Microplastics are all types of tiny plastic particles smaller than 5mm. Microbeads are a type of microplastic whose primary function is to scrub or exfoliate to clean skin and teeth. They are found in shampoos, toothpaste, soaps, nail art, glitter, and many other personal care products because they are durable and cost-effective.

The problem with microbeads is that they are washed down the drain in rinse-off products, like soaps and toothpaste. Wastewater treatment plants can only filter a small amount out of the water, so most of the microbeads get washed into the ocean. Microplastics that get washed into the oceans look like plankton, so small animals eat them. The plastic does not get digested in these animals' stomachs, so when they become prey for larger animals, the larger animal is ingesting the plastic as well. This idea works its way up the food chain until the seafood ends up on our plates. While the effects of consuming microplastics are still being researched, certain chemicals in plastic have been linked to various health problems including hormonal disruptions, reproductive issues, and certain cancers.

Microplastics, primarily originating from personal care and cosmetic products, constitute a significant portion, approximately 93%, of these pollutants. A study examining 672 products online revealed that 79% contained plastics, with 38% being solid microplastics. Notably, the brand Lush stood out with 99% of its products containing microplastics, attributed largely to the presence of polyvinylpyrolidone (PVP), a concerning ingredient with environmental and human health implications. Commonly affected products include mascara, lip products, foundation, face powders, and highlighters. However, alternatives such as inorganic powders, sodium chloride, sugar crystals, cellulose, milled shells, fruit seeds, and innovative options like Chito-beads, derived from crustacean waste, offer promising solutions. Notably, Chito-beads demonstrate superior cleansing efficiency compared to conventional polyethylene microbeads, indicating a potential shift towards more sustainable practices in the cosmetics industry.

A form of false advertising that companies do to make themselves seem more environmentally friendly. It undermines the genuine work people are doing to move towards a more sustainable future. Greenwashing also misleads customers, delays real change and causes misallocation of resources.