Maya Ellison
Plastic microbeads in toothpaste have been a cause for concern for many consumers, with some countries taking steps to ban their use. These tiny plastic microbeads in toothpaste have been added for colour and decorative purposes, as well as to provide abrasive qualities for scrubbing surface stains from teeth. However, they have been found to potentially harm oral health and the environment, as they can get lodged in the gums and contribute to plastic pollution in waterways. While some countries have implemented bans on microbeads in rinse-off products, including toothpaste, concerns remain about the continued presence of microplastics in dental care products.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Exfoliant or abrasive agent, allow for a timed release of active ingredients, add bulk to formulas, prolong shelf life |
| Composition | Synthetic polymers including polyethylene, polylactic acid (PLA), polypropylene, polystyrene, or polyethylene terephthalate |
| Environmental Impact | Likely harmful, as they are ingested by fish and other wildlife, spreading plastic up the food chain and contaminating waterways |
| Health Impact | May lodge in gums and wear down tooth enamel |
| Regulation | Banned in the US by the Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2015, with similar legislation in Australia, New Zealand, and the EU |
| Alternatives | Crushed nut shells, apricot kernels, or other biodegradable options |
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What You'll Learn
- Plastic microbeads are potentially harmful to humans and the environment
- Toothpaste microbeads are made from polyethylene, a common plastic
- Microbeads are added to toothpaste for colour and texture
- Microbeads are banned in the US and are being phased out globally
- Some popular toothpaste brands that contained microbeads: Crest, Colgate, and Proctor & Gamble
Plastic microbeads are potentially harmful to humans and the environment
Plastic microbeads, solid plastic particles smaller than 5mm, have been added to a variety of personal care products, including toothpaste, for their abrasive qualities. However, they are potentially harmful to both humans and the environment.
Microbeads are often washed down sinks and, due to their small size, can pass through filtration systems. They eventually make their way into oceans and lakes, where they are ingested by marine life. Since they attract and concentrate toxic chemicals, the microbeads can contaminate the fish that eat them. This can lead to biomagnification, as larger animals, including humans, consume these contaminated fish. A study by Clarke and his team found that up to 12.5% of the toxic chemicals on the microbeads had leached into the tissue of the fish they tested. These chemicals include polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), which are known to cause neurological problems and decreased immune function.
Microbeads also pose a problem for the environment as they are almost impossible to remove once released. They can also contain harmful chemicals such as PCBs and other fat-soluble compounds.
Due to the potential harm caused by microbeads, there have been growing calls to ban their use. In 2015, the US banned the use of microbeads in cosmetic products, and the Australian government discussed phasing them out in 2018. Many manufacturers have replaced microbeads with biodegradable alternatives, such as crushed nut shells and apricot kernels.
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Toothpaste microbeads are made from polyethylene, a common plastic
Plastic microbeads in toothpaste have been a cause for concern for consumers in recent years. These tiny plastic beads, often included in toothpaste for decorative purposes, can lodge in the gums and are harmful to the environment. In 2014, it was reported that Crest had decided to remove the beads from their products after an outcry from customers.
Toothpaste microbeads are made from polyethylene, one of the world's most common forms of plastic. This material is also used to make plastic bottles and is approved by the FDA as a food additive. While it is considered safe for human consumption, there are concerns about the potential impact of ingesting microbeads, as the plastics that make them up are suspected to be hormone disruptors.
Polyethylene microbeads are not easily biodegradable, and their small size means they often aren't captured by regular sewage treatment systems, allowing them to escape into rivers and oceans. Once in the environment, they are almost impossible to remove. Animals may mistake the microbeads for food, leading to the spread of plastic up the food chain and potentially resulting in the contamination of the fish we eat.
Due to these concerns, there has been a push to remove microbeads from toothpaste and other personal care products. In 2015, the Microbead-Free Waters Act was passed in the US, outlawing the manufacturing, delivery, and sale of rinse-off products containing microbeads smaller than 5mm. Many manufacturers have replaced microbeads with sustainable alternatives, such as crushed nut shells and apricot kernels.
While microbeads may be phased out, microplastics are still present in many dental care products. A 2021 study found that out of 589 registered dental care products, 349 contained either microplastics or "sceptical microplastics". However, there are an increasing number of brands offering plastic-free toothpaste options, ensuring consumers can make choices that are both effective for their oral health and environmentally friendly.
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Microbeads are added to toothpaste for colour and texture
Microbeads are tiny plastic particles measuring less than 5mm in size. They are added to various personal care products, including toothpaste, for different purposes. In the context of oral care, microbeads were once commonly incorporated into toothpaste to enhance its abrasive qualities, providing a scrubbing effect to remove surface stains from teeth. However, concerns have been raised about the potential harm caused by these plastic additives.
Toothpaste containing microbeads often included polyethylene, a type of synthetic polymer, as their primary plastic component. Polyethylene is a common plastic used in various products, including plastic bottles. In toothpaste, it serves as a colourant, providing the distinctive blue hue observed in some brands. These plastic beads were also utilised for decorative purposes, adding texture and visual appeal to the product.
The presence of microbeads in toothpaste has sparked environmental and health concerns. As toothpaste is intended to be spat out, the plastic beads can contribute to water pollution, affecting our rivers, lakes, and oceans. These microbeads can be ingested by fish and other aquatic organisms, potentially spreading plastic pollution up the food chain and ultimately reaching humans.
