Ethan Clarke
Plastic microbeads, solid plastic particles smaller than 5mm in diameter, have been used in cosmetic and personal care products for around 50 years. However, due to their environmental impact, they have been banned in several countries, including the US, the UK, Canada, France, New Zealand, Sweden, Taiwan, and India. Plastic microbeads are being replaced by natural alternatives such as pumice, salt, and crushed seed kernels, as well as biodegradable options like soy-based beads. These alternatives aim to provide the same benefits as microbeads, such as exfoliation and cleansing, without the environmental harm caused by plastic particles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Replaced by | Natural abrasive ingredients, such as pumice, salt, and crushed seed kernels |
| Soy-based biodegradable alternatives | |
| Natural ingredients, including ground almond shells, oatmeal, and pumice | |
| Reasons for replacement | Plastic particle water pollution |
| Environmental hazard for aquatic animals in freshwater and ocean water | |
| Non-biodegradability | |
| Absorption of dangerous chemicals such as pesticides and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons |
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What You'll Learn
Natural alternatives: pumice, salt, seed kernels
Plastic microbeads have been recognised as a significant environmental hazard, with many countries banning their use in wash-off products. These tiny plastic spheres are a skin irritant, water pollutant, and toxic to aquatic life.
Fortunately, there are several natural alternatives to plastic microbeads that are effective and safe for both the user and the environment. Pumice, salt, and seed kernels are three such alternatives.
Pumice is a lightweight, frothy volcanic rock that can be ground into a fine powder. It is a natural, pH-balanced exfoliant that is gentle on the skin. Pumice powder has enough hardness to remove dead skin cells and buff the skin, yet is gentle enough to not cause micro-tears or irritation.
Salt is another natural alternative to plastic microbeads. While salt itself can be contaminated by microplastics, there are brands that offer microplastic-free salt. Unrefined salt sourced from natural aquifers, such as those in the Andes mountains or the foothills of Spain, are less likely to be contaminated by microplastics. Salt is a natural exfoliant and can be used in a variety of personal care products.
Seed kernels, such as apricot seeds and nutshell powders, are also effective natural alternatives to plastic microbeads. Nutshell powders, including almond, macadamia, and walnut, are natural abrasives that provide gentle exfoliation. They are free from toxic chemicals and have additional skin benefits, such as relieving skin issues caused by fungal infections or conditions like acne and psoriasis. It is important to note that those with nut allergies should exercise caution when using nutshell powders and consider alternatives like jojoba beads or sugar.
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Banned in rinse-off cosmetics by 2017
Plastic microbeads have been banned in rinse-off cosmetics since 2017 in several countries, including the US, Canada, France, New Zealand, Sweden, Taiwan, and the UK.
In the US, the Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2015, signed by President Obama, prohibits the manufacture of rinse-off products containing microbeads, effective July 1, 2017. The UK followed suit with a similar ban in 2018.
The definition of a microbead, according to the US, is "any solid plastic particle less than 5 millimeters in size that was created with the intention of being used to exfoliate or cleanse the human body." These tiny plastic particles are added to rinse-off cosmetic, personal care, and cleaning products for various purposes, including exfoliation, as a bulking agent, or to prolong shelf life. However, they are not captured by most wastewater treatment systems and can end up in rivers, lakes, and oceans, causing environmental damage and affecting marine life, the environment, and even human health.
Many cosmetic companies have phased out microbeads from their production lines, replacing them with sustainable, biodegradable options. For example, a team from Purdue University developed SoyFoliate, a soy-based soap that replaces plastic microbeads with environmentally friendly soy beads. Natural abrasive ingredients such as pumice, salt, and crushed seed kernels can also be used instead of microbeads.
An independent assessment in 2020 found that more than 99% of the products inspected were microbead-free, indicating the success of the voluntary phase-out in Australia.
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Still found in some toothpastes
Plastic microbeads were previously used in toothpaste for their abrasive qualities and ability to act as exfoliators. However, due to growing environmental concerns, many countries have banned their use in rinse-off products, including toothpaste. The United States, for example, passed the Microbead-Free Waters Act in 2015, outlawing the manufacturing, delivery, and sale of products containing microbeads smaller than 5 millimeters.
Despite these bans, it is important to note that not all plastic ingredients have been prohibited. Microplastics, which include microbeads, are still found in some toothpastes and other personal care products. Microplastics are tiny plastic particles smaller than 5 millimeters that do not easily degrade or dissolve in water. They are often added to products as cheap filler ingredients and can have harmful effects on the environment and potentially human health.
