Microbeads in cosmetics might already be on the way out, new research suggests

Cosmetics which in 2015 contained almost 3 million microscopic beads no longer contain traces of the tiny particles
Microbeads in cosmetics

Microbeads in cosmetics might already be on the way out, new research suggests

Cosmetics which in 2015 contained almost 3 million microscopic beads no longer contain traces of the tiny particles

As the government ban on microbeads in cosmetics comes into force, scientists at the University of Plymouth have revealed companies appear to have taken action to eradicate the tiny particles from their products.

In August 2015, a study published by the University showed almost 100,000 microbeads could be released in every single application of products such as facial scrubs.

But current results using the same methods has so far shown that similar products no longer contain traces of the tiny particles, which measure a fraction of a millimetre.

The current research is being led by PhD student Imogen Napper and Professor of Marine Biology Richard Thompson OBE, both of whom were involved in the 2015 study and who have described the findings as "very encouraging”.

An active say in changing our environment for the better

We've tested the same products after two years and all of the plastic has been removed, all of the microbeads have been removed and replaced with another alternative. It shows that we have a voice and things can be changed.

Imogen Napper discusses research that reveals companies appear to have taken action to eradicate the tiny particles from their products.

For the original study, researchers subjected six products available on the high street to vacuum filtration and subsequent analysis using electron microscopy showed that each 150ml of the products could contain between 137,000 and 2.8 million microparticles.

Professor Thompson, who was made an OBE in the New Year’s Honours List in recognition of his services to marine science, added:

“I have always said that in order to tackle the problems associated with marine pollution, a holistic approach is needed. That includes scientific research, action from industry and legislation from government and although we can’t say all cosmetic products are completely plastic free, this is a demonstration that things are moving in the right direction.

“That, of course, is very encouraging but microbeads have always only been one part of the problem – albeit a completely avoidable one. At the moment, there is a growing awareness of the problems posed by plastic pollution and what needs to be done if we are to prevent its continued spread. It is crucial that we continue to spread that message and we all have a role to play in taking action against this global threat to our environment.”

The government ban was signed into law following a lengthy public inquiry to which Professor Thompson, Head of the University’s International Marine Litter Research Unit, was among the scientific contributors.

Before that, microbeads had been used for many years to replace natural exfoliating materials in hand cleansers, toothpaste, shampoo and a range of other products.

However, their increased use also sparked concerns with scientists indicating they were liable to pass through water treatment works and into the environment, where they were likely to be ingested by marine creatures.

University of Plymouth image showing the contrast in levels of microbeads found in cosmetics products, 2015 (top) and 2018.

University of Plymouth image showing the contrast in levels of microbeads found in cosmetics products, 2015 (top) and 2018.

Plastic pollution and the planet

"In 2004, my team were the first to use the word microplastics to describe the microscopic fragments of manmade products in a research publication, it was not a word that many would have comprehended. After all, these fragments can measure a fraction of a millimetre in length, and be less than the width of a human hair.

"Individually, it is perhaps hard to see the potential harm they could cause. But when you consider some estimates suggest there are 5 trillion of these particles floating in our oceans, it becomes a different story. Our research has shown these items are now everywhere in the oceans, from our most visited coastlines to the remotest parts of the deep seas." 

Read Professor Richard Thompson's opinion piece

Professor Richard Thompson

Plastic microbeads

Everyday cosmetic and cleaning products contain huge quantities of plastic particles, which can be released into the environment.

The International Marine Litter Research Unit explains why the UK ban on plastic microbeads is important.

International Marine Litter Research Unit

Marine litter is a global environmental problem with items of debris now contaminating habitats from the poles to the equator, from the sea surface to the deep sea.

Furthering our understanding of litter on the environment and defining solutions

Find out more about the International Marine Litter Research Unit
Marine litter