Personal Care

The concern: Personal care products — skincare, haircare, and cosmetics — are a significant source of microplastic exposure. Beyond the banned rinse-off microbeads, many products still contain synthetic polymers like polyethylene, acrylates, and silicones in their formulations. The UK microbead ban of 2018 only covers rinse-off products, leaving a significant regulatory gap. Leave-on products such as moisturisers, primers, and sunscreens can contain just as many synthetic polymers — and because they remain on your skin for hours, they offer prolonged exposure that rinse-off products do not.

Why it matters: Products applied directly to skin and hair represent one of the most intimate forms of microplastic exposure. The average person uses 9-12 personal care products daily, from toothpaste and shower gel in the morning to moisturiser and lip balm throughout the day. Emerging research into dermal absorption suggests that some nano-sized polymer particles may penetrate the outer skin barrier, though the long-term health implications are still being studied. Synthetic polymers in these products are absorbed through skin contact and washed into waterways. Switching to microplastic free personal care products UK shoppers can find on the high street makes a meaningful difference to both personal exposure and environmental impact.

What to look for: Natural and organic certifications (NATRUE, COSMOS, Soil Association) are strong indicators. Plant oils, butters, waxes, and mineral ingredients are safe alternatives. Avoid ingredients ending in "-cone" (silicones), "polyethylene," "acrylate," or "nylon" on labels. Specific INCI names to watch for include dimethicone, cyclomethicone, carbomer, and polyquaternium. Apps like Beat the Microbead (by the Plastic Soup Foundation) let you scan product barcodes to check for hidden microplastics. UK brands such as Faith in Nature, Neal's Yard Remedies, and UpCircle have strong track records of polymer-free formulations.