£0.00 GBP
It’s hiding in your wellness routine – in your creams, lipsticks and haircare. Beauty journalist Lisa Oxenham reveals where it’s lurking, what it’s doing to our bodies and planet and how to remove it entirely without sacrificing your glow
Plastic is everywhere in beauty – literally. Not just in the packaging that fills our bins but inside the products themselves. Hidden as microplastics, waxes and liquid polymers, these plastic-derived ingredients have infiltrated nearly every corner of our wellness world – from shampoo and SPF to lipsticks and hair serum.
As a beauty editor with more than 20 years experience in the industry, I’ve watched plastic quietly become part of the beauty norm – often in places we least expect it. Even products marketed as gentle or ‘eco-conscious’ can contain plastic-based ingredients hidden behind unfamiliar names, making it difficult to avoid them entirely.
The impact is profound. These particles don’t just wash off. They enter our water systems, pollute our oceans, harm marine life and, most alarmingly, they’re now showing up inside us. Human blood, lungs, placentas and breast milk have all tested positive for microplastic contamination. The science is still unfolding, but early studies suggest links to inflammation, hormone disruption and potential fertility risks.
Even when we think we’re avoiding plastic, it’s often still there – concealed in formulations, masked by technical jargon and slipping through the cracks in legislation
Unlike the visible waste of bottles or face wipe packaging, microplastics are invisible, persistent and much harder to regulate. According to the Plastic Soup Foundation, the cosmetics industry uses an estimated 8,700 tonnes of microplastics in product formulations every year. Most of these particles are so small that they bypass wastewater treatment systems and end up in our rivers, oceans and soil, eventually finding their way into the food chain.
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) defines microplastics as “solid-state synthetic microparticles composed of insoluble, non-biodegradable polymers smaller than 5mm.” But the thing is – they’re not always solid, which makes them even harder to detect and regulate.
“Microplastics are not always visible, and they are not always in a solid form,” explains Paige Tracey from the Soil Association. “The INCI system lists only the chemical names of ingredients, not their physical forms. For example, in lipsticks, a form of polyethylene wax might be used, which melts during manufacturing. However, even in liquid form, this is still a plastic – and it will still break down into microplastics.”
So even when we think we’re avoiding plastic, it’s often still there – concealed in formulations, masked by technical jargon and slipping through the cracks in legislation.
The beauty industry’s relationship with plastic began decades ago. In the post-war boom, synthetics were seen as miracle materials – lightweight, cheap, versatile. By the early 2000s, beauty had become synonymous with performance and convenience. Think individually wrapped sheet masks, single-use serum capsules and long-wear foundations packed with polymers.
Today, according to the British Beauty Council’s Courage to Change report, the global cosmetics industry produces more than 120 billion units of packaging annually. But the real issue isn’t just what we see – it’s deep inside the bottle. Microplastics and synthetic polymers are now standard in formulations. They add slip, mattify creams, help mascara cling to lashes and extend shelf life — but at what cost?
A new wave of brands is showing that plastic-free beauty isn’t just possible – it’s better
In short: performance. Plastic-derived ingredients are stable, cheap and create a silky, luxurious finish. They thicken, soften, emulsify and preserve. And most – especially in liquid or waxy form – aren’t banned under current microbead laws.
Even the EU’s 2023 legislation, while progressive, only restricts intentionally added solid particles smaller than 5mm. It leaves liquid and waxy polymers untouched – despite growing concerns about their safety.
“Nobody knows how many millions of tonnes and pieces of plastic in whatever size or shape — nanoplastics, microplastics, bigger plastics — we put out,” Sian Sutherland, co-founder of Plastic Free and A Plastic Planet, adds. “Not just in the oceans but in the soil, air and rain too. It is everywhere.” Despite this, these polymers remain a staple in modern formulations.
The good news? We’re not powerless. A new wave of brands is showing that plastic-free beauty isn’t just possible – it’s better. These pioneers are delivering performance, luxury and lowering their impact without compromise.
