Microplastics and cosmetics: Problems and solutions

Abstract

Plastic waste and microplastics are invading lands and oceans, creating problems for animals, human health, and the environment. Packaging, building and construction, textiles, and cosmetic sectors are the main industries that utilize these non biodegradable materials. Thus, there is a necessity to find a new way of producing and consuming skin- and eco-compatible’ goods. For this purpose, it’s important to remember that the cosmetic and diet supplement markets are continually increasing, due also to the introduction of “Beauty from within,” based on the contemporary consumption of cosmeceuticals applied to the skin and nutraceuticals taken by oral route. Moreover, both of these products are made by emulsions or solutions based on a great consumption of water with the use of carriers rich in chemicals, which often cause allergy and sensitization problems. Thus, the proposed solution to use smart tissue carriers, which are embedded with natural ingredients, is based on the use of raw materials and biopolymers obtained from food and agroforestry waste. These new carriers, with a structure similar to the Extra Cellular Matrix, may be used to realize smart cosme-nutraceuticals useful to reduce water consumption, producing innovative products free of emulsifiers, preservatives, colors, fragrances, and other chemicals. So, it will be possible to save human health and the environment by maintaining natural raw materials and the biodiversity of the earth for future generations.