• About Nicole Groch
  • Contact Me
  • The Difference
  • Product Reviews
    • natural baby product reviews
      • Organic, Natural, Safer Children’s Toothpaste by Baby Organics Review
      • Eco Craft Fun For Kids With EnviroBlox
    • natural cosmetic reviews
      • Adorn Natural Mineral Cream Blush Review
      • Amazing, All Natural, Living Nature Liquid Mineral Foundation, Tinted Moisturizer & Concealer Review
      • Cruelty-Free, Vegan Nail Polish By Kester Black Review
      • Debee Natural Ethically Sourced Lip Balms
      • Ere Perez Chamomile Eye Palette
      • Finally A Natural, Vegan, Waterproof Mascara, Thanks Ere Perez
      • Furless Cosmetics Professional Vegan Cosmetics Brushes
      • Sienna Byron Bay Vegan Safer Nail Polish
      • Soy Vegan Nail Polish Remover By Sienna Byron Bay
      • Synergie Skin MineralWhip Foundation
      • The Best Pressed Powder Organic Foundation By Zuii Organic
      • Vegan & 100% Natural Lipsticks – Meet Neek
      • Zuii Organic Eyebrow Definer
      • Zuii Organic Lip Tints, Stunning, Cruelty-Free Lip Glosses
      • Zuii Organic Sheerlips Lipstick Review
    • natural hair product reviews
      • Everescents Organic Fresh Mint Shampoo and Conditioner
      • Organic Colour Systems Permanent Hair Colouring Review
      • Organic, Natural, Dandruff & Hair Treatment Shampoos By Ausganica
      • Plastic-Free Natural Hairspray By EverEscents Organic Hair Care Review
    • natural skin & body care reviews
      • Best Natural Body Oil & Bath Oil’s – Review Of Be Genki’s Tranquility Oils
      • Best Natural Vegan Eye Cream
      • Eco Tan Natural Coconut Sunscreen Product Review
      • Fruit Enzyme Exfoliator by Planet Eve Review
      • Jaliis Hemp and Lemon Myrtle Vegan Hand Creams
      • Joli Natural Fluffy Lime Vegan Eye Cream
      • Kelapa Organic Coconut Face Moisturiser With Sunscreen
      • Lhami Coffee Cream Body Scrub Review
      • Lhami Pomegranates & Rose Serum Natural Skin Rejuvenation
      • Natural Makeup Remover & Cleanser By Blossom Eco Review
      • Natural Ways To Get Rid Of Cellulite -Review Amaris Botanicals Detox Blend
      • Organic Night Serum By Joi Pure Review
      • Organic White Chocolate Truffle Moisturiser by MULONDON – Good Enough To Eat!
      • Savi Organic Hemp and Coconut Facial Scrub
      • Soak Society Wellness Bath Soak Set Review
      • Solid, Natural Perfumes By Pacific Perfumes Review
      • Soothe with Coconut Tree’s Coconut plus Paw Paw Balm
      • Spearmint Crush Organic Coffee Scrub by Handmade Naturals
      • Two Winged Fruit Natural Ethical Skincare Review
      • Uni Organics Good Day Face Hydrating Cream Review
    • health & personal care product reviews
      • A Natural Deodorant That Actually Works
      • Miessence Tahitian Breeze Natural Deodorant
      • Natural, Safe & Non-Toxic Insect Repellent Review
      • Organic, Natural Toothpaste & Mouth Wash by Riddells Creek Review
      • Benefits Of Testing Your Body’s pH Levels Using An EASYpH Home Test Kit
      • Riddells Creek Organic Whitening Toothpaste
      • Squatting Is A More Natural Way To Use The Toilet
      • The Benefits Of Using A JuJu Menstrual Cup
      • The Most Effective Natural Deodorant, Meet Fresca
    • natural cleaning product reviews
      • Natural Disinfecting Products By CitroLife Review
      • Natural, Safe, Vegan, Euclove Cleaning Products
      • Natural, Safer Liquid Hand Soap By Ecostore Review
      • The Natural Cleaning Power Of Soapnuts
    • Eco home & kitchen product reviews
      • Certified Organic Cotton Bedding By Organature Review
      • Goodguts Probiotic Organic Teas
      • Hemp Gallery Hemp Curtains Review – Chemical Free Curtains
      • LovEarth Natural Rubber & Jute, Eco-Friendly, PVC Free Yoga Mats
      • Healthy Safe Seaweed Products From Clean Ocean Areas By Power Super Foods
      • ECOtanka Stainless Steel Bottles & Covers Review
      • Organic, All Natural Chewing Gum – Meet Chicza Gum!
      • Relaxing With Joi Pure Essential Oils And The Benefits Of Using An Electric Oil Burner
      • Reusable, Eco-Friendly Food Covers By 4MyEarth
      • The Health Benefits Of Sleeping On A Pure Earth Organic Buckwheat Husk Pillow
      • The Incredible Health Benefits Of PH8 Natural Alkaline Water
      • The Vitamix 2500 A Truly Amazing Blender
      • Totally Gorgeous Eco-Friendly Stationery By Earth Greetings
      • Why I Choose To Sleep On A Certified Organic Mattress
    • natural pet products reviews
      • Meet the EGLU the best Guinea Pig & Rabbit Outdoor Runs and Hutch by Omlet Australia
      • The Healthy Benefits Of Organi Pet Natural Dog Grooming Products
  • Safe Shopping Guide
    • Babies & Children
    • Cosmetics & Hair
    • Skin, Scent & Personal Care
    • Health & Safety
    • House & Garden
    • Food & Kitchen
    • Pet Care
    • Animal and Ethical Australian Charities
  • Podcasts & YouTube

