Sofia Martinez
Plastic microbeads are tiny plastic particles commonly found in personal care products such as face scrubs, soaps, toothpaste, and shower gels. They are used as abrasives or exfoliants due to their effective yet damage-free scrubbing properties. However, they pose a significant environmental threat as they enter water streams and oceans, causing harm to marine life and potentially entering the human food chain. While some countries like the UK and the USA have implemented bans on microbeads in specific product categories, they are still prevalent in leave-on beauty and skincare products, contributing to plastic pollution in waterways. To address this issue, consumers can opt for natural exfoliants, support eco-conscious brands, and advocate for legislation banning microbeads in personal care and cosmetic products.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Microbeads are tiny pieces of plastic, about 1 millimeter or smaller in size (approximately the size of a pinhead) |
| Products Containing Microbeads | Face scrubs, exfoliating face and body scrubs, glittery makeup, toothpaste, shower gel, soaps, sunscreens, lotions, deodorants, shampoos, facial cleansers, face masks, and more |
| Environmental Impact | Microbeads enter water streams and are ingested by marine life, carrying other pollutants into the food chain; they are also non-biodegradable and cannot be filtered out by wastewater treatment plants |
| Bans | California, the UK, the US, Australia, and more have implemented or are in the process of implementing bans on microbeads in specific products |
| Alternatives | Natural ingredients such as pumice, salt, crushed seed kernels, bamboo powder, oats, yogurt, sugar, coffee grounds, and man-made sand |
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What You'll Learn
Face scrubs and exfoliants
However, these same qualities that make microbeads desirable in face scrubs and exfoliants also contribute to their hazardous impact on the environment. Because they do not dissolve, microbeads enter water streams and oceans, where they are ingested by marine life, carrying pollutants into the food chain. A 2013 study found approximately 1.7 million microbeads per square kilometer in Michigan's Lake Erie, one of the Great Lakes heavily affected by plastic pollution.
The environmental concerns surrounding microbeads have led to growing awareness and efforts to reduce their use. Countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia have implemented bans or voluntary phase-outs of microbeads in rinse-off cosmetics and personal care products. Consumers are also encouraged to opt for natural exfoliants like oats, salt, yogurt, sugar, coffee grounds, or man-made sand, and to support ethical, eco-conscious brands that utilize natural, organic ingredients.
While progress is being made, it is important to recognize that the issue of plastic microbeads extends beyond face scrubs and exfoliants. Microbeads are found in various other personal care and cosmetic products, including toothpaste, shower gels, and makeup. Additionally, there are other sources of microplastics, such as tyres, paints, and baby wipes, that contribute to the overall plastic pollution problem.
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Toothpaste and mouthwash
Plastic microbeads are tiny plastic particles found in many bath and beauty products, including toothpaste and mouthwash. These microbeads are touted as exfoliators and abrasive scrubbers, but they have harmful effects on the environment. Because they are non-biodegradable, they enter water streams and oceans, where they are ingested by marine life, carrying pollutants into the food chain.
Toothpaste manufacturers have used microbeads to add abrasive qualities to their products. However, choosing a toothpaste that is too abrasive can wear down tooth enamel. With growing awareness of the negative environmental impact of microbeads, consumers are encouraged to select toothpastes without microbeads.
In 2020, the Plastic Soup Foundation investigated microplastics in cosmetics, including toothpaste, and found that 87% of cosmetics contain microplastics. A follow-up study in 2022 revealed that many major toothpaste brands, such as Aquafresh and Prodent, still contain microplastics. These toothpastes are used by a significant portion of consumers, leading to widespread use of microplastics in oral care routines.
To address this issue, individuals can use resources like the Beat the Microbead app to scan products and identify those containing microplastics. Additionally, consumers can support sustainable and eco-conscious brands that offer natural alternatives to microbeads, such as crushed nut shells and apricot kernels, ensuring their oral care routine is both effective and environmentally friendly.
Mouthwash products may also contain microbeads, contributing to the issue of plastic pollution. While specific brands have not been mentioned, it is important for consumers to be vigilant and check the ingredients of their mouthwash to avoid contributing to environmental harm. With growing awareness and consumer demand for plastic-free options, it is hoped that manufacturers will increasingly phase out microbeads from their mouthwash and oral care products.
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Soaps and shower gels
Plastic microbeads are tiny particles of plastic that are commonly found in cosmetic and personal care products. They are often added to products such as soaps and shower gels as exfoliants, as their hard surfaces make them effective scrubbing tools for the skin. However, they pose a significant environmental threat as they do not dissolve in water and can enter water streams, leading to plastic pollution and harm to marine life.
