Ingredient database
Microplastic Ingredients in Cosmetics: 24 Names to Avoid (2026)
The complete 2026 list of microplastic-relevant ingredients in cosmetics, skincare, and personal care. Each one has a dedicated deep-dive with regulatory status (EU + US) and cleaner alternatives. Or paste a label into the