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plastics in skincare

Hidden Plastics in Skincare Products: What You Need to Know

Written by: Dawn Kurtze

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Time to read 4 min

When we think of plastics, we often imagine items like water bottles, packaging, and toys. However, plastics are also prevalent in less obvious places, such as personal care products. These hidden plastics can be found in everyday items like face washes, shampoos, and lotions. Understanding these common ingredients is crucial for making informed choices about the products we use and their impact on our health and the environment. This article delves into the most common plastic ingredients in personal care products and their potential implications.

What You Need to Know: Common Plastic Ingredients in Skincare Products

Author: Dawn Kurtze

Common Plastic Ingredients in Personal Care Products


1. Microbeads

 

Microbeads are tiny plastic particles, typically less than 5 millimeters in diameter, used as exfoliants in products like facial scrubs, body washes, and toothpaste. These beads are usually made from polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), or polystyrene (PS).

 

  • Environmental Impact: Microbeads do not biodegrade and can easily pass through water treatment systems, ending up in rivers, lakes, and oceans. They contribute to plastic pollution and can be ingested by marine life, potentially entering the food chain.
  • Regulation: Due to their environmental impact, many countries have banned or restricted the use of microbeads in personal care products. For example, the United States passed the Microbead-Free Waters Act in 2015, prohibiting the manufacture and sale of rinse-off cosmetics containing microbeads.

 

2. Acrylates Copolymer and Crosspolymer

 

Acrylates copolymer and crosspolymer are used to form films and improve the texture of products. These ingredients are commonly found in hair styling products, sunscreens, and makeup.

 

  • Function: They provide a smooth application, enhance water resistance, and help products adhere to the skin or hair.
  • Environmental Concerns: Like other plastics, these polymers are not biodegradable. They can contribute to microplastic pollution when washed off and enter waterways.

 

 3. Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)

 

PEGs are a family of synthetic polymers derived from petroleum. They are used as thickeners, solvents, and moisture-carriers in a wide range of personal care products, including creams, lotions, and shampoos.

 

  • Safety Concerns: While PEGs themselves are not considered harmful, they can be contaminated with potentially carcinogenic substances like ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane during the manufacturing process.
  • Environmental Impact: PEGs are water-soluble, but their production and disposal still raise environmental concerns, particularly regarding their petroleum origin.

 

4. Polyquaternium

 

Polyquaterniums are a group of synthetic polymers used as conditioning agents in hair care products. They provide anti-static properties and help smooth and detangle hair.

 

  •  Function: These polymers create a protective film on the hair shaft, improving texture and manageability.
  •  Environmental Concerns: As with other synthetic polymers, polyquaterniums do not readily biodegrade and can contribute to microplastic pollution.

 

5. Nylon

 

Nylon, often found in powder form, is used in personal care products to enhance texture, absorb oil, and provide a mattifying effect. It is commonly used in makeup products like foundation, eyeshadow, and blush.

 

  • Function: Nylon particles help improve the feel and performance of cosmetic products, giving them a silky texture and better adherence to the skin.
  • Environmental Impact: Nylon is a type of microplastic that can persist in the environment and contribute to plastic pollution when washed off during use.

 

Why It Matters

 

Health Concerns: While the long-term health impacts of using personal care products containing plastic ingredients are still being studied, there is concern about potential skin irritation, allergic reactions, and the presence of harmful contaminants.

 

Environmental Impact: The persistence of plastic ingredients in the environment is a significant concern. These plastics can accumulate in waterways, soil, and wildlife, causing ecological harm and potentially entering the human food chain.

 

Consumer Awareness: Increasing awareness about the presence of plastics in personal care products can drive demand for safer, more sustainable alternatives. Consumers can look for products labeled as "plastic-free" or those that use natural exfoliants and biodegradable ingredients.

 

Moving Towards Sustainable Alternatives

 

As awareness of the environmental and health impacts of plastics grows, many brands are seeking sustainable alternatives. Here are some tips for making more eco-friendly choices:

 

  • Read Labels: Familiarize yourself with common plastic ingredients and check product labels to avoid them.
  • Choose Natural Exfoliants: Look for products that use natural exfoliants like jojoba beads, crushed seeds, or salt instead of microbeads.
  • Support Sustainable Brands like Glow Until Dawn: Support brands that prioritize sustainability and transparency in their ingredient sourcing and packaging.
  • DIY Alternatives: Consider making your own personal care products using natural ingredients. There are many DIY recipes available for scrubs, masks, and lotions.

 

Conclusion


Plastics in personal care products may be hidden from plain sight, but their impact on our health and the environment is significant. By understanding these common plastic ingredients and their implications, we can make more informed choices and support a move towards more sustainable, plastic-free personal care options. As consumers, our choices can drive change and encourage the beauty industry to prioritize health and environmental sustainability.

YOU CAN TRUST OUR SKINCARE TO BE FREE OF HIDDEN PLASTICS! SAFE FOR YOU AND THE PLANET.

Our mission is simple: 

To give you the finest and purest of ethically-sourced natural ingredients with earth-friendly packaging in our handcrafted plant-based skincare, and all at honest, competitive prices.

Hidden plastics in skincare has significant impact on our health and the environment

By understanding these common plastic ingredients and their implications, we can
make more informed choices and support a move towards more sustainable,
plastic-free skincare options

As consumers, our choices can drive change and encourage the beauty industry to
prioritize health and environmental sustainability

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