Maya Ellison
Plastic microbeads are tiny particles of plastic found in many cosmetic and skincare products. They are often used as exfoliants and can be harmful to both the environment and human health. Due to their small size, they can escape filtration processes and end up in oceans, where they are ingested by marine life. To identify if facial products contain plastic microbeads, look for ingredients like Polypropylene and Polyethylene on the label. These indicate the presence of plastic microbeads. Additionally, you can refer to the Beat the Microbead database or app to check if a product contains microbeads. Some companies have started to replace plastic microbeads with biodegradable alternatives, so it's important to stay informed about the ingredients in your skincare products to make conscious choices that support eco-conscious businesses.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Size | Between 5μm and 1mm in diameter |
| Form | Solid or hollow |
| Shape | Spherical |
| Biodegradability | Not biodegradable |
| Abrasiveness | Abrasive |
| Ingredient List | Look for "Polypropylene" and "Polyethylene" on the label |
| Other Plastic Derivatives | Terephthalate or Polymethyl methacrylate |
| Red List | Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), Nylon (PA), Polyurethane, and Acrylates Copolymer |
| Orange List | Poloxamer, PEGs, PPGs, and certain types of Polyquaterniums |
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What You'll Learn
Check the ingredients list for polymers
Microbeads are solid plastic particles made of synthetic polymers. They are about the same width as a single human hair, measuring between 5μm and 1mm in diameter. They are added to facial products for their abrasive and exfoliant properties.
To identify if a facial product contains plastic microbeads, you can check the ingredients list for polymers. However, it is important to note that not all polymers are microplastics. According to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), a polymer must meet specific criteria to be classified as a microplastic. Firstly, it must be synthetic and present in a solid state. Additionally, the size of the polymer particles should be less than or equal to 5 mm in diameter.
When examining the ingredients list, look for terms such as "Polyethylene" (PE) and "Polypropylene" (PP), which are common compositions of plastic microbeads. Other polymer derivatives that may indicate the presence of microbeads include Terephthalate and Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA).
It is worth mentioning that some products may not provide a detailed ingredients list, particularly if they are registered as therapeutic products. In such cases, you can contact the manufacturer directly to inquire about the presence of microplastics or microbeads.
To further assist consumers in identifying products containing microbeads, organizations like Beat the Microbead and CodeCheck have developed resources. Beat the Microbead maintains a database and an app that allows users to scan barcodes to detect microplastics in products. Similarly, CodeCheck offers an app that identifies microplastics and suggests alternative polymer-free options.
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Look for Polypropylene and Polyethylene
Plastic microbeads are manufactured solid plastic particles of less than one millimeter in their largest dimension. They are most frequently made of polyethylene, a petrochemical plastic, but can also be made from other petrochemical plastics such as polypropylene and polystyrene. Polypropylene is a synthetic polymer that is commonly considered to be a microplastic ingredient.
Polypropylene and polyethylene are used in the production of microbeads due to their low melting temperatures and fast phase transition capabilities. These properties make them especially suitable for creating porous structures in ceramics and other materials.
Polypropylene and polyethylene microbeads are often used in personal care products such as exfoliating facial scrubs, cleansers, and shower gels. They are also found in toothpastes and biomedical and health-science research.
To identify if a facial product contains plastic microbeads, you can:
- Check the product's list of ingredients for the terms "polypropylene" or "polyethylene."
- Contact the manufacturer directly to inquire about the presence of microbeads in their products.
- Utilize online resources such as the Beat the Microbead database or app to search for specific products and identify if they contain microbeads.
It is important to note that the presence of these ingredients does not necessarily confirm the existence of microbeads, as they can be used for other purposes or in different forms within the product formulation. Additionally, some products may use alternative names or obscure ingredient lists, making it challenging to identify the presence of microbeads.
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Search the Beat the Microbead database
Beat the Microbead is a campaign supported by more than 90 NGOs from 38 countries. It has an extensive database of products that contain microplastics in many countries, including Australia. You can access the database through their website or by downloading the app (available on Android and iOS).
