Microplastics in cosmetics: last months before final ban

Microplastics in Cosmetics: The microplastics are plastic particles smaller than 5 mmwhich are frequently used in different consumer sectors: cosmetics, medicines, biocidal products ..... In the last few years, the scientific community has discovered the huge environmental impact of these products and has called on governments to reduce and/or eliminate these plastic materials.  In fact, its use is already banned for cosmetics in the US, Sweden and the UK.

 

In 2019, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) assessed the risks of microplastics to human health, at the request of the European Commission. As part of the European Green Deal, the results of this study were devastating: the presence of microplastics was demonstrated in frequently used foods such as salt, fish and seafood. Microplastics were also found to be present in people's bodies.  

 

ECHA then suggested to the EU to drastically reduce the use of these plastics. The proposed changes served to push ahead with the Preliminary Draft Law on Waste and Contaminated Land (APL) which in principle will enter into force in 2021. But... Has the pharmaceutical industry made progress in implementing these changes? If you want to answer this question, read on.

Microplastics in cosmetics: What are they for?

The cosmetics sector has been using the microplastics in the last 20 years for different purposes. And among the types of cosmetic products we find on the market, there are some in which the presence of microplastics is more frequent:

• • Facial and body scrubs
  • Hand soap
  • Toothpaste

Why are they so present in these 3 types of cosmetics? Plastic micro beads are used in this type of product because generate a friction that cleanses the skin and at the same time has a very effective exfoliating effect.. In addition, micropearls have been used, as a matter of fashion, as a decorative element within cosmetics.

There is also one thing that must be clear: microplastics can be present in a considerably wider range of productsEye care, shower gel, make-up, make-up, concealer, shampoo, conditioner, hair gel, hairspray, eye shadow, eyeliner, eyebrow pencil, body cream, hand cream, foot cream, sunscreen, nail polish, shaving gel, after shave, deodorant and contact lens fluid.

What are the dangers of microplastics in cosmetic products for our health?

Although a priori, these small plastic particles should not cause serious harm to our body in small quantitiesIn addition, some potential hazards have been identified for use in cosmetics, as well as others related to the environmental pollution.

The direct dangers are related to thehe possibility of accidentally ingested some micro-pearls in lipsticks and face creams on a frequent basis. It should also be noted that when used for their exfoliating effects, microplastics are converted to even smaller particles - known as nanoplastics-They are much more difficult to detect and have a greater capacity to enter our bodies.

The indirect hazardsassociated with environmental pollution, are the reasons for the Waste and Contaminated Soil LPA. And the fact is that, in order tohen used - and often cleaned - in combination with water, cosmetic products with added microplastics pass into the tap water system, and from there into the seas, which are already heavily saturated with plastic waste. Greenpeace estimates that cosmetics used in the EU annually generate 8,627 tonnes of plastic waste. There are also studies that claim that even 69% of marine products we consume contain microplastics.

While studies on the effect of microplastics on human health are still in the early stages, scientists agree that do not underestimate chemical toxicity of plastics, and to take into account the potential effects of their accumulation in tissues and organs.

RememberIn addition to cosmetics, microplastics are also present in countless products in other sectors, such as food, pharmaceuticals, biocides, etc. This presence is particularly marked in detergents, cleaning products and paints.