While a rich, creamy moisturizer or face cream is enough to make the skin soft and plump do you have any idea about what kind of its ingredients? It's microplastics! Now, if you ain't heard about microplastics and their roles in beauty products then the answer may surprise you! These are tiny plastic minuscules of <0.5 mm diameter, derived from degraded plastic chunks and used for a myriad of purposes in skincare products such as for emulsification, extended product self-lives, etc.
With this, you may have presumed that microplastics are not skin-friendly. Yes, you've guessed right! These synthetic polymers are hostile not just to human health but to the environment simultaneously. However, if you feel curious to figure out the types of microplastics used in skincare and cosmetics, then there are five common types unraveled so far. Let's discuss in detail and find out how these 5 microplastic beads are putting human lives at slow but detrimental stakes over time.
5 Common Microplastics in Skincare That Raised Alarming Concern
When it comes to unraveling the details of microplastics and unfolding their types, there are multiple variants irrespective of shapes and sizes. However, in this write-up, we will focus on 5 Commonly used Microplastics in Skincare.
Carbomer
Widely used to enhance product texture, the lustrous and silky smooth sensation of your favorite cream is because of this ‘magic’ Many experts widely speak about its benefits for the skin, however, when digging deeper it can be discovered that the solvent that has been in use traditionally is benzene- a carcinogen. Yes, it can potentially cause cancer.
Not to scare anyone here, but that is the reason we are told to ALWAYS read the ingredient list very carefully.
Acrylates Copolymer
Commonly used in various body lotions, shampoos, conditioners, and nail paints. Acrylate copolymer offers properties like film forming - smoothening & softening. They form a plastic-like layer on skin & hair that gives a shiny finish on the surface post-application but can seriously damage our skin & hair by suffocating it. Forming a film-like layer on the skin or scalp will not only prohibit it from breathing but it will form a barrier on the skin and will not allow actives or any other beneficial ingredient from the product to get in!
Polyvinyl Alcohol
It is one such microplastic that is used as a gel-based thickener in cosmetics such as peel-off masks. It also has the property of film forming and is widely famous as a binding agent. It is a red flag if you have sensitive skin, as it can potentially pose a risk of aggravating the skin and making it prone to attracting more infections and inflammation.
Polyethylene
It serves a variety of purposes in cosmetics and hygiene products - it is used to bond ingredients together and to increase the shelf life of the product, it can be used to dilute solids and thicken liquids (oil). It is a cheap filler for cosmetics. It can penetrate inside the skin and cause disruption It can also be a nightmare for oily-skinned people, as it can get us greasy skin which is prone to acne.
Polypropylene
Polypropylene is used as a skin conditioning agent and has a great water-absorbing capacity. It forms a thin film on the surface of the skin that fosters typical conditions like clogging the skin pores that results in lacking breathability. As a result, the skin turns dull, rigid, and inflexible over time.
Why Are Microplastics A Global Threat?
If there is a serious foe for the 21st century it's undoubtedly Microplastics. They are not only hostile to the human body but to the environment too. As per research, every year around 5 trillion microplastic beads are released into the ocean and all other aquatic bodies which are consumed by aquatic species. As a result, the food chain gets hampered through Trophic Level Transfer efficiency (TLTE). However, the consequence is more precarious and multifarious for the PCCPs (Personal Care & Cosmetic Products) sector. Not only do they incur long-term skin disfigurement, apart from dry and flakey texture but also conjure carcinogenic impacts. Now the immediate question is -- why aren't microplastics forbidden if they are humungously aghast for nature and the human body and why do the PCCPs sector relentlessly extravagate their use? The possible reasons are as follows.
The question that must be striking is, if they are so dangerous why are they still used? And what are the available alternatives that we can choose?
- Affordable: The first and foremost reason behind the wide use of microplastics in cosmetics is its affordability. They are extremely cheap compared to their alternatives which leaves a heavy margin for brands to earn their profits.
- Lack of Awareness: There is a dearth of awareness among commoners, sometimes even among industry builders. One possible reason for this is the lack of funding for research which is a bit pricey. Numerous brands, especially startup beauty brands do lag in this part considering the affordability benchmark. This marks boundless adulteration of microplastics throughout the formulations.
Isn't There Any Solution for Alternatives to Microplastics?
When excessive dilution of microplastics in beauty products bells alarming sirens, surprisingly, many new doors are opening through a handful of new beauty brands that aspire to bid permanent adieu to these plastic minuscules from their products. La Pink is one such brand which is also India's 1st beauty brand to formulate as well as market 100% microplastic-free products. Inspired by natural and pure formulation aesthetics, La Pink produces 100% natural products that are suitable for all skin types.
All of La Pink's products are crafted after rigorous research and premium natural ingredients that are sourced from various countries. With this, La Pink has also comprised essential alternatives to microplastics that too are vegan and free of side effects.
For example: Volcanic sand is an exfoliant instead of microbeads. It is a key ingredient in La Pink’s Face Scrubs, filled with natural minerals that are proven to do wonders for our skin.
It is just one out of 1200 ingredients that are in La Pink’s ingredient catalog - and as shocking as it is to digest none of them is microplastic.
All the ingredients that we use are backed by comprehensive scientific research. We are proud to say that we are India’s first 100% Microplastic Free Formulation Beauty Brand. So yes, exploring the options and choosing the best is always advised!
Suggested Readings
- Microplastics vs Biodegradable Ingredients: What's The Difference?
- Why Do We Need Microplastic-Free Beauty Brand?
Conclusion:
Microplastics have become a global concern over the last decade. Countries like the US, Germany, and recently Korea (2017) have already shown red flags against their adulteration in beauty and cosmetic products. Europe has been separately running a separate campaign to forbid microplastics while bringing people's attention to its adverse impact on infants, adults, and the environment. Therefore, pondering on the benevolence of the future, it's time to take serious initiatives and #SayNoToMicroplastics.
