Microplastics are increasingly becoming the focus of scientific attention. And for good reason. Tiny plastic particles have long since entered the food chain. But what do cosmetics have to do with this and what can each and every one of us do to reduce the amount of microplastics in the environment?
What exactly is microplastic, why is it considered an invisible danger and what can we do about microplastic pollution in our everyday lives? Find out here.
- What is microplastic and what does it contain?
- Are microplastics harmful to us and our environment?
- How can I avoid microplastics?
- Is cosmetics possible without microplastics?
What is microplastic and what does it contain?
Microplastics are on everyone's lips - perhaps even in the truest sense of the word. The small plastic particles have long since reached the food chain. What ends up as plastic waste in the sea degrades over time into the finest particles and is ingested by marine animals. If these are eaten by larger sea creatures, the plastic particles move on - until one day they may end up on your plate. Polyethylene and polypropylene from the packaging of everyday products are found particularly frequently in bodies of water.
There are two types of microplastic:
- Primary microplastics: for example, petroleum-based base material for the production of plastic packaging or hygiene products
- Secondary microplastics: produced by the decay of larger plastic parts
Some cosmetic products also contain microplastics, such as scrubs and toothpaste. Because microplastics are "out" and manufacturers of conventional products have also realized this, many packages are labeled "without microplastics".
However, liquid plastic in cosmetic products such as sun creams shower gelhair wax or hair treatments also ends up in sewage treatment plants via the drain. If you are not a chemist, you will have a hard time recognizing liquid plastic in cosmetic or household products. Cryptic designations on the list of ingredients such as these provide information:
- PEG/PPG-17/18 dimethicone
- Cyclopentasiloxane
- Polyquaternium-68
- VP/VA
- Acrylates crosspolymer
Tricky: As liquid plastic is not considered microplastic, because by definition microplastics are solid plastic particles that are smaller than 5 millimetres, it is easy to fall into the liquid plastic trap. These substances, which are difficult to break down, end up in sewage treatment plants via runoff and from there, some of them end up in bodies of water or as fertilizer on fields via sewage sludge. Environmentalists are therefore calling for a ban on microplastics and other poorly degradable synthetic substances in cosmetics and everyday products such as detergents.
Speaking of detergents: the finest plastic fibers also end up in wastewater via the washing machine when items of clothing made from synthetic fibers such as fleece are washed. Despite state-of-the-art technology, sewage treatment plants can only retain some of the small plastic particles.
To top off the effects of our modern lifestyle, here's another example of how microplastics end up in the environment: every day, around the clock, all over the planet via tire abrasion. Pretty heavy, isn't it?
Are microplastics harmful to us and our environment?
How dangerous microplastics are for the health of humans, animals and the environment has not been conclusively clarified, but scientists are alarmed. Much of the plastic waste in the sea can no longer be found. Possibly because it has broken down into tiny particles or is stored on the seabed where it is difficult to access. The smaller the microplastic particles, the more creatures can ingest them and the further they spread up the food chain.
As microplastics are already ubiquitous in the oceans, researchers fear devastating effects on the marine ecosystem. Microplastics are colonized by algae and potentially harmful bacteria such as vibrios. The particles move slowly through the waters due to the currents. Enough time for the "passengers" to adapt to the respective conditions and thus disrupt the ecological balance.
The risk of marine life ingesting microplastics and the particles then passing from one organism to the next via the food chain is particularly high at depth. But it is not only on the seabed and on the surface of the water that vast quantities of micro- and macroplastics are floating. Researchers have been able to detect huge quantities of the finest plastic particles in the pack ice of the Arctic. If the ice melts, these particles will begin their journey through the oceans.
Depending on the nature of the plastic, microplastics can contain other chemicals such as plasticizers or flame retardants, which attract other chemicals in the water like a magnet and grow into a chemical cocktail. Even long-banned pollutants that are still found in the environment can be bound in this way and absorbed by living organisms.
How microplastics get into the human organism
Microplastics can then enter the human body through the consumption of shellfish or fish, but the finest particles can also be inhaled through breathing. The long-term effects of microplastics in the body have not yet been researched. Researchers criticize the premature all-clear given by the WHO, which does not consider microplastics in water to be a risk to humans.
Although larger plastic particles can be excreted, what about the chemicals? Professor Colin Janssen from the University of Ghent in Belgium has succeeded in proving that microplastics can penetrate the gastric mucosa and accumulate in the tissue. The question of how microplastics inhaled through the air affect the body also remains unanswered.
