Microplastics that have been used in leave-on cosmetic and personal care products are being overlooked by research and regulators, according to a new critical review conducted by scientists at the University of Birmingham. The paper, "Beyond microbeads: Examining the role of cosmetics in microplastic pollution and spotlighting unanswered questions," is published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials and reveals a concerning lack of testing on leave-on products such as sunscreens, moisturizers, hand-sanitizers, deodorants and lipsticks, which could contain ingredients that carry both environmental and health implications . Dr.
Anna Kukkola from the University of Birmingham said, "We have conducted a comprehensive systematic review of the current state of knowledge regarding microplastics in cosmetic and personal care products. Our analysis reveals a significant oversight in current research and global regulatory frameworks that predominantly concentrate on rinse-off products. "The contribution of 'leave-on' cosmetics to microplastic pollution is a critical yet underexplored aspect of environmental contamination.
These particles will eventually end up in wastewater treatment plants or landfills, from which they can reach aquatic environments. What's more, despite the likely extensive skin exposure to microplastics through such products, there is a surprising lack of research to investigate the associated health effects, with no studies found on microplastic exposure identified .
