Study Reveals Microplastics Dominant in Indian Personal Care Products

August 28, 2024

A study led by Riya K. Alex at Cochin University has brought attention to the presence of microplastics, especially polyethylene (PE), in personal care products (PCPs). The study highlights concerns about the effects of these tiny plastic particles on the environment and human health, particularly in a fast-growing market like India.

What Are Microplastics?

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that are smaller than 5 millimeters, which is about the size of a sesame seed. These microplastics include microbeads, which are even smaller, ranging from 1 to 1,000 micrometers (about the thickness of a human hair). Microbeads are often found in personal care products like face washes and scrubs.

Key Findings from the Study

Samples Analyzed: The study looked at 45 different personal care products from 2022, including face washes, scrubs, shower gels, and body scrubs.

Types of Microbeads: About 23.33% of the products contained microbeads made from cellulose, a material whose ability to break down naturally is still uncertain.

Appearance of Microbeads: The microbeads were mostly white, making them harder to see and detect.

Materials Used: More than half of the microbeads were made of polyethylene (PE). Other materials found included polypropylene and polyester.

Microbead Content: On average, microbeads made up 1.34% of the total weight of the products, but this amount varied depending on the type of product.

Microbeads in Personal Care Products

The study also provided specific amounts of microbeads found in different products:

Face Wash: About 0.26 grams of microbeads in every 30 grams of product.
Face Scrub: About 0.90 grams of microbeads in every 30 grams of product.
Body Scrub: About 1.24 grams of microbeads in every 30 grams of product.
Shower Gel: About 1.74 grams of microbeads in every 30 grams of product.

Shower gels contained the largest microbeads, with sizes averaging between 606.30 and 640.74 micrometers. These microbeads had irregular shapes, which could make them more harmful to the environment.

Environmental Impact of Microbeads

Microbeads are a significant environmental concern because they can enter the food chain and cause pollution. Their irregular shapes make them more likely to absorb harmful pollutants, increasing the risks they pose to aquatic life and ecosystems. The study also raised concerns about “greenwashing”—when products are marketed as “eco-friendly,” “organic,” or “natural,” but still contain significant amounts of plastic. In India, many consumers may not fully understand the ingredient lists on products, allowing companies to benefit from this lack of awareness.

The Regulatory Landscape

While some countries have banned the use of microbeads, India’s regulations on microbeads are still unclear. As consumer purchasing power grows, the study predicts that India could see a significant increase in microbead pollution by 2030. Microplastics are not just in personal care products—they are found in many everyday items, including food like salt and sugar, and even in human tissues. This widespread presence of microplastics raises serious public health concerns.

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