How can I avoid microplastics?
Around 80 percent of plastic waste is discharged from the land into the sea, where packaging and films slowly degrade into microplastics. As things stand today, microplastics cannot be completely removed from the environment. It is therefore all the more important to produce less plastic waste and to minimize hidden sources of microplastics as much as possible.
Garments made from natural materials such as linen or cotton from sustainable cultivation are more environmentally friendly than mixed fabrics with synthetic fibres.
Special bags for cleanser garments made from synthetic materials retain synthetic fibres.
Prefer more environmentally friendly packaging such as refill packaging or recycled glass.
Tire abrasion from cars contributes enormously to the microplastic load in the environment. Carpooling and public transport may not always be possible, but they are an environmentally friendly way of getting around.
Consistently use cleaning products and cosmetics that are free from microplastics and persistent synthetic substances.
Don't want to give up your beloved coffee to go? Use reusable cups or get yourself a thermo mug. You can pack a food storage container for takeaway food. Sure, it takes some getting used to at first - but let's imagine people all over the world leaving the house armed with a jute bag, bread box and thermo mug. This could save tons of waste every day.
Is cosmetics possible without microplastics?
The EU Cosmetics Regulation regulates many things, but not the biodegradability of ingredients. Common plastics in cosmetic products include:
- Polyamide (PA, Nylon-6, Nylon-12)
- Acrylate copolymer (AC)
- Acrylate crosspolymer (ACS)
- Polyacrylates (PA)
- Crosspolymer (C10-C30)
If you want to avoid microplastics, use products in your everyday life that are biodegradable and packaged as environmentally friendly as possible. Although certified natural cosmetics - depending on the seal - are free from petroleum-based microplastics and other petroleum-based plastics, the demands placed on manufacturers by the seal issuers vary greatly. In addition, the rarely used polylactic acid is not banned in natural cosmetics, but is difficult to break down.
We do not use questionable ingredients such as microplastics, nanoparticles, PEG and silicones in any of our products. Here I would like to introduce you to a few cosmetic alternatives that are good for you and the environment.
Cosmetics without microplastics:
peeling: A peeling with plastic particles can easily be replaced with natural raw materials such as sugar, nutshells or silica. Our AHA peeling and also the BHA peeling does not require any abrasive particles. Simply apply, leave overnight Treat and wake up fresh the next day.
Skin cleansing: Avoid using wet wipes or products for cleanser skin that contain microplastics or liquid plastic. Our Cleansing Oil removes dirt and make-up with 7 valuable plant oils and mild sugar surfactants. If possible, remove make-up with a cotton pad first. This way, less make-up ends up in the waste water. Our shower gel is also free from microplastics and silicones and cleanses your skin with environmentally friendly and skin-friendly sugar-based surfactants.
Solid cosmetic products: Whether solid shower gel, solid shampoo, Shaving Soap Bar or Hand Soap Bar - hair & body bars are brilliant for your daily Bodycare in harmony with Mama Nature. We've even developed a solid conditioner that you can use to tame your mane. hair & body bars doesn't need a jar or bottle, so there's even no need for a plastic pump dispenser, yay!
The future of the planet is in our hands. Through responsible consumption and mindful use of plastic, the use of cosmetics without microplastics and cleaning products based on biodegradable and sustainable raw materials, you can help to reduce plastic waste and therefore microplastics in nature in your everyday life.
Many people are unaware of the impact that normal everyday life can have on the environment if we don't pay attention to the small print and don't change our habits. Therefore: spread the word, inspire others, join forces, get loud. Only together can we bring about change. Ultimately, however, it starts with our consumption decisions.
Sources:
https://www.awi.de/ueber-uns/service/presse/presse-detailansicht/mikroplastik-rieselt-mit-schnee.html
https://junglueck.de/blogs/wissen/mikroplastik-umweltbelastung-durch-kosmetik?_pos=1&_psq=mikro&_ss=e&_v=1.0
https://www.umweltbundesamt.de/service/uba-fragen/was-ist-mikroplastik
https://www.greenpeace.de/sites/www.greenpeace.de/files/publications/20160926_greenpeace_mikroplastik_meere_report.pdf
https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/pdf/10.1098/rsos.140317
https://www.bund.net/fileadmin/user_upload_bund/publikationen/meere/meere_mikroplastik_einkaufsfuehrer.pdf
https://www.arte.tv/de/videos/062231-000-A/mikroplastik-im-meer/