Microplastics and Cosmetics: A Historical Overview
Abstract
For more than five decades, personal care and cosmetic products (PCCPs) have incorporated microplastics (MPs) into their formulations. Initially, naturally derived abrasives were employed; however, from the 1980s onward, synthetic plastic microbeads were increasingly adopted as polishing agents due to their lower cost, extended shelf life—particularly with respect to microbial stability—and reduced potential for skin irritation. Microplastics, especially those from rinse-off PCCPs, are subsequently released into the environment, raising significant environmental concerns. In response, regulatory measures have been introduced in several countries to restrict the use of MPs in PCCPs, prompting the development of alternative materials. This contribution examines the historical evolution of microplastic use in PCCPs, with particular emphasis on patent activity in this field.
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BibTeX
@article{zeeshan2026microplastics,
title = {{Microplastics and Cosmetics: A Historical Overview}},
author = {Rana Zeeshan and Thies Thiemann},
journal = {Journal of Environmental Protection},
year = {2026},
month = sep,
doi = {10.4236/jep.2026.172006},
url = {https://imt-mines-ales.hal.science/hal-05747301v1},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Microplastics and Cosmetics: A Historical Overview
AU - Rana Zeeshan
AU - Thies Thiemann
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/09/11
JO - Journal of Environmental Protection
DO - 10.4236/jep.2026.172006
UR - https://imt-mines-ales.hal.science/hal-05747301v1
AB - For more than five decades, personal care and cosmetic products (PCCPs) have incorporated microplastics (MPs) into their formulations. Initially, naturally derived abrasives were employed; however, from the 1980s onward, synthetic plastic microbeads were increasingly adopted as polishing agents due to their lower cost, extended shelf life—particularly with respect to microbial stability—and reduced potential for skin irritation. Microplastics, especially those from rinse-off PCCPs, are subsequently released into the environment, raising significant environmental concerns. In response, regulatory measures have been introduced in several countries to restrict the use of MPs in PCCPs, prompting the development of alternative materials. This contribution examines the historical evolution of microplastic use in PCCPs, with particular emphasis on patent activity in this field.
SN - 2152-2197
ER -