“Microplastics are cheap, readily available and deliver quick results – which is why so many mainstream brands still rely on them,” says Sian Louise, founder of Obvs Skincare. “But that instant payoff comes with long-term damage, not just to the planet, but to our skin.”
Tabitha James Kraan agrees. “Big commercial brands stick with these ingredients because they’re cost-effective and scalable. But smaller, independent brands can pivot quickly. We can rethink formulations to create products that are both high-performance and genuinely clean.”
“Ingredients like acrylates and polyquaterniums are liquid plastics,” Sian adds. “They form a smooth film over the skin, lock in moisture or give that silky slip – but they don’t actually nourish. Over time, they can clog pores, disrupt the skin’s natural function and lead to dryness, congestion or inflammation.”
Every time we choose one of these alternatives, we send a clear message: true beauty shouldn’t come at the expense of our health or the environment
Microplastics such as dimethicone, carbomer and styrene/acrylates copolymer are widespread because they stabilise texture and spreadability. But there are natural alternatives that do the job better. “Organic arrowroot powder, finely ground oats and natural clays deliver similar smoothing and mattifying benefits while supporting the skin barrier and biodegrading safely,” says Sian.
Every time we choose one of these alternatives, we send a clear message: true beauty shouldn’t come at the expense of our health or the environment.
A few years ago, I decided to detox my bathroom. I began by auditing everything: Did I really need this? Is it refillable? Recyclable? Replaceable? Over time, I found myself gravitating toward simplicity – but this shift wasn’t just about minimalism. It was about removing plastic from the most intimate parts of my life: the products I put on my skin, near my eyes, even on my lips.
What pushed me was more than just packaging. It was understanding that what we put on our bodies can end up in our bodies. Research suggests the average person could be ingesting the equivalent of a credit card’s worth of plastic each week through food, water – and yes, even cosmetics.
The shift also forced me to rethink texture expectations. Without plastic-based polymers, my products felt slightly less slippery or glossy. But my hair still felt clean and my mascara still defined my lashes – minus the microplastic coating.
Now, my beauty routine is shorter, my products are more intentional and I feel empowered knowing that my daily habits aren’t silently contributing to environmental harm.
You don’t have to overhaul everything overnight. Start by using what you already have – low-impact living begins with not wasting. As you restock, check ingredient lists for plastics like polyethylene, nylon, polyquaternium or acrylates copolymer. Use the Beat the Microbead app to scan and spot hidden plastics.
Look for products that are solid, refillable or packaged in glass or aluminum. Certifications like COSMOS Organic or Soil Association guarantee microplastic-free formulations. And don’t underestimate the impact of simplifying – a good balm or multipurpose oil can often replace three or four plastic-heavy products.
Ask brands what they're doing to reduce plastic in packaging and formulations. Your voice as a consumer can drive faster change. And don’t stop at skincare – ask your spa, facialist or wellness retreat how they’re tackling single-use plastics too.
What are microplastics in cosmetics?
Small synthetic particles (under 5mm) added to improve texture and durability. Found in solid, liquid or waxy form under names like polyethylene or acrylates copolymer.
Why are microplastics used in skincare products?
They’re cheap, stable and enhance feel – but they don’t biodegrade and can harm health and the environment.
How can I avoid them?
Check labels, use tools like the Beat the Microbead app, and shop from certified brands.
Can a plastic-free routine really work?
Yes. Many brands now offer premium, high-performance, microplastic-free alternatives that are just as effective.
Tabitha James Kraan 4-in-1 Conditioner, £32
When it comes to haircare, microplastics and synthetic silicones are often added to create slip, shine, and a smooth finish – but these ingredients coat the hair rather than nourish it, and they build up in our environment just as much as they do on our strands. This conditioner takes a radically different approach. Free from silicones and liquid plastics, it’s packed with certified organic, plant-based ingredients that actually care for your hair rather than just masking damage. The multitasking formula works as a detangler, leave-in conditioner, and heat protectant, delivering softness, strength and shine – especially for colour-treated or fragile hair that needs extra love.
