The concrete danger of microplastics
Plastic is one of the main causes of our enormous environmental impact. It is very difficult or even impossible to biodegrade and the process can take up to centuries. If we take a plastic bag as an example, it does not decompose after some time, but is first broken down into smaller particles. During this process, macroplastic becomes microplastic (or primary/secondary plastic), which in turn is even more harmful to our atmosphere. Plastic is hidden in all areas of our lives and therefore in many everyday objects. In particular, however, in packaging, where it is usually even superfluous. We therefore contribute significantly to damage to our environment through our everyday lives. What's more, the particles have a similar density to water, which poses a high risk potential for aquatic organisms in particular. This means that plastic does not settle on the seabed. It floats on or in the water and can therefore be found in all regions of the sea. The material enters the environment from our industry or our everyday lives. It is virtually ubiquitous and is introduced into soils and all bodies of water. For example, it enters our oceans via our wastewater, rivers or the wind, where it is ingested by animals and various other organisms. In the form of this food, the microplastics then end up on our plates and thus in the human organism. The plastic accumulates through ingestion, is not digestible and can lead to disruptions in biochemical processes - e.g. hormonal ones.
Microplastics in cosmetics
The cosmetics industry is often portrayed in public as a major cause of this problem. Unfortunately, non-degradable plastic is actually used in cosmetics. Although microplastics can be completely avoided in this area and there are various alternatives, including those offered by Cosphatec.
In general, a distinction can be made between macroplastics and microplastics (< 5 mm). The former are, for example, plastic bags or ghost nets. Microplastics are created from macroplastics as they are broken down over time (secondary microplastics) or are used directly as microplastics.
Functions in the cosmetic product
This form of microplastic can also be found directly in cosmetic products with a wide variety of applications. These can be small plastic parts, for example, which are categorised as abrasives. They are used as abrasive agents in exfoliating products or toothpaste. These include polyethylene, polypropylene or nylon (see table). These are the forms of microplastics that are more noticeable in the INCI list and also on the skin. Most manufacturers are making huge efforts to avoid this form of microplastic and replace it with natural and plant-based raw materials made from wood or corn. In many countries, this form of plastic is already banned in cosmetics.
It is more complicated to replace the microplastics (synthetic polymers) that give the product its consistency. These are liquid polymers dissolved in the product. These polymers make a shower gel or body lotion feel good on the skin. They ensure that lipstick sticks to the lips or that hair is easier to comb after using a shampoo. However, these substances - such as acrylic acid copolymers, polyethylene glycols, polyurethanes and silicone oils (see table) - are just as difficult to break down as the abrasives mentioned above. As a result, they also have a negative impact on the environment and organisms. In addition, plastics can also bind harmful substances such as phthalates (plasticisers), silicones or the hormonally active bisphenol A.
Our actions
Microplastics are extremely harmful to the environment, which is why we strictly reject them. For this reason, Cosphatec does not sell any products containing microplastics. We do not consider microplastics to be a necessity and they can always be replaced. With regard to liquid microplastics, we recommend our COSMOS-approved and vegan products, among others. Xanthan Gums, which thicken a cosmetic formulation similar to a polymer. For a pleasant and silicone-like skin feel, developers like to use our Cosphaderm® Feel (INCI: Triheptanoin).
Our products help to make plastic-free formulations attractive to consumers.
