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Microplastics, the small plastic debris that result from the breakdown of consumer products and industrial waste, are widely recognised for their harmful environmental effects. However, little research has explored how these particles - which are found in up to 70% of cosmetic products - affect the skin microbiome.
What We Know:
Microplastics are tiny, solid plastic particles composed of polymers and additives. They are typically less than 5 mm and can be unintentionally formed through the wear and tear of larger plastic items (@European Chemicals Agency, 2024).
These particles, including microbeads and fibres, are commonly found in personal care products like shower gels, toothpaste and nail polish and include polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate and polypropylene. Microplastics serve various roles, from exfoliating beads in scrubs to enhancing product texture and stability, and even as glitter in makeup (Mim et al., 2024; Bashir et al., 2021).
In Europe, it’s estimated that around 3800 tonnes of microplastics are released into the environment annually through everyday cosmetic and personal care products (@European Chemicals Agency, 2024).
Microplastics can adsorb organic and inorganic contaminants on their surfaces, where biofilms may form, potentially acting as carriers of pathogenic vectors, pollutants, antimicrobial resistance, microorganisms and resistance genes. This raises concerns about how these particles may interact with the skin microbiome when present in cosmetic products (Mim et al., 2024).
Additionally, nanoplastics - smaller than microplastics, typically around 100 nm or less - can potentially penetrate biological barriers and may have toxic effects when present in topical products (Yong, Valiyaveettil & Tang, 2020).
Industry Impact and Potential:
Research on the impact of microplastics on the gut microbiome has shown that these particles can lead to significant shifts, including increased α-diversity and higher levels of potentially harmful pathobionts. As a result, it is widely hypothesised that microplastics may also be detrimental to the skin microbiome. However, further research is essential to elucidate the mechanisms behind these effects (Mim et al., 2024).
@Beat the Microbead is an innovative app developed by the @Plastic Soup Foundation that enables users to scan cosmetic product barcodes to check for microplastics. This empowers consumers to take control of their microplastic exposure and make informed choices, even before regulations and legislation fully address the issue.
Our Solution:
Sequential is a global leader in microbiome product development and testing, with locations in London, New York and Singapore. Our expertise and customisable services allow businesses to innovate confidently, ensuring their products preserve microbiome integrity and meet specific goals, such as efficacy, compatibility and environmental sustainability.
References:
Bashir, S.M., Kimiko, S., Mak, C.-W., Fang, J.K.-H. & Gonçalves, D. (2021) Personal Care and Cosmetic Products as a Potential Source of Environmental Contamination by Microplastics in a Densely Populated Asian City. Frontiers in Marine Science. 8. doi:10.3389/fmars.2021.683482.
Mim, M.F., Sikder, M.H., Chowdhury, M.Z.H., Bhuiyan, A.-U.-A., Zinan, N. & Islam, S.M.N. (2024) The dynamic relationship between skin microbiomes and personal care products: A comprehensive review. Heliyon. 10 (14). doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e34549.
Yong, C.Q.Y., Valiyaveettil, S. & Tang, B.L. (2020) Toxicity of Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Mammalian Systems. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 17 (5), 1509. doi:10.3390/ijerph17051509.
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