Living Safe

Helping you live a healthier, safer and more natural lifestyle.

  • Baby & Child Safety
    • Baby Safety
      • Healthy Baby’s Room
        • Mattress Wrapping Prevent SIDS
        • Keep Baby’s Room Healthy
        • Chemicals In Baby Mattresses
        • Toxic PVC In Plastic Toys
        • Dangerous Toys and Toy Recalls
        • Eco, Safe Wooden Toy List
        • Toxic Foam Playmats
      • Babies Children & Dogs
        • Teaching Children Dog Safety
        • Why Dogs Bite Children
      • Baby Proofing The Home
        • Baby Proofing Your Garden
      • Baby Skin Care Ingredients
      • Driving Safely with Babies & Children
      • Safest Nappies For Baby
    • Healthy, Safer Kids
      • Raising Eco-Minded Kids
        • Eco Craft Fun
        • Eco Healthy Kids Party Ideas
        • Eco Outdoor Fun For Kids
      • Cyber Bullying & Sexting
      • Kids Safety Mobile Phones
      • Face Paints Ingredients & Bacteria
        • Safer Face Painting
      • Kids on Antidepressants
      • Kids Health As Vegetarians
      • Kill Lice Safely, Naturally
      • Risks of WiFi to Children
      • Teaching Stranger Danger
      • Teenage STD’s. Teach Safe Sex
      • Toxic PVC School Supplies
      • Vegan Kids B’day Cake
      • Treated Timber In Playgrounds
      • Why Kids Should Meditate
  • Safe Pregnancy
    • Keep Baby Safer In Your Womb
    • Pregnancy, Babies & Cats
    • Safer Pregnancy Beauty Treatments In
  • Safe Personal Care
    • Unobtainable Beauty Standards Are Too Much Pressure
    • How To Embrace Eco Friendly Beauty
    • Cosmetic Safety
      • COVID19 Hygiene Protocol For Freelance Makeup Artists
      • Applying Mineral Makeup
      • Become A Cruelty Free, Natural Makeup Artist
      • Correctly Clean Makeup Brushes
      • Cosmetic Testers. Sharing Makeup
      • Mineral Makeup Is Better For Your Skin
      • Mineral Makeup Tips
      • The Harmful Effects of Lipsticks. Finding Safe Lipsticks
      • Understanding What Eco Beauty Really Means
      • Wearing Too Much Makeup It’s Not Pretty or Healthy
    • Hair Care Safety
      • Chemicals Hair Dyes. Colour Safely
      • Chemicals & Plastics in Hairspray
      • Chemical Hair Straightening
      • Organic Colour Systems Permanent Hair Colouring Review
    • How to Tan Safely
      • Chemicals In Sunscreens. Safer Alternatives.
      • Spray Tans, Solariums & Tanning Lotions
      • Safer Ways to get Vitamin D From Sun
    • Skin Care Safety
      • Botox.Not Safe. Not Cruelty Free
      • Plastic Microbeads in Cosmetics
      • Synthetic Perfumes
      • Tattoo Ink Is It Vegan, Safe & Cruelty Free
    • Manicure Safety
      • Manicure Dangers, Shellac, Gel & Polishes
    • Hygiene
      • Triclosan in Antibacterial Product Dangers
  • Healthy Home & Garden
    • Healthy Home
      • Cleaning naturally
      • Checking For Asbestos Before Renovating
      • Clothes Dryer Health Hazards
      • Keep Your Home Toxic Air Pollutant Free
      • Scent Your Home Naturally
      • Toxic Chemicals & Fire Retardants In Mattresses
    • Organic Gardening
      • Natural, Humane, Snail And Slug Control For Seedlings
      • Start Your Own Organic Veggie Patch
