Microplastics are small pieces of plastics (typically under 5.5mm) contained in beauty products (amongst other things) that are rinsed away with wastewater during use, which means they ultimately end up in the ocean. Plastic degrades into smaller and smaller pieces over tens or even hundreds of years. This means that all plastic that has ever been produced and has ended up in the environment is still present there in one form or another.
The impact this has on sea life, wildlife and human life is still being researched. Liquid microplastics are found in various cosmetics such as eyeliners, mascara, lipsticks, powders and skincare products. Each use may contain up to 100,000 tiny plastic particles.
A product that is completely free of any microplastic ingredients, will include a ‘Zero Plastic Inside’ logo. Whilst welcome, the UK-wide ban on microbeads in rinse-off products (scrubs, shampoo or shower gel) only solves part of the problem, particularly as it does not cover leave-on cosmetics (make-up).
Look for the Zero – Plastic-Free Cosmetics – Beat the Microbead