New study finds continuation of microplastics addition to cosmetics

The Plastic Soup Foundation (PSF) has recently conducted a new investigation showing multinational firms are adding microplastics to their cosmetic products.

Microplastics are pieces of plastic smaller than 5mm in size. They are reported to be associated with environmental and health problems.

The United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) and TAUW found that a minimum of 67 different microplastics are used in cosmetic products, a much higher number than the five types expected.

PSF's director Maria Westerbos said: “Many cosmetics, products that people use daily, contain microplastics. That is not a healthy situation.

"Who wants to put plastic on their lips where it could easily end up in your body or that of your loved ones? The consumer has a right to transparency and protection: plastics don’t belong in cosmetics.”

The PSF and some of its partners have initiated a ban on the use of plastics in cosmetics with campaign Kiss of Death on Twitter.

In collaboration with 38 non-government organisations (NGO), the firm intends to evaluate damage caused by microplastics used in a number of high-profile lipstick brands.

The investigation showed microplastics are also used in multiple personal care products such as mascara and deodorant, contrary to the previous findings that they are found primarily in scrubs, toothpaste, and nail polish.

Companies such as Unilever and Johnson & Johnson have agreed to cease the use of microbeads in their products after PSF's previous Beat the Microbead campaign.