Your needs: analyzing microplastics in your cosmetic products
What is a microplastic?
First of all, microplastics are small particles of water-insoluble plastic material measuring less than 5 µm. Used to improve a product’s texture (velvety feel, non-greasy effect, ease of application), microplastics are found in several types of products, particularly cosmetics. In fact, microplastics are found in:
- scrubs
- shampoos and shower gels
- skincare creams
- sprays and gels
Among the most common microplastics are: phthalates, silicones, polyethylene, SPMs (synthetic polymer microparticles), etc.
What about spms in cosmetics?
Used in many cosmetic products, synthetic polymer microparticles offer advantages in terms of performance and versatility. However, SPMs pose major environmental challenges, particularly because of their contribution to marine pollution and their slow degradation. This concern has led to increased regulation and research into more environmentally friendly solutions.
Why analyze microplastics in your cosmetics?
Several regulations are in force with the aim of reducing, or even eliminating, microplastics from cosmetic products. These regulations are intended to limit the impact of microplastics and their release into the environment.
In France, the Biodiversity Act has prohibited plastic microbeads in rinse-off cosmetic products intended for cleansing or exfoliation since January 2018.
Furthermore, in January 2019, the ECHA (European Chemicals Agency) submitted a restriction proposal under the European REACH Regulation. This proposal aims to prohibit the placing on the market of products containing microplastics intentionally added by manufacturers if they pose a risk of release into the environment.
Therefore, working with a laboratory specializing in microplastic analysis is a considerable asset in optimizing your products.
FILAB supports you in analyzing microplastics and SPMs in your cosmetics
For more than 30 years, FILAB has had the experience and the specialized analytical facilities needed to support the cosmetics industry in the analysis of microplastics and SPMs in your cosmetic products (makeup, creams, shampoos, etc.) through tailored support.
pour aller + loin
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