Microplastics in Skincare: A Growing Concern

Microplastics, defined as plastic particles smaller than 5 millimeters, have become a pervasive environmental concern. They are commonly associated with pollution in oceans and waterways, but their presence in everyday consumer products, including skincare, has raised significant health and ecological questions. While microplastics are intentionally added to some products, they can also leach from plastic packaging into the skincare formulations they contain. Furthermore, many ingredients in skincare are synthetic polymers that contribute to the microplastic problem. This article explores the dual concerns of microplastics leaching from packaging and the inclusion of plastic-based ingredients in skincare products, their risks, and the steps needed to mitigate these challenges.

What Are Microplastics and How Do They Appear in Skincare?

Microplastics are categorized into two main types:

1. Primary Microplastics: Intentionally manufactured small particles, often used in skincare for exfoliation (e.g., polyethylene beads) or as film-forming agents.
2. Secondary Microplastics: Generated from the breakdown of larger plastic items, such as packaging or synthetic fibers.

In skincare, microplastics can arise from both product formulations and packaging. Ingredients such as acrylates, polyethylene, and polybutylene are commonly found in skincare as stabilizers, texture enhancers, or film-formers. Simultaneously, plastic containers can degrade over time, releasing microplastics into the product due to environmental factors or chemical interactions.

Leaching of Microplastics from Packaging

How Does It Happen?

Plastic packaging, though widely used for its affordability and versatility, is not chemically inert. Over time, it can release microplastics into skincare products due to:

1. Degradation: Exposure to heat, UV light, and oxygen can cause plastics to break down into micro-sized particles.
2. Chemical Interactions: Ingredients in skincare formulations, particularly alcohols, acids, and essential oils, may react with the plastic packaging, increasing the likelihood of microplastic leaching.
3. Additive Migration: Plastics often contain additives such as plasticizers, stabilizers, and colorants. These can migrate into the product, bringing microplastics with them.

Materials Most Likely to Leach Microplastics

1. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET): Commonly used for bottles, PET is lightweight and recyclable but prone to degradation under high temperatures.
2. Polypropylene (PP): Often used for caps and jars, PP can degrade with repeated exposure to UV light.
3. Polycarbonate (PC): Contains Bisphenol A (BPA), a known endocrine disruptor, which can leach into products along with microplastics.

Plastic-Based Ingredients in Skincare Formulations

Common Plastic-Derived Ingredients

Many skincare products contain synthetic polymers that function as emulsifiers, texture enhancers, or film-forming agents. These include:

1. Polyethylene (PE): Used in scrubs and masks for its exfoliating properties.
2. Acrylates Copolymer: A film-forming agent found in sunscreens and lotions.
3. Polyquaternium-7: A conditioning agent often used in creams and serums.
4. Nylon-12: Provides a silky texture in powders and creams.

Risks Associated with Plastic-Based Ingredients

1. Skin Absorption: While large plastic particles may not penetrate the skin, nano-sized plastics can potentially infiltrate deeper layers, especially when combined with penetration-enhancing ingredients.
2. Environmental Pollution: Once washed off, plastic-based ingredients contribute to microplastic pollution in waterways, where they persist for decades and harm aquatic life.
3. Long-Term Toxicity: Plastic particles can act as carriers for other toxic substances, including pesticides and heavy metals, amplifying their harmful effects.

Health and Environmental Risks

Impact on Human Health

1. Hormonal Disruption: Chemicals like BPA and phthalates leached from packaging and included in plastic-derived ingredients can interfere with hormonal systems, leading to reproductive and developmental issues.
2. Skin Sensitivity: Microplastics and their associated additives may trigger irritation, inflammation, or allergic reactions in sensitive skin.
3. Bioaccumulation: Repeated exposure to microplastics can result in their accumulation in the body, although long-term effects are still under investigation.

Environmental Consequences

1. Marine Pollution: Microplastics from skincare products enter wastewater systems, eventually contaminating rivers and oceans.
2. Soil Contamination: When wastewater sludge is used as fertilizer, microplastics can accumulate in soil, affecting plant growth and soil health.
3. Wildlife Impact: Microplastics ingested by aquatic organisms can move up the food chain, ultimately affecting human health.

Regulatory and Industry Responses

Existing Regulations

1. European Union: The EU has proposed banning intentionally added microplastics in cosmetics by 2028. However, this does not yet address microplastic leaching from packaging.
2. United States: The Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2015 prohibits microbeads in rinse-off products but does not regulate plastic-based ingredients or packaging-related microplastics.
3. Global Initiatives: Organizations like UNEP are pushing for global standards on microplastic usage and packaging sustainability.

Industry Innovations

1. Sustainable Packaging: Brands are shifting to glass, aluminum, or biodegradable materials to reduce plastic use.
2. Polymer-Free Formulations: Companies are developing formulations that avoid synthetic polymers, opting for natural alternatives like plant-based gums and waxes.
3. Refillable Systems: Encouraging consumers to reuse durable packaging reduces the need for single-use plastics.

Alternatives to Plastic in Packaging and Ingredients

Sustainable Packaging Options

1. Glass: Non-reactive, durable, and infinitely recyclable, glass is an ideal alternative for skincare packaging. All Ages products are bottled in 100% glass.
2. Aluminum: Lightweight and resistant to degradation, aluminum is a sustainable choice for creams and sprays.
3. Bioplastics: Derived from renewable resources like cornstarch, bioplastics offer a more eco-friendly option, though their decomposition depends on specific conditions.
4. Paper-Based Packaging: Coated paper can be used for products like sheet masks and powders, reducing reliance on plastics.

Natural Alternatives to Plastic-Based Ingredients

1. Exfoliants: Replace polyethylene beads with natural options like ground apricot kernels, sugar, or jojoba beads.
2. Emulsifiers: Use plant-based gums such as xanthan gum or guar gum instead of synthetic polymers.
3. Film-Formers: Natural waxes like beeswax or candelilla wax can replace acrylates in providing a protective layer on the skin.

Consumer Tips for Avoiding Microplastics

1. Read Ingredient Labels: Avoid products with ingredients like polyethylene, acrylates copolymer, or nylon-12.
2. Opt for Sustainable Brands: Support companies that use eco-friendly packaging and prioritize transparency about their formulations.
3. Store Products Properly: Minimize heat and light exposure to reduce plastic degradation in packaging.
4. Reduce Waste: Choose refillable or recyclable packaging to limit your environmental footprint.

Conclusion

The presence of microplastics in skincare products, whether through leaching from packaging or the inclusion of plastic-based ingredients, is a growing concern. These particles not only pose potential health risks to consumers but also contribute to widespread environmental pollution. Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach involving stricter regulations, industry innovation, and informed consumer choices. By transitioning to sustainable packaging, reformulating products without synthetic polymers, and adopting eco-friendly habits, we can mitigate the impact of microplastics on our health and the environment. The beauty industry has a pivotal role to play in leading this change, ensuring that skincare products are safe for both people and the planet.

Ages products are all packaged in 100% glass bottle to avoid microplastic contamination. Ages does not use any ingredients that contain plastics. Better for you, better for Mother Earth.