The presence of plastic microbeads in soaps and shower gels has raised concerns among environmentalists and consumers alike. In response, some countries have taken steps to address this issue. The United States passed the "Microbead-Free Waters Act" in 2015, prohibiting the manufacturing, packaging, and distribution of rinse-off cosmetics, including soaps and shower gels, containing plastic microbeads. The UK also banned microbeads in personal care products from January 1, 2018, making it illegal for retailers to sell such products.
To address the environmental concerns posed by plastic microbeads, consumers are encouraged to opt for natural exfoliants in their soaps and shower gels. Alternatives such as oats, salt, yogurt, sugar, coffee grounds, and man-made sand provide effective exfoliation without the harmful effects of plastic microbeads. Additionally, consumers can support ethical and eco-conscious brands that use natural, organic ingredients in their products. By making conscious choices, individuals can play a crucial role in reducing plastic pollution and protecting our planet's waterways and marine life.
While the steps taken by some countries to ban microbeads in soaps and shower gels are positive, there is still work to be done. The microbead ban in the UK, for example, does not extend to leave-on formulas such as sunscreen and makeup, which can still legally contain plastic microbeads. It is important for consumers to remain informed about the products they purchase and to support brands that prioritize environmental sustainability and the reduction of plastic pollution.
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Sunscreen and makeup
Sunscreens containing microplastics can pollute oceans and seas and may even contain harmful and toxic substances that can be a potential risk to human health. Despite increasing awareness and campaigns like Beat the Microbead, sunscreens are still not included in the proposed legislation regarding microbeads, which is considered irresponsible. It is challenging to find plastic-free and ocean-friendly sunscreens on the market.
Makeup products, including glittery makeup, have also been found to contain microbeads. These tiny plastic particles can end up in water streams and contribute to plastic pollution, as they do not dissolve. While some countries, like the UK, have implemented bans on microbeads, leave-on formulas like sunscreen and makeup are sometimes exempt, allowing microplastics to continue to be used in these products.
It is important for consumers to be aware of the presence of microbeads in these products and to make conscious choices to support ethical and eco-conscious brands that offer natural alternatives. Natural exfoliants, for example, can provide better exfoliation while being healthier for the planet.
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Cosmetic alternatives
Plastic microbeads are tiny plastic particles found in many cosmetic and skincare products. They are commonly used as exfoliants in face and body scrubs, shower gels, and toothpastes. Due to their small size, they can pass through water treatment filters and end up in rivers, lakes, and oceans, causing harm to marine life. As a result, there has been a push to ban microbeads in cosmetic products and find alternative ingredients that are safer for the environment.
Natural Exfoliants: Natural exfoliants, such as jojoba beads, apricot kernels, ground nutshells, and salt, can be used instead of plastic microbeads. These natural alternatives provide more texture and "scrubbiness," making them effective exfoliators. They are also biodegradable and do not contribute to plastic pollution.
Mineral Perlite: Perlite is a mineral derived from volcanic rock that has been introduced as a 100% natural replacement for plastic beads. It is used in face, body, and foot scrubs, providing similar exfoliating performance without the environmental impact. While perlite is not biodegradable, it is inert, meaning it does not have the same harmful effects as plastic microbeads.
Ground Coconut Shell: Instead of using plastic microbeads in detergents and disinfectants, ground coconut shell can be used as a natural alternative. It provides a similar scrubbing action without the environmental consequences.
Ethical and Eco-conscious Brands: Consumers can support ethical and eco-conscious brands that use natural, organic ingredients in their products. These brands prioritize the environment and avoid the use of plastic microbeads and other harmful chemicals.
DIY Skincare: Creating your own skincare products at home allows you to control the ingredients and avoid plastic microbeads. Natural ingredients, such as oatmeal, sugar, and coffee grounds, can be used as exfoliants in DIY face and body scrubs.
It is important to note that while these alternatives offer environmental benefits, it is crucial to thoroughly research and understand the lifetime environmental impacts of any substitute before widespread adoption.
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Frequently asked questions
Microbeads are tiny pieces of plastic, about 1mm or smaller in size (approximately the size of a pinhead).
Plastic microbeads are commonly found in personal care and cosmetic products, including face scrubs, soaps, toothpaste, shower gels, deodorants, sunscreens, and makeup products. They are used as abrasives or exfoliants due to their effective yet damage-free scrubbing properties.
Yes, microbeads are harmful to the environment, particularly waterways and marine life. Since they do not dissolve in water, they enter water streams and oceans, where they are ingested by fish and other marine organisms, carrying pollutants into the food chain.
