A recent study conducted by researchers at the Cochin University of Science and Technology has unveiled a troubling reality in the personal care industry: numerous products, including those branded as ‘eco-friendly,’ ‘organic,’ and ‘natural,’ contain significant quantities of microplastics. This revelation raises substantial concerns about the transparency of product labelling and the actual environmental impact of these everyday items.
The research, presented at the 34th SETAC Europe annual meeting in Seville, meticulously examined 45 personal care products available in the Indian market. The products, comprising face washes, body scrubs, face scrubs, and shower gels from both national and international brands, were scrutinised for their microplastic content. Despite being marketed under environmentally conscious labels, nearly half (49.12%) of the tested products were found to contain plastic microbeads. The microplastics identified primarily included polyethylene, the dominant polymer, followed by polypropylene, polystyrene, polyurethane, and polycaprolactone. These materials, often used to create the exfoliating microbeads in scrubs and washes, pose a significant environmental threat once they enter water bodies. Despite their small size, these microplastics contribute substantially to water pollution and have been identified as a pressing environmental concern due to their persistence and potential to enter the food chain.
Interestingly, the study highlighted a lack of regulatory oversight in India regarding microplastics in consumer products, contrasting sharply with regulations in the United States and the United Kingdom, where microbeads have been banned. With India aiming to achieve its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, the researchers argue that immediate policy interventions are necessary to regulate the presence of intentionally added microplastics in personal care products. The findings also bring to light the misleading nature of some product labels. While many products claimed to be ‘natural’ or ‘organic,’ they still contained synthetic polymers. Approximately 23.33% of the products tested contained cellulose microbeads, which, despite being derived from natural sources, raised questions about their biodegradability.
The study calls for heightened consumer awareness and stricter regulatory frameworks to address the proliferation of microplastics in personal care products. It underscores the need for transparency in labelling and marketing practices within the beauty and personal care industry. Without clear labelling and robust regulations, consumers remain unaware of the potential environmental impact of their purchasing choices. As the conversation around sustainability and environmental responsibility continues to grow, this study serves as a stark reminder of the hidden pollutants in everyday products and the urgent need for comprehensive policies to safeguard our ecosystems from microplastic contamination.
