When searching for makeup, most consumers want products that are safe and environmentally friendly.
This guide will help you identify and choose microplastic-free makeup, with tips on deciphering ingredients, inquiring about sourcing, and finding third-party certifications.
You'll get recommendations on specific microplastic-free products across categories and price points, including versatile multi-use items. We'll also cover makeup application techniques and complementary products to create looks with non-toxic impact.
Introduction to Microplastic-Free Makeup
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than 5mm in diameter that result from the breakdown of larger plastic materials. They are commonly found in many conventional makeup products. As awareness grows about the potential health and environmental impacts of microplastic exposure, more consumers are seeking out microplastic-free makeup alternatives.
Understanding Microplastics in Cosmetics
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that have infiltrated various elements of the ecosystem, including cosmetics. They make their way into products like facial scrubs, lotions, and lip gloss through common plastic ingredients such as polyethylene and polypropylene. These ingredients are used to alter the texture and consistency of beauty products.
The Prevalence of Microplastics in Conventional Makeup
Recent studies have revealed the startling prevalence of microplastics across the makeup industry. One study found that popular drugstore mascaras had up to 10,000 microplastic particles per gram. Another study tested over 20 lip glosses and found over 5,000 microplastic particles per gram on average. These tiny plastic particles ultimately get rinsed down our sinks and make their way into the environment.
Assessing the Potential Harms of Microplastic Exposure
When microplastics enter waterways, they accumulate toxins and can be mistaken for food by various organisms. This means these plastic particles may make their way up the food chain back to humans. Research is still emerging on the direct health impacts of microplastic exposure, but preliminary studies raise concerns over inflammation, cellular damage, reproductive issues, and even cancer.
Making the Case for Microplastic-Free Makeup
Given the research on microplastics' presence in conventional makeup and their concerning health impacts, consumers should consider seeking out plastic-free alternatives. Brands like Ilia Beauty, Juice Beauty, and RMS Beauty offer makeup made without synthetic plastics. Consumers can also check ingredients lists for common plastics like polyethylene and polypropylene. By supporting the microplastic-free makeup movement, we can help phase out this emerging health threat.
Which makeup brands have microplastics?
According to research by the Plastic Soup Foundation, 87% of over 7,000 beauty products analyzed from popular brands like L'Oréal, Garnier, Nivea, Gillette, Oral-B, and Head & Shoulders contained microplastics.
This indicates that microplastics are extremely prevalent in conventional makeup and skincare items. Some of the most common types found include polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
When these tiny plastic particles are rinsed down the drain, they can enter and pollute waterways. Additionally, by using makeup and skincare with microplastics, we may inadvertently be ingesting or absorbing these plastics into our bodies.
More research is still needed on the impacts of microplastic exposure on human health. However, their ubiquity in common personal care products is concerning.
Seeking out makeup and skincare items clearly labeled as microplastic-free is an important way consumers can avoid exposure and reduce environmental pollution from plastics. Brands focused on more natural, sustainable ingredients are more likely to exclude microplastics as well.
How do you prevent microplastics in makeup?
To avoid microplastics in makeup, here are some tips:
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Check the ingredients list and avoid products containing polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), and nylon (PA). These ingredients are common sources of microplastics.
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Opt for natural mineral makeup brands that use ingredients like zinc oxide and iron oxides for pigmentation. These tend to be microplastic-free.
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Seek out makeup labelled as "plastic-free" or "microplastic-free". More brands are now formulating products without synthetic plastics.
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Use the Think Dirty app or website to scan product barcodes. It rates products based on potentially harmful ingredients, including microplastics.
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Choose loose mineral powders over pressed powders. Pressed powders often contain plastics as binders while loose powders do not.
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Avoid plastic glitter and opt for biodegradable options like eucalyptus cellulose glitter instead. There are now many plastic-free glitter alternatives on the market.
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Purchase makeup brushes with natural hair or wood handles instead of plastic. Natural hair brushes also tend to apply mineral makeup better.
Making careful choices about the particular makeup products you use can help prevent microplastics from being rinsed down our drains and entering waterways. We can all take small steps to avoid these problematic ingredients.
Is makeup a microplastic?
Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic less than 5mm in size that pollute our environment. Unfortunately, many common cosmetics and personal care products contain microplastics.
