EU ban on microplastics in cosmetics: key dates and sustainable alternatives
On 17 October 2023, the European Union adopted Regulation (EU) 2023/2055, an ambitious piece of legislation amending Annex XVII of the REACH Regulation (registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals). This regulation aims to restrict the placing on the market of products containing intentionally added microplastics.
Spain, as an EU Member State, has adopted this regulation, which establishes a phased-out timetable depending on the type of product. The objective of this legislation is clear: to prevent the release of approximately 500,000 tonnes of microplastics into the environment over the next 20 years.
Key dates for the phase-out of microplastics in cosmetics
The regulation distinguishes between different types of cosmetic products and sets specific deadlines for compliance:
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Rinse-off cosmetic products, such as facial scrubs, body soaps or shampoos containing microbeads: banned from 17 October 2027.
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Leave-on cosmetic products, such as moisturising creams, lotions or deodorants: banned from 17 October 2029.
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Make-up products, lipsticks and nail polishes: banned from 17 October 2035, with very limited exceptions, such as certain microbeads subject to specific conditions.
This gradual approach allows the industry to adapt technologically and reformulate products to comply with the new regulation, while protecting the environment and encouraging responsible innovation.
A step forward for the environment and human health
The entry into force of this regulation represents a crucial step in the fight against plastic pollution. Every year, millions of tonnes of plastic end up in the oceans, and microplastics are among the most difficult components to eliminate due to their microscopic size and persistence.
Removing microplastics from cosmetics has a direct impact on reducing plastic waste reaching marine and terrestrial ecosystems. This not only benefits aquatic life but also reduces the risks of bioaccumulation in the food chain, which could have consequences for human health.
Moreover, by promoting cleaner products, this regulation encourages more conscious consumption. The ban also puts positive pressure on manufacturers, forcing them to adopt more environmentally friendly practices and greater transparency regarding the ingredients they use.
Sustainable alternatives in cosmetics
With the introduction of this regulation, the cosmetics industry is being driven to evolve towards more sustainable and eco-friendly formulas. Fortunately, there are numerous alternatives to microplastics already being implemented by environmentally committed brands.
Some of the main alternatives include:
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Natural exfoliants, using biodegradable ingredients such as sugar, sea salt, ground coffee, fruit seeds or crushed walnut shells. These materials provide exfoliation without leaving persistent residues in the environment.
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Plant-based gelling and thickening agents, such as xanthan gum, guar gum, cellulose or corn starch, which can replace synthetic polymers.
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Mineral pigments and natural colourants, which replace plastic glitter and artificial dyes used in make-up, eyeshadows and nail polishes.
These options are not only more environmentally friendly but also respond to a growing trend: consumer demand for more natural and safer cosmetic products.
How to identify microplastic-free cosmetics
For the average consumer, identifying whether a product contains microplastics can be challenging, as they are often not explicitly mentioned on labels. However, there are several ways to detect and avoid them:
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Read the ingredient list (INCI): look for terms such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), nylon-12 or acrylates copolymer, which may indicate the presence of microplastics.
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Choose products with eco-certifications, such as Ecocert, COSMOS Organic or NATRUE, which prohibit or restrict the use of microplastics.
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Use apps and databases such as Beat the Microbead, developed by the Plastic Soup Foundation, which allows users to scan products and check for microplastics.
Conclusion: a cleaner and more conscious future
The ban on microplastics in cosmetics is not just a legal measure, but a reflection of a broader social transformation. Today’s consumers are not only looking for effective beauty products, but also transparency, sustainability and respect for the environment.
This regulation positions Spain and the European Union as pioneers of a new era in the cosmetics industry, where beauty no longer comes at the expense of planetary health.
By supporting responsible brands and choosing microplastic-free products, everyone can become an agent of change. Because taking care of yourself can—and should—also mean taking care of the environment.