  • Organic Vegan Recipes
    • Natural Nutrition
      • Activated Nuts Health Benefits. How To Activate Nuts
      • Buckwheat Health Benefits
      • Curry Recipe with Tempeh
      • Growing Sprouts & Micro-Greens
      • Green Food Health Benefits
      • Healthy Chia Seed Facts
      • Healthy Chocolate. Raw Cacao Benefits.
      • Healthy, Lauric Acid In Coconut Oil
      • Hemp Seed & Hemp Oil Health Benefits
      • Making Activated Buckinis
      • Quinoa Health Facts
      • Safely Dehydrate Food In A Dehydrator
      • Sprouts & Micro-Green Health Benefits
    • Gluten Free Flour Recipes & Info
      • Is Gluten Our Enemy?
      • Guide To Gluten Free Flours
      • Make Your Own Gluten Free Flours
    • FODMAP Recipes & Info
      • High FODMAP Food List
      • Why We Suffer From Fructose Malabsorption
      • Activated Buckinis Clusters
      • Baked Rice Balls
      • Banana Spice Choc Chip Quinoa Cookies
      • Choc Nut & Seed Clusters
      • Coconut Oil, Cacao Raw Bubble Slice
      • Dark Chocolate With Chia Seeds
      • FODMAP Friendly Bliss Balls
      • FODMAP Friendly, Vegan, Choc Chip Cookies
      • FODMAP Friendly Vegan Choc Mint Energy Balls
      • Low Fodmap Raw Vegan, Organic Choc Mint Protein Slice
      • Orange Loaf Recipe
      • Pumpkin, Sunflower Seed Clusters coated in Dark Choc
      • Raw Chocolate Buckwheat Crunch
      • Raw Coconut Cacao Bliss Balls
      • Raw Choc Nut & Coconut Truffles
      • Raw, Chocolate Nut Slice
      • Raw Choc Protein Spread
      • Raw Vegan Hemp Protein Bar Recipe
      • Refined Sugar Free Low Fodmap Vegan Choc Toffee
      • Rice Bran Toffee Recipe
      • Sugar Free Quinoa Porridge
      • Toasted Quinoa Raw Chocolate Seed Bar
    • Vegan Recipes
      • Brown Rice, Almond, Chickpea Salad
      • Cheesy Vegan Spelt Biscuits
      • Choc, Spelt, Quinoa Cookies
      • Chocolate, Choc Chip Spice Cookies
      • Cinnamon, Sultana Oat Cookies
      • Coconut Oil, Nutritional Yeast & Sunflower Seed Spread
      • Choc, Banana, Coconut Ice-Cream Popsicle’s
      • Crunchy Cinnamon Cookie
      • Dark Choc Coconut Covered Bread Sticks
      • Dark Choc Covered Banana Popsicles
      • Fruit & Veg Icy-Poles
      • Garlic Free Hummus
      • Healthy Banana, Cinnamon Breakfast Cookies
      • Oat & Quinoa Choc Berry Balls
      • Organic Fruit Slurpee
      • Quinoa Cinnamon, Coconut Baked Banana Balls
      • Organic Green Bean, Avocado, Carrot and Almond Salad
      • Quinoa Salad With Pomegranate Seeds & Walnuts
      • Raw Macadamia Nuts In Cacao Toffee
      • Spelt Cinnamon Banana Cake
      • Tofu, Chickpea Burger
      • Vegan Seeded Coleslaw with Zesty Miso Dressing
      • Vegan Sushi Roll Recipe Using Radiation Free Nori Flakes
    • Vegan Natural Cake Decorating & Cake Recipes
      • Beetroots – Natural Red Food Colouring
      • Carob, Almond & Coconut Kisses
      • Colouring Fondant Naturally
      • Choc Quinoa Cupcakes
      • Easy Choc Mud Cake
      • Natural Fondant & Cake Icing
      • Natural Healthier Cake Decorating
      • Healthy Vegan Banana Choc Cinnamon Cake
      • Spicy Vegan Ginger and Cinnamon Banana Bread Recipe