When it comes to makeup specifically, there are a few ingredients to look out for:
- Polyethylene - a common form of plastic used in cosmetic glitters and scrubs
- Polypropylene - another type of plastic used as a thickening agent
- Nylon - used in mascara and other eye makeup
These ingredients do not dissolve and can get washed down the drain. Wastewater treatment plants are not equipped to filter out these tiny plastics, so they ultimately end up polluting rivers, lakes, and oceans.
It's estimated that over 5 trillion pieces of microplastics currently contaminate marine environments. With increasing awareness of this issue, more and more makeup brands are pledging to remove plastic glitter and microbeads from their formulas.
Consumers can also make careful choices by:
- Checking ingredients lists and avoiding products with polyethylene, polypropylene, and nylon
- Opting for natural scrubs made from biodegradable ingredients like salt, sugar, or ground nuts
- Seeking out makeup and skincare that is certified plastic-free
Making small changes to reduce plastic consumption can have a meaningful impact over time. Together, brands and consumers can help create a future with less plastic pollution.
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Are microplastics banned in cosmetics?
The Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2015 prohibits the manufacturing, packaging, and distribution of rinse-off cosmetics containing plastic microbeads in the United States. This includes products like facial scrubs, body washes, and toothpastes.
The law bans solid plastic particles that are less than 5 mm in size and are added to products for exfoliating or cleansing purposes. It applies to both cosmetic products and over-the-counter drugs.
This is an important step in reducing microplastic pollution, as tiny plastic microbeads can easily pass through water treatment plants and end up in the environment. However, other forms of microplastics like microfibers are still allowed in personal care products.
When checking if a cosmetic product contains banned microbeads, look for polyethylene and polypropylene in the ingredients list. Avoid products listing these ingredients. Also be wary of other vague ingredients like "plastic powder" or "polyethylene powder".
To be confident you are choosing microplastic-free makeup and skincare, check brand certifications like Zero Plastic Inside, or contact the company directly to learn about their microplastic use and policies.
How to Identify Microplastic-Free Makeup
Identifying makeup that is free of microplastics starts with carefully examining the ingredient list. Look for ingredients like polyethylene, polypropylene, PET, PMMA, nylon, and polyester. These are types of plastics that can contribute to microplastic pollution. Unfamiliar ingredients should be researched online to determine if they contain plastics.
Deciphering Ingredient Lists for Microplastic Content
When reviewing makeup ingredient lists:
- Watch for the ingredients mentioned above as well as generic terms like "acrylates" that may indicate plastic content.
- Research unfamiliar chemical names using tools like INCI Decoder to uncover their composition.
- Avoid products with long ingredient lists as they tend to contain more synthetic chemicals.
Simple, plant-based ingredients signal a product less likely to contain microplastics.
Inquiring About Microplastic-Free Sourcing
Ask brands direct questions about plastic use:
- Do you intentionally add plastic ingredients like polyethylene to formulations?
- How do you ensure plastic microbeads are not used?
- Are your makeup pigments sourced from minerals or synthetic plastics?
Reputable brands should provide detailed answers about their ingredient sourcing and use of plastics.
Trusting Third-Party Certifications for Microplastic-Free Claims
Watch for third-party certifications on product labels signaling plastic-free verification:
- EWG Verified mark indicates a product is free of chemicals of concern
- Cradle to Cradle certification means safe, circular production
- USDA Organic certification disallows most synthetics
Utilizing Resources for Finding Microplastic-Free Makeup
Use public databases to find verified options:
- EWG Skin Deep rates products for plastic content
- Think Dirty app allows scanning products for safety
- Nonprofits like 5 Gyres offer microplastic-free makeup guides
Checking multiple ingredient and sourcing indicators will lead to makeup free of microplastics.
Selecting Microplastic-Free Makeup Alternatives
Offering quality makeup options free from microplastics is an important step towards reducing plastic pollution. As consumers become more aware of the impacts of microplastics, demand for sustainable alternatives continues to grow. When selecting microplastic-free makeup, consider products made from natural ingredients that avoid synthetic plastics in their formulation.
Microplastic-Free Makeup Options By Category
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Foundations - Mineral foundation powders made from ingredients like mica, zinc oxide, and iron oxides offer buildable coverage without plastics.
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Mascara - Options made with natural waxes and mineral pigments allow lush lashes without microplastics.
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Lip Products - Lipsticks, glosses, and balms made with plant oils and beeswax moisturize lips free of plastic particles.
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Eyeshadow - Pressed powder shadows made with mineral pigments and lightweight starches give vibrant eye looks.
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Blush - Powder blushes utilizing mineral pigments and silica provide a natural, plastic-free flush.
