Cosmetics Europe suggests discontinuation of microbeads usage in cosmetics

The recommendation from Cosmetics Europe follows campaigns by environmental groups to protect the ocean life. The plastic beads that are used in several cosmetics as exfoliants in soaps, toothpastes, shower gels, shampoos, get washed out into the ocean where they get swallowed by marine animals.

The plastic beads are believed to release potentially toxic chemicals when they break down and can prove to be hazardous to animals which consume them.

Cosmetic Europe suggested that the use of these microbeads must be discontinued in exfoliating and cleaning products from 2020. Instead, the association suggested that companies should look for alternative natural exfoliants such as ground fruit seeds, reported The Daily Mail.

Cosmetics Europe President Loïc Armand said: "In adopting this Recommendation, Cosmetics Europe and its membership are addressing public concerns, and committing to work with regulators on a science based approach to the issue of plastic micro particles. We are also committed to building, with other international associations, global alignment of the cosmetics industry on this issue."

Recent studies have shown that fragments of plastic are seen in significant proportions in the sands of the beaches across the world. Studies also found that a new sedimentary rock is forming from the plastic which mixes with sand and other materials on beaches. Plastic debris is also found in deep beds of the oceans, reported The Daily Mail.

The association’s initiative comes weeks after California announced a ban on plastic microbeads in personal hygiene products. Canada also announced intentions to ban microbeads for use in personal care products. Independently, many cosmetic companies have also declared intentions to stop using plastic beads in their products, reported The Daily Mail.

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Image: Tiny plastic beads in toothpaste gel to be discontinued. Photo: Courtesy of Ambro/FreeDigitalPhotos.net.