In the cosmetic industry, the microplásticos have been a subject of increasing worry. It does you grieve a year, the European Union announced the prohibition of the microplásticos added in the cosmetic products.
Now a recent studio published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials by academicians of the University of Birmingham stands out an important lagoon in the investigation and regulation of these contaminantes, especially in cosmetic products and of personal care known like "leave-on", that is to say, those that apply and remain in the skin, as protective solar, humectantes, desinfectantes of hands, deodorants and labial. According to the studio, has overlooked the presence of microplásticos in these products, what poses serious worries so much for the environment as for the human health.
An empty in the investigation and regulation
The report, entitled ‘Beyond microbeads: Examining the role of cosmetics in microplastic pollution and spotlighting unanswered questions', exposes a worrying lack of evidence on products left on the skin. While regulation and research has mainly focused on leave-on products such as facial scrubs and toothpastes, the analysis reveals that leave-on products may be contributing significantly to microplastic pollution without receiving the necessary attention.
Dr Anna Kukkola, co-author of the study, explains that there is a ‘significant lack of research’ on these products, which poses a danger not only to the environment, but also to the health of consumers. These microplastics end up in sewage treatment plants or landfills, from where they can find their way into aquatic environments,’ Kukkola adds. He also highlights the lack of research on the effects of prolonged skin exposure to these microplastics, leaving a knowledge gap on the potential health consequences.
Products leave-on: further of the microbeads
The term ‘microbeads’ has been misused in much research, referring only to rinse-off products and leaving out a large number of microplastics in leave-on products. In this sense, regulatory developments have been misinterpreted and the impression has been given that the problem of microplastics in cosmetics is under control, when in fact global regulations have largely ignored leave-on products.
Of the 2,381 cosmetic products analysed in the study, only two were leave-on products, highlighting the poor focus on this category. The reason for this gap may lie in the technical complexity of extracting microplastics from oil-based formulations or in the lack of public pressure, as the industry has been led to believe that the problem has been adequately addressed.
Consequences for the health and the environment
Prolonged exposure to these microplastics is of concern. Kukkola points out that leave-on products, applied directly to the skin, could allow the absorption of small plastic particles through pores, hair follicles and sweat ducts, in a process known as the transappendicular route. This possibility is alarming, as there is little or no research on the effects of this exposure. In addition, certain products, such as lip balms, may be accidentally ingested, further increasing the risk of microplastics entering the body. Given that a significant amount of these products can be absorbed by our bodies, it is essential to thoroughly investigate their potential toxic effects.