Additionally, microbeads in toothpaste have raised concerns among dental professionals. Dental hygienist Trish Walraven, for example, observed the presence of blue plastic particles stuck in her patients' mouths, particularly in the gum channels or sulci, which are susceptible to gum diseases like gingivitis. While clinical research has found no evidence of harm, there are ongoing debates about the potential long-term effects.
In recent years, there has been a growing movement to phase out microbeads from toothpaste and other personal care products. The Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2015 in the United States banned the use of microbeads in rinse-off products, including toothpaste. This legislation has encouraged toothpaste manufacturers to seek sustainable alternatives, such as crushed nut shells and apricot kernels, ensuring that consumers have access to toothpastes that are both effective and environmentally friendly.
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![Biorepair:"Total Protective Repair" Toothpaste with microRepair * 2.5 Fluid Ounce (75ml) Tube * [ Italian Import ]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/617fImpOGsL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Microbeads are banned in the US and are being phased out globally
Microbeads are tiny pieces of plastic found in many health, beauty, and dental care products, including soap, body scrubs, and toothpaste. They are usually included in these products as an exfoliant or abrasive agent, to add bulk to formulas, and to prolong shelf life. Microbeads are too small to be recycled like other plastics, allowing them to accumulate in large quantities in the environment. They can easily make their way through sewage treatment plants and into rivers, lakes, or coastal waters, where they are nearly impossible to remove. A 2015 study indicated that one use of a facial scrub containing microbeads may allow anywhere from 4,594 to 94,500 microbeads to enter the environment.
Due to the detrimental impact of plastics on marine life and the balance of ocean ecosystems, the United States was the first country to ban microbeads with the Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2015. This law prohibits the manufacturing, packaging, and distribution of rinse-off cosmetics containing plastic microbeads, including toothpastes. The Act also applies to products that are both cosmetics and non-prescription drugs, providing extra time for safety testing of newly formulated products. The ban has encouraged the shift towards using FDA-approved "rinse-off" metallized-plastic glitter as an abrasive agent in toothpaste.
Several other countries have followed the US in banning microbeads, including Italy, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand. Many other countries are also considering laws to ban microbeads in cosmetic products, including in Europe and Canada. The International Declaration of the Global Plastics Associations for Solutions on Marine Litter has been signed by more than 60 plastics associations in 34 countries, outlining their commitment to reducing marine litter.
While microbeads have been banned, microplastics are still widely used in cosmetics and personal care products, including dental care products. Microplastics are small, usually synthetic polymers that are very resistant to biodegradation and can persist in the environment. Out of 589 dental care products registered, 349 contained either microplastics or "sceptical microplastics", with 68 containing both. Many manufacturers have replaced microbeads with sustainable, biodegradable options, and it is not difficult to create quality dental cleaning products that are free of plastic ingredients.
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Some popular toothpaste brands that contained microbeads: Crest, Colgate, and Proctor & Gamble
Microbeads are small plastic particles that are used in personal care products to either exfoliate or cleanse. They are made of polyethylene or polypropylene, which are types of plastic. These microbeads are not biodegradable and can cause significant harm to the environment. Due to their small size, they often escape sewage treatment systems and end up in rivers and oceans, where they are ingested by marine life. This leads to the spread of plastics within the food chain, ultimately contaminating the fish that we consume.
Some popular toothpaste brands that once contained microbeads include Crest, Colgate, and Proctor & Gamble. Following a Chicago television station investigation, Crest confirmed that they used plastic beads in two of their toothpastes: Crest ProHealth and 3D White. In response to the investigation, Crest pledged to remove plastic from their toothpaste within six months and provided refunds to concerned consumers. Similarly, Colgate acknowledged the presence of microbeads in their toothpaste and emphasised their previous popularity for adding abrasive qualities to the product. However, Colgate reassured customers that microbeads have been banned from toothpastes, and consumers can now find alternative products that effectively clean their teeth without harming the environment.
Proctor & Gamble, the company that manufactures Crest toothpaste, also previously included microbeads in some of their cleansing products and toothpastes due to positive feedback from consumers. However, they have since removed microbeads from all of their formulas, recognising the environmental concerns associated with plastic particles. Proctor & Gamble stated that larger plastics, rather than microbeads, are the primary source of plastics in the ocean, but they have taken proactive steps to eliminate microbeads from their products.
The issue of microbeads in toothpaste has been addressed by regulatory bodies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2015 banned the manufacturing, delivery, and sale of any rinse-off products, including toothpastes, containing microbeads smaller than 5 millimeters. This legislation ensures that consumers can confidently choose personal care products that are safe for both their health and the environment.
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Frequently asked questions
Microbeads are small plastic beads, usually made from polyethylene, that are added to toothpastes. They are usually smaller than 5mm in size.
Microbeads are added to toothpaste to give it abrasive qualities. They are also used as exfoliants, to allow for a timed release of active ingredients, to add bulk to the formula, and to prolong the product's shelf life.
Microbeads are likely harmful to the environment as they can end up in oceans, lakes, and rivers and be ingested by fish. They may also get stuck in human gums and cause harm. However, the FDA has stated that they are "not immediately aware of any safety issues with this product."
Many toothpastes used to contain microbeads, including several Crest® toothpastes such as Crest 3D White Radiant Mint, Crest Pro-Health For Me, and Crest 3D White Arctic Fresh. However, due to consumer concerns, many companies have phased out or are in the process of phasing out microbeads from their products.
![Biorepair: "Fast Sensitive Repair" Toothpaste with microRepair, New Formula - 2.5 Fluid Ounce (75ml) Tube [ Italian Import ]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71T2XbwEFaL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