      • Vegan, Kids Birthday Cake
  • Health & Safety
    • How To Disinfect For Coronavirus Correctly
    • How To Cut Down On Vegan Junk Food
      • Sugar Addiction. Causing Obesity & Disease
      • Additives & Preservatives In Food
    • Natural Health
      • 10 Reasons To Meditate
      • Top 10 Uses For Raw Coconut Oil
        • About Coconut Oil Pulling.
      • 10 Fantastic Uses For Salt
      • About Apple Cider Vinegar
      • About Pilates Healthy Benefits
      • Avoiding Food Poisoning
      • Best Health & Environmental Docos
      • The Hype About Turmeric Get The Facts 
      • Leaky Gut, SIBO and Food Malabsorption
        • Diet Related Causes of Gas & Bloating.
      • Naturopaths & What TheyTreat
      • Organic Food Really is Healthier.
      • Osteopaths & What They Treat
      • Rice & High Arsenic Levels
      • Testing Your Body’s pH Levels
      • Why Yoga Is Good For Our Health
    • Living Safely
      • BPA Free Plastic Dangers. Using Safer Plastic
      • Non-Toxic Labelling. The Truth
        • Partial Disclosure Product Labelling Misleading
      • Swimming Pool Germs & Chemicals
      • Synthetic Air Freshener Dangers
      • Toxic AZO Dye in Clothing
      • Travel Vaccinations My Bali Rabies Story
      • Unhealthy New Car Smell
      • What Contains BPA
      • Why I Choose To Sleep On A Certified Organic Mattress
        • Kapok Pillows Are A Healthier, Eco Friendlier Way To Sleep
      • Why We Should Choose Non Toxic Wooden Furniture
    • Radiation In Imported Products
      • Japanese Foods. No Testing For Radiation
      • Sushi, Seaweed and Fukushima Radiation
    • Minimizing EMF & Radiation
      • About Building Biologists
      • Cesium In European Jams
      • Radiation Hot Spots In The Home
  • Healthy Pets
    • Keeping Cats Safe Inside
      • Keep Cats Safe Outdoors
      • Foods To Never Feed Cats
    • Alternative Pet Therapies
    • Animal Fostering Benefits
    • Are Ready For A Pet?
    • Before Getting A Dog
      • The Dangers Of Off-Leash Dog Parks
      • These Foods Can Kill A Dog
      • Why Dogs Bite Children
      • Spoiling Your Dog Why You Should Stop It
      • Choosing The Right Dog
      • The Toxic To Dogs List Including Foods and Essential Oils
      • Safe Driving With Dogs
      • Important Dog Safety Tips At The Beach
    • Rabbits. Are Your Kids Old Enough?
      • Rabbits Not For Young Kids
    • Toxic Ingredients In Pet Grooming
  • Cruelty Free Living
    • Animal Agriculture Is Causing Environmental Disaster
    • 10 Easy Ways To Become An Animal Activist
    • Choose Cruelty Free Merged With Cruelty Free International
    • Choosing Cruelty Free Cosmetics
    • Cows Milk Is Anything But Healthy
    • Cruelty Free Labelling of Cosmetics The Truth
      • How To Shop Cruelty Free
      • Live A Cruelty Free Lifestyle Checklist
      • Vegan & Organic, Not Always Cruelty Free
      • PVC Options For Vegans Are Not Cruelty Free
    • Eating Meat The Unhealthy Truth
    • Is it Real Fur or Fake Fur?
    • Jane Goodall and her Roots and Shoots Youth Led Program
    • Jane Goodall – Peter Singer – Patty Mark
You are here: Home / Uncategorized / Plastic Microbeads in Cosmetics

