Microplastics are now found everywhere: in the Arctic, in wild animals, in the soil, in human blood. Every year, 977 tons of solid microplastics and 50 times as much dissolved polymers - so-called liquid plastic - end up in Germany's waters.

Liquid microplastics

Polyquaternium, Dimethicone, Acrylates Cropolymer – so-called liquid plastics can be found in countless cosmetic products such as creams, powder, make-up or shampoo. Chemically speaking, they are dissolved polymers, synthetic substances in the size of molecules. They are water-soluble and cannot be seen by the human eye.

Detect microplastics using the “ToxFox” app

With the help of certain apps you can check whether a cosmetic product contains liquid microplastics; an example: “ToxFox” ( HERE in the Google Play Store) from BUND. It is based on the European Chemicals Agency's list of substances of concern, called the “Microplastic Restriction Proposal”.

For our sample, we buy shampoos and creams at Aldi and Lidl, in drugstores and also in trendy cosmetics shops such as Yves Rocher, Rituals and The Bodyshop. Result: More than two thirds of products contain polymers, i.e. liquid plastic - even baby products.

Health consequences of liquid plastics

Luise Körner from BUND: “We simply know far too little about the long-term consequences. The thing is, we use a substance that we don't know what will happen to it. But we know that it is difficult or impossible to break down. And in this respect, for reasons of precaution, it would make sense to avoid liquid and solid plastics in cosmetic applications.”

Natural cosmetics without microplastics

By the way: Anyone who uses natural cosmetics is on the safe side when it comes to microplastics: no petroleum-based substances, synthetic dyes and fragrances, preservatives or silicones are allowed in here.

Author: Birgit Bonk, Birgit Brückner
Article image and source: SWR Marktcheck

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