{"id":2855,"date":"2024-01-13T20:32:36","date_gmt":"2024-01-13T12:32:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/greenitio.com\/?p=2855"},"modified":"2024-12-09T21:17:15","modified_gmt":"2024-12-09T13:17:15","slug":"overcoming-the-microplastics-crisis-navigating-the-polymer-transition-in-beauty","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/greenitio.com\/overcoming-the-microplastics-crisis-navigating-the-polymer-transition-in-beauty\/","title":{"rendered":"Overcoming the Microplastics Crisis: Navigating the Polymer Transition in Beauty"},"content":{"rendered":"

Plastics have been in the spotlight for many years now for the damage they cause to the environment. Recently, microplastics have been gaining recognition since several studies and posts sharing just how present microplastics are in the environment and humans have surfaced. What is really going on?<\/span><\/p>\n

What are microplastics, and how are they harmful?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic that measure less than 5 mm in length, come in various forms, and are now becoming a topic of widespread concern.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Two types of microplastics exist: manufacturers intentionally produce small plastic particles to be added into products which are called primary microplastics, while environmental conditions lead to the formation of secondary microplastics through the breakdown of large plastic items.<\/span><\/p>\n

While secondary microplastics come about due to the breakdown of large plastic items due to environmental factors like sunlight, heat, mechanical action, and weathering, primary microplastics have applications in various day-to-day products in cosmetics, personal care, and home care items, such as skin care items, detergents, soaps, toothpaste, among others. Manufacturers intentionally add microbeads, microfibers, and liquid polymers as examples of primary microplastics in beauty products for performance, function, or other specific needs.<\/span><\/p>\n

These microplastics enter the environment and can cause ecosystem disruption and impact biodiversity. They also impact the food chain by moving up the chain through bioaccumulation in organisms, reaching up to higher level organisms like humans, causing toxicity and health issues.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Microplastics are difficult to detect and remove from the environment because of their small size and widespread distribution, ultimately ending up in the environment where they persist for a long period.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Researchers have found their presence to be <\/span>everywhere<\/span><\/a> – in human lungs, in excrement, in blood, in placentas, and now, also in <\/span>packaged bottles of water<\/span>.<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

In Germany, researchers<\/span> uncovered<\/span><\/a> that a whopping 97% of children between the ages of 3 and 17 years have plastic and microplastic debris in their bodies, likely from being exposed in their homes, via their clothing, food, and in their surrounding environment.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

However, microplastics are not the only synthetic polymer-based ingredients around.<\/span><\/p>\n

Other non-renewable ingredients in daily-use products<\/span><\/h2>\n

Silicones in conditioners<\/span><\/h3>\n

Conditioners are a very common product in most homes, used several times a week by people. But do you know what helps conditioners impart silkiness and shininess to our hair? Silicones and polymer ingredients in conditioners contribute to enhanced hair texture, shine, and manageability resulting in the appearance of healthier, more polished hair. These ingredients form a protective coating around the hair shaft, smoothing out cuticles and preventing moisture loss.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, their<\/span> use has raised safety, health, and environmental concerns<\/a>.<\/span> Over time, these substances can accumulate on the hair, leading to a build-up that may weigh down strands and reduce volume. Additionally, some individuals may experience adverse reactions, such as irritation or allergic responses, to specific silicones. From an environmental perspective, silicones do not easily biodegrade, and when they wash down our drains, they contribute to long-term ecological impact.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

PEGs in skincare and cosmetics formulations\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

An example of a non-renewable polymer ingredient used in daily care products is Polyethylene Glycol (PEG). PEG is a petroleum-based polymer that is commonly found in skincare and cosmetic formulations. It is used for various purposes, such as thickening, and moisture retention, and as a solvent for other ingredients.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

While PEG can offer functional benefits in personal care products, it is derived from non-renewable fossil fuel sources, raising concerns about sustainability and environmental impact.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Other examples of non-renewable ingredients in skincare and cosmetics products<\/span><\/h3>\n

Another example of a non-renewable polymer ingredient used in daily care products is Polyacrylamide. Polyacrylamide is a synthetic polymer that is often used in hair care products such as styling gels and creams. It provides benefits like enhancing texture, improving product consistency, and aiding in the styling process. However, like other non-renewable polymers, it is derived from petrochemical sources.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Contribution to the cosmetics and personal care industry<\/span><\/h2>\n

A lot of the beauty and personal care products we use today wouldn\u2019t be possible if not for these polymer ingredients. <\/span>These synthetic polymeric ingredients impart a lot of benefits to our products:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n