Plastic Microbeads in Cosmetics

July 19, 2016 By livingsafe Leave a Comment

Plastic Microbeads in CosmeticsPlastic Microbeads in Cosmetics

Plastic Microbeads in cosmetics and personal care products are everywhere and the news isn’t good.

Some popular cosmetic and skincare brands using Microbeads in their products are currently under fire from environmentalists, natural health advocates and worried consumers.

The reason is this…

Scientific studies have recently found that these plastic microbeads are polluting our planet’s lakes, seas and oceans. They are poisoning the creatures that live in them and this in turn, may be negatively affecting our own health.

Environmental studies have unearthed this not so surprising fact – that the billions upon trillions of plastic Microbeads in cosmetics that are being washed out into the earths waterways, are having some very serious repercussions!

What Are Microbeads in Cosmetics Made From?

Cosmetic Microbeads are tiny plastic beads that are made usually from Polyetheylene plastic, but they can also be made from out of; Polypropylene, Polymethyl Methacrylate , Polyethylene Terephthalate and Nylon.

They range in size, with the 1mm diameter Microbeads being the most commonly used size for cosmetics and personal care products.  Some Microbeads are so tiny that the human eye can only see them under a microscope.

Until recently, cosmetic manufacturers were happily splashing slogans across their products such as this one;- “Contains Skin Refining Microbeads”.   Advertising a product with the addition of Microbeads was a very clever marketing tool. It enticed the consumers into buying a product that sounded as if it had a technologically advanced edge over other beauty products. The fancy word “Microbeads” gave consumers the illusion of the product being able to produce fantastic results.

We now know that this is not the case!

While the types of plastics used to manufacture Microbeads are generally considered less harmful and more inert than their toxic plastic cousins, PVC and Poly-carbonate, and these plastics can be recycled when used for food and drink containers, they certainly are not recyclable when manufactured into these tiny Microbeads.

Cosmetic Microbeads, don’t biodegrade!  Microbeads actually accumulate toxins and are seriously damaging the environment!

Why are Plastic Microbeads Put Into Cosmetics & Personal Care Products

Plastic beads, aka “Microbeads”, are used as a synthetic, petrochemical based alternative to natural exfoliates, such as salt, ground walnut and apricot shells.

As Microbeads are perfectly round, cosmetic manufacturers found them to be a much cheaper and easier alternative than using costly natural ingredients, which then have to be refined into a gentle, soft-edged natural exfoliant granule.

FACTS- Sometime Microbeads are added to cosmetics purely for decorative purposes and serve no real function at all; e.g pretty coloured beads added to shampoos and skin lotions.

