Microplastics
Microplastics in cosmetics refer to tiny particles of plastic that are intentionally added to various personal care products such as face scrubs, toothpaste, and body washes. These microplastics are often used as exfoliants or to enhance the texture and appearance of the products. However, they pose a significant environmental concern as they are too small to be filtered out by wastewater treatment plants and end up polluting our oceans and waterways. These tiny plastic particles can be ingested by marine life, leading to potential harm to the ecosystem.
Advantages :
Firstly, they act as effective exfoliants, helping to remove dead skin cells and leaving the skin feeling smooth and rejuvenated. Secondly, they enhance the texture and consistency of cosmetic products, providing a luxurious and silky feel. Additionally, microplastics can improve the stability and shelf life of cosmetics by preventing the separation of ingredients. They also aid in the delivery of active ingredients, allowing them to penetrate the skin more effectively.
Disadvantages:
These tiny plastic particles can easily enter our bodies through various routes, such as inhalation or absorption through the skin. Once inside, they can accumulate and potentially cause harm, as they may contain toxic chemicals or act as carriers for other pollutants. Secondly, when these microplastics are washed off, they often end up in our waterways, where they can persist for a long time and have detrimental effects on aquatic life. The ingestion of microplastics by marine organisms can disrupt their digestive systems and lead to bioaccumulation up the food chain.
Conclusion:
The research conducted on this topic has shed light on the potential environmental and health risks associated with the use of these products. The presence of microplastics in cosmetics not only contributes to the pollution of our oceans and waterways but also poses a threat to marine life and ecosystems. Furthermore, the potential for these microplastics to be absorbed by the human body through the use of cosmetics raises concerns about their impact on human health.
References:
https://www.beatthemicrobead.org/#:~:text=What%20are%20microbeads%3F,cosmetics%20and%20personal%20care%20products.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9657586/