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.

To make sure that products are completely free of any microplastic ingredients, you need a guarantee so look for the Zero Plastic Inside logo. On average, a human being absorbs up to five grams of plastic per week via the diet, which is roughly the weight of a credit card. The UK-wide ban on microbeads in rinse-off products (scrubs, shampoo or shower gel) only solves half of the problem, particularly as it does not cover leave-on cosmetics (make-up).