Cosmetic Products That May Contain Plastic Microbeads

  • skin exfoliates
  • toothpastes
  • face wash
  • body wash
  • shampoo
  • anti-aging makeup
  • lip-gloss
  • nail-polish

How Microbeads are Polluting The Environment

When you use a cosmetic product containing Microbeads you also ultimately end up washing this product off your body. The removed product then goes down the drain and is small enough to pass through the filtration systems that the water treatment plants use. From there the Microbeads simply flow out into our waterways and oceans, where unknowingly, marine life, including coral, shellfish and fish consume them.

*Coral has been found to have starved to death on a diet of plastic Microbeads and consuming these plastic beads is toxic to many fish.

Micro, plastic beads are so tiny and entering our seas and oceans in such huge amounts that they are literally been found in oceans and seas all around the world.

The Issue of Microbeads and Persistent Organic Pollutants

Plastic Microbeads are a literal magnet for Persistent Organic Pollutants,  or what are known as POP’s.

POP’s are toxic chemicals that are very long lasting; e.g flame retardants, plasticizes, pesticides and other poisons.

The tiny plastic Microbeads absorb huge amounts of POP’s in relation to their size and these are then being consumed by marine life.

Beat the Microbead is a great campaign working towards getting a ban placed on the use of Microbeads in beauty products. They have a comprehensive, world-wide  products list of cosmetic companies who ARE using Microbeads and those that ARE NOT using Microbeads.

Why Microbeads in Cosmetics Are Dangerous To Our Health

When we eat fish and other marine animals that are polluted with Microbeads, then we too are ingesting not only the plastic, but all the attached POP’s that come along with them.

Dentists have also reported inflammation and infection from the tiny plastic Microbeads being used in toothpastes becoming entrapped under their patients gum line.

How To Avoid Microbeads

Read the fine print on the labels of ALL beauty products before you buy and follow the list and support the work done by Beat the Microbead .

Please also remember that not all the companies listed in the green section of Beat the Microbead’s list are listed cruelty free companies. Double check the green companies cruelty-free status against Choose Cruelty Free’s List or accredited cruelty free cosmetic companies.

References

The Story Of Stuff Project – Plastic Microbeads

ABC NEWS REPORT – Microbeads

DAVID SUZUKI FOUNDATION- Microbeads

Before you leave, if you enjoyed this article sign up to LivingSafe and stay informed! LivingSafe helping you live healthier & safer.

Mineral Makeup Benefits vs Conventional Makeup

Applying Mineral Makeup Professionally Is Easy

Synthetic Perfumes Making Us Sick

Botox Is It Safe?

Animal Testing Of Cosmetics Do Your Part To Stop It

Hair Colouring How Safe Is It?

Formaldehyde in Hair Straightening and Hair Styling Products

Fake Tan Risks & Dangers What You Should Know

Browse more helpful articles in my Personal Care section here.

Filed Under: Living Safely, Natural Skin Care, Personal Care, Uncategorized Tagged With: are microbeads dangerous, are microbeads in cosmetics dangerous, Cosmetic Microbeads, do microbeads in cosmetics cause cancer, how dangerous are plastic microbeads in cosmetics, microbeads in cosmetics, plastic microbeads and persistant organic pollutants, Plastic Microbeads in Cosmetics, The Issue of Microbeads and Persistent Organic Pollutants, what are microbeads, What Are Plastic Microbeads In Cosmetics Made From, what damage to the environment do plastic microbeads do, why are plastic microbeads used in cosmetics

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

A little about me

Nicole Groche - Founder Living Safe I'm a mother and I want to ensure a safe and healthy environment for my children. I also strive to be an eco minded and responsible human being, living an [Read More]

Subscribe to Stay Informed.

[mc4wp_form]
10 Easy Steps Toxic Free
organature mattresses



Tints of Nature

Copyright © 2022 · Lifestyle Pro Theme On Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in