About 120 billion units of packaging are produced every year by the global cosmetics industry with the use of multilayered boxes and lids, most of which are non-recyclable and end up in the ocean.
Your daily skincare routine contributes to more plastic pollution than you could imagine. Right from your toothbrush to the disposable razors and cleansers that are available in small tubes, it’s hard to track where it all really begins. Skincare products generally come in plastic tubes, pumps and jars, sometimes with droppers or small applicators- all of which is made out of plastic.
PLASTIC ON THE INSIDE
Did you know the skincare products you use are also made up of ingredients like plastic? Microplastics have been intentionally added to these products for decades. Polyethylene is present in the form of microbeads which are small, soft plastic beads that aim to provide smoothing and exfoliating skin.
Why is polyethylene added to skincare products?
- It helps bind solid ingredients together.
- It thickens oil-based ingredients.
- It forms a soft, invisible surface on your skin. This film helps skin retain moisture.
Oral care products also contain microbeads to reduce odour and to polish and clean teeth. The use of polyethylene in the form of microbeads became a more gentle alternative to exfoliators like walnut shells. However, these microbeads that moisturize your skin reach the ocean and harm marine life which makes it highly harmful to the environment.
Since people became more aware of the use of common plastics such as polyethylene, skincare brands promised to get rid of microbeads by instead opting for acrylates. Acrylates copolymer is now another commonly used plastic ingredient in cosmetics.
Why is acrylates copolymer used as an ingredient in skincare?
- It acts as a thickener.
- It emulsifies water and oil-based ingredients.
- It creates a glossy appearance.
Acrylates help as a thickening and film-forming agent that enhances texture which makes it a beneficial ingredient according to the beauty industry. However, its detrimental effect on the environment is not taken seriously.
Avobenzone in sunscreens is known to deplete coral reefs. 72% of sun care products contain a combination of multiple microplastics such as acrylates copolymer, dimethicone, etc. Microbeads and microplastics are impossible to shore out of oceans.
PLASTIC ON THE OUTSIDE
The common norm is to wrap all products in plastic packaging, most of which would be layers of bubble wrapping. It may all seem so fascinating but in reality, it shows how irresponsible the beauty industry really is. The beauty industry produces more than 120 billion units of packaging annually, most of which is not recyclable.
Eliminating single-use plastic has been a growing popularity among skincare and cosmetic brands who are now focusing on better alternatives for packaging. For instance, Loreal group promises that 50% of the plastic used in their product packaging will be sourced from recycled plastic or bio-sourced by 2025. They are also aiming for recyclable, compostable, refillable or rechargeable packaging.
MOVING TOWARDS PLASTIC-FREE SKINCARE
An increasing number of brands are recognizing this issue and are attempting to reduce their environmental impact by making skincare sustainable.The awareness of the use of plastic ingredients as well is pushing brands to get rid of microbeads and come up with more suitable alternatives.
Many small-scale sustainable skin care brands are coming up with products that have 100% natural ingredients and zero-waste packaging. Single ingredient skincare has been and will always be an accessible and affordable option that provides results similar to formulated products.
Apart from exploring sustainable skincare products, there are also home-based alternatives for exfoliators that are easy to incorporate in your routine. Coconut oil, jojoba oil and shea butter are some commonly used natural alternatives.
Change will only come if we’re ready to turn away from the easy single-use tubes and bottles that we are so accustomed to habit. Start your sustainable journey with The Good Route where you can discover conscious brands and learn more about intentional living.
Written by, Angelica Cardoza