Toothpaste users concerned about the presence of microplastics can take steps to avoid them. Checking ingredient lists is crucial, as some brands may claim to be plastic-free while still containing plastic in certain components, such as the packaging. Apps like Beat the Microbead can help identify products containing microplastics, and organizations like the Plastic Soup Foundation are working to reduce plastic pollution.
Additionally, consumers can support sustainable alternatives. Some manufacturers have replaced microbeads with biodegradable options, such as crushed nut shells and apricot kernels. Others have developed innovative products like soy-based soaps that provide a naturally degradable substitute for plastic microbeads. By being mindful of the products we purchase and supporting sustainable alternatives, we can contribute to reducing plastic pollution and its impact on the environment.
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Non-biodegradable, environmental hazard
Plastic microbeads are solid plastic particles smaller than one millimeter in their largest dimension. They are manufactured intentionally to be small and are used in health, beauty, and cleaning products. They are usually made from polyethylene or other petrochemical plastics such as polypropylene and polystyrene.
Microbeads are non-biodegradable and do not dissolve in water. They can cause plastic particle water pollution and pose an environmental hazard for aquatic animals in freshwater and ocean water. Aquatic life and birds can mistake microplastics for food. They can also adsorb toxins and have the potential to transfer up the marine food chain, impacting human health.
Due to the environmental concerns, there has been a push to phase out plastic microbeads from products. Several countries, including the United States, Canada, France, New Zealand, Sweden, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom, and China, have banned microbeads in rinse-off cosmetics and personal care products.
To address the issue, companies like Naturbeads are developing biodegradable alternatives to plastic microbeads. These alternatives are made from cellulose, the most abundant biomaterial on Earth, derived from plants and trees. Other biodegradable options include polymers made from plants, such as polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), which has excellent biodegradability and does not produce toxic compounds.
While the shift towards biodegradable alternatives is promising, it is important to ensure that these replacements do not pose new environmental challenges. The mechanical properties, stability, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and environmental friendliness of these alternatives must be carefully considered and studied.
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Used for exfoliation and cleansing
Plastic microbeads, which were previously used for exfoliation and cleansing, have been replaced by natural alternatives such as pumice, salt, and crushed seed kernels. These natural ingredients provide the same abrasive and exfoliating properties as microbeads without the environmental and health concerns associated with plastic particles.
Microbeads, defined as solid plastic particles less than 5mm in diameter, were commonly used in rinse-off cosmetic, personal care, and cleaning products. They were valued for their ability to exfoliate and cleanse the skin, removing dead cells and unclogging pores. However, due to their non-biodegradable nature, microbeads contributed to plastic pollution in oceans and waterways, posing a significant environmental and health hazard.
In recognition of the detrimental effects of microbeads, governments and cosmetic companies have taken steps to phase out their use. The Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2015 in the United States, for example, banned the use of microbeads in rinse-off cosmetics by July 2017. Similar bans have been implemented in other countries, including Canada, France, New Zealand, Sweden, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom.
As a result of these bans and increasing environmental awareness, cosmetic companies have actively replaced microbeads in their products. For instance, L'Oréal removed polyethylene microbeads from its exfoliating, cleansing, and shower gel products by 2017. Johnson and Johnson also discontinued the use of microbeads in their products during the same period.
In addition to legislative and corporate actions, initiatives like "Beat the Microbead" have emerged to advocate for the removal of microplastics from various products. Consumers are becoming more conscious of the presence of microbeads in their personal care and cosmetic items, opting for alternatives that do not contribute to plastic pollution.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic microbeads have been replaced by natural alternatives such as pumice, salt, crushed seed kernels, and soy-based beads. These natural alternatives are biodegradable and do not pose the same environmental concerns as plastic microbeads.
Plastic microbeads were replaced due to their negative environmental impact. As they are not biodegradable, they accumulate in the environment and have been found in oceans, lakes, rivers, and even drinking water. They are ingested by marine life and have been shown to reduce species diversity.
Plastic microbeads were commonly found in health and beauty products such as soap, body scrubs, face washes, exfoliators, cosmetics, shaving creams, lotions, toothpastes, shampoos, and sunscreens. They were used as exfoliants, scrubbers, bulking agents, and to prolong shelf life.