Obvs Skincare Organic Moisturiser Naked, £20.99
Many moisturisers use liquid plastics like acrylates and polyquaterniums to create a smooth feel and form a film over the skin. While this can give a temporary softness, it doesn’t nourish the skin – and over time, it can interfere with the skin’s ability to regulate moisture, leading to dryness or congestion. This moisturiser is made with 100% certified organic ingredients that work with your skin – not just sit on top of it. It’s rich in cold-pressed oils, butters and botanical extracts that hydrate, protect, and strengthen the skin barrier. Fragrance-free and suitable for even the most sensitive skin.
Pai Skincare Light Work Rosehip Cleansing Oil, £34
Cleansers are often overlooked when it comes to microplastics, but many contain liquid or waxy polymers designed to enhance texture, rinse-off performance or give a silky feel. While these ingredients may be invisible, they can be problematic for sensitive skin – sitting on the surface, clogging pores, or disrupting the delicate skin barrier. Over time, this can lead to redness, breakouts, or irritation. Pai’s Cleansing Oil is formulated specifically for sensitive and reactive skin. It lifts away makeup, SPF, and daily grime without relying on synthetic fillers or film-formers. Instead, it uses high-integrity, plant-based oils like rosehip and castor to cleanse deeply while supporting the skin’s natural balance. Fragrance-free and gentle.
Green People Scent Free Sun Cream SPF30, £25
This natural, organic sunscreen delivers broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection without relying on potentially harmful chemical filters like oxybenzone and octinoxate – and crucially, without microplastics. In many conventional SPFs, microplastics (often in the form of film-forming polymers) are added to improve water resistance, spreadability, and to help the product adhere to the skin. However, these synthetic polymers are non-biodegradable and can accumulate in waterways, contributing to long-term environmental damage. Green People achieves the same performance using plant-based emulsifiers and natural film-formers, making this SPF a safer option for both sensitive skin and the environment.
Dr. Hauschka Defining Mascara, £22
This gentle yet effective mascara delivers definition, separation and lasting wear using only natural, plant-based ingredients – with no synthetic polymers or microplastics in sight. In many mainstream mascaras, microplastics are used to improve adhesion to lashes, add volume or waterproof properties, and create that smooth, clump-free texture. These polymers, however, are non-biodegradable and can flake off during wear or removal, entering our water systems. Dr. Hauschka uses nourishing botanical waxes, silk powder and mineral pigments to achieve precision and performance.
Samadhi Body Scrub, £28
Many conventional body products still rely on liquid or wax-based plastics – synthetic polymers added to give a creamy texture, create a silky skin feel, or help products spread more easily. These ingredients offer no benefit to the skin. Samadhi’s Body Scrub uses coarse, mineral-rich salt to exfoliate naturally, boosting circulation and making skin smooth – without any hidden plastics. The texture is satisfyingly gritty, and the scent is grounding and luxurious. It’s one of those products that turns a quick scrub into a full sensory ritual.
et al. Intelligent Skin Cream Foundation, £45
Foundation is one of the most common beauty products to contain microplastics – often in the form of liquid polymers added to enhance wear time, smooth texture, and create a soft-focus, blurred finish. This foundation delivers buildable, breathable coverage with a lightweight texture that blends effortlessly – and stays put. Skin looks radiant, not masked. Plus, it’s packed with skin-supportive actives and comes in a refillable compact.
Neal’s Yard Remedies Frankincense Intense™ Lift Serum, £75
Skincare serums – especially those promising lift and smoothness – often rely on synthetic polymers to create that immediate tightening effect or velvety skin feel. These liquid plastics act as fillers or film-formers, but they do nothing to nourish the skin. This serum is clinically proven to lift and recontour, using naturally active botanicals and a patented blend of frankincense essential oils to deliver real results – no plastic required. It’s luxurious, high-performing, and consciously crafted.