The Beat the Microbead app allows you to scan a product's barcode to determine whether it contains microbeads. Alternatively, you can scan the list of ingredients and check them for microplastics. The app also allows you to paste text from a list of ingredients.
The database includes a Red List and an Orange List. The Red List includes products that have been found to contain synthetic polymers that are commonly considered microplastics. These include, but are not limited to, Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), Nylon (PA), Polyurethane, and Acrylates Copolymer. The Orange List includes synthetic polymers that are termed "skeptical microplastics," meaning there is not enough information available to determine whether they are microplastics.
The Beat the Microbead campaign was initiated by the Plastic Soup Foundation, an NGO based in Amsterdam. The campaign's mission is to eliminate plastic in water and bodies.
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Contact the manufacturer directly
If you want to know whether a facial product contains plastic microbeads, one way to find out is to contact the manufacturer directly. This can be done by various means, such as sending them an email, calling them, or messaging them on social media.
When you contact the manufacturer, you can ask them specific questions about the presence of microbeads in their products. For example, you could ask if any of their products contain plastic microbeads, and if so, which specific products and their variants. You could also inquire about the steps they are taking to phase out plastic microbeads if they have not already done so.
It is important to note that some manufacturers may not be transparent or forthcoming with this information. They might not provide a clear answer or may even deny the presence of microbeads. In such cases, you could express your concerns as a consumer and ask if they plan to move towards more natural, eco-conscious alternatives. You could also mention the negative environmental impact of plastic microbeads and how it influences your purchasing decisions.
By contacting the manufacturer directly, you can gain first-hand information about their product formulations and their plans regarding plastic microbeads. This empowers you to make informed choices about the products you use and support companies that align with your values.
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Avoid exfoliating face washes, body scrubs, and toothpaste
Microbeads are tiny pieces of plastic found in many health and beauty products, including exfoliating face washes, body scrubs, and toothpaste. They are often added to cosmetics, personal care items, and cleaning products to act as exfoliants, bulking agents, and abrasives, or to control the release of active ingredients and prolong a product's shelf life.
To avoid using products containing plastic microbeads, there are several steps you can take:
- Check the label: Look for ingredients like "Polypropylene" and "Polyethylene," which indicate the presence of plastic microbeads. Other plastic derivatives to watch out for include Terephthalate and Polymethyl methacrylate.
- Consult a database: Websites like Beat the Microbead provide a list of products known to contain microplastics. You can search their database or use their app to check if a specific product contains microbeads.
- Contact the manufacturer: If you're unsure, reach out to the product manufacturer directly and ask if their products contain any microbeads.
- Opt for natural alternatives: Choose exfoliating face washes, body scrubs, and toothpastes made from natural, organic ingredients. Natural exfoliants like ground pumice, sea salt, or oatmeal are not only healthier for the environment but also provide better exfoliation due to their texture.
- Support ethical brands: Use your purchasing power to support ethical, eco-conscious brands that have publicly declared their products to be free of microplastic ingredients.
By taking these steps, you can help reduce the environmental impact of plastic microbeads and protect your health and the planet.
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Frequently asked questions
Check the ingredients list for terms like "Polypropylene" and "Polyethylene", which indicate the presence of plastic microbeads. Other plastic derivatives to look out for include Terephthalate or Polymethyl methacrylate.
Plastic microbeads are too small to be filtered out by sewer systems, so they end up in oceans, contributing to the plastic pollution ingested by marine life. They can also be harmful to human health, as they may be ingested through seafood and can cause skin abrasions, dryness, and increased susceptibility to irritation and allergies.
Plastic microbeads have been banned in several countries, including the USA, UK, Canada, and New Zealand. In 2015, the US Congress amended the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act by passing the Microbead-Free Waters Act, which prohibits the manufacturing, packaging, and distribution of rinse-off cosmetics containing plastic microbeads. However, the law does not address consumer safety, and there is currently no evidence that plastic microbeads in cosmetics pose a human health concern.
Yes, natural exfoliants like sea salt, ground pumice, and oatmeal are effective alternatives to plastic microbeads. These options are not only healthier for the planet but also provide better exfoliation due to their more textured nature.
