennels: Worth the Money?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Crest toothpaste has been found to contain plastic microbeads made from polyethylene, the same ingredient used to make plastic bags.
Crest and other manufacturers have used plastic microbeads to give their products an aesthetic quality that consumers like. The little blue dots are also thought to add to the polishing power of the toothpaste.
Some dental professionals claim that the microbeads can trap bacteria in the gums and lead to gingivitis and periodontal disease. However, the American Dental Association (ADA) stated that clinical studies show the microbeads do not pose a health risk.
Yes, after criticism from consumers and dentists, Crest has agreed to stop putting plastic microbeads in their toothpaste. The company promised to make its toothpaste microbead-free within six months, with most products being microbead-free by March 2015.