Versatile Microplastic-Free Multi-use Products
Tinted moisturizers and mineral powder foundations made without plastics can provide light, buildable coverage while hydrating skin. These versatile products can be used as a foundation, blush, bronzer, and eyeshadow.
Microplastic-Free Makeup Selections By Price Point
Affordable drugstore options like e.l.f. and Physicians Formula offer mineral makeup lines free of microplastics. Premium natural brands like Vapour, Ilia, and Kjaer Weis provide luxe plastic-free makeup at mid-range price points. For high-end options, La Prairie, Tata Harper, and Vapour carry refined microplastic-free cosmetics with corresponding price tags.
Microplastic-Free Makeup for Sensitive Skin
Those with sensitive skin can opt for mineral makeup lines from brands like Bare Minerals, Physicians Formula, and Jane Iredale formulated without common irritants. Using plastic-free makeup allows skin to breathe while providing coverage.
Selecting microplastic-free makeup supports personal health and environmental sustainability. Quality natural cosmetics avoid plastic pollution while providing safe, effective coverage.
Mastering the Use of Microplastic-Free Makeup
Techniques for Applying Microplastic-Free Makeup
When using microplastic-free makeup, it's important to understand how the formulas may differ from conventional makeup. Here are some tips:
- Many natural formulas are more emollient. Start with less product and build up coverage. Too much at once can lead to a greasy look.
- Powder products like blush and eyeshadow pigment may have less slip. Try using a slightly damp sponge applicator to pick up and distribute the powder smoothly.
- Use gentle pressing and dabbing motions to apply liquid foundation and concealer to avoid tugging at the skin.
- Set cream products with a microplastic-free powder to increase wear time.
Creating Popular Looks with Microplastic-Free Makeup
You can still achieve gorgeous eye makeup looks using microplastic-free products:
- Define eyes with a dark eyeshadow pressed along the lashlines and blended out. Intensify the look with a second deeper shade in the outer corners.
- Try a wash of shimmering eyeshadow swept over the eyelid. Choose champagne, rose gold and copper shades for pretty pops of luminosity.
- Line eyes using a subtle dark eyeshadow pressed into the lashline with an angled brush for a softer take on liner.
For a full coverage base, use a hydrating primer first. Then spot conceal with a thick cream concealer before going over the entire face with a buildable liquid foundation. Set with a mineral powder foundation for extra coverage and a matte finish.
Matching Shades in Microplastic-Free Makeup Lines
- Test products on your jawline or neck, not just the back of your hand. This gives the closest match for face products.
- Don't be afraid to mix foundations and concealers to get your perfect match. Many natural brands have a limited shade range.
- Sheer out heavier coverage with a tinted moisturizer in formulas that are too fair or dark.
- Add a drop of face oil to foundations that apply too matte or cakey due to drier formulas.
Complementary Microplastic-Free Supplementary Products
- Hydrating face mists help melt powders into the skin for a soft, natural finish. Rose water and chamomile are gentle options.
- Activated charcoal powder can be used to mattify skin and set makeup. Just dust on lightly with a large brush.
- Instead of traditional makeup remover wipes, use reusable organic cotton rounds with a balm or oil cleanser to dissolve makeup while removing less waste.
Conclusion: Embracing Microplastic-Free Makeup
Revisiting the Harms of Microplastics in Makeup
Conventional makeup products often contain microplastics that can have negative impacts. When rinsed down the drain, these tiny plastic particles make their way into waterways and oceans, contributing to plastic pollution. Additionally, some studies have raised concerns that microplastics may have health effects when absorbed through the skin or ingested. As awareness grows about these issues, more consumers are seeking out makeup free from microplastics.
Reaffirming the Benefits of Microplastic-Free Makeup
Choosing verified microplastic-free makeup has advantages both for personal health and the environment. Brands that avoid synthetic plastics help prevent more microplastics from entering ecosystems. Consumers can also have peace of mind knowing the products they use on their skin daily don't contain controversial ingredients. The market for non-toxic, eco-friendly cosmetics is rapidly growing as the concerns over microplastics intensify.
Final Encouragement for Microplastic-Free Choices
When restocking makeup bags, consumers should carefully check ingredients lists and brand values. Seeking out third-party certifications like EWG Verified can help identify products free from microplastics. Every purchase that avoids plastic ingredients supports the movement toward more sustainable products that don’t sacrifice performance. If current favorite brands don't offer microplastic-free formulas yet, reach out and urge them to provide better options. Together, our small everyday choices can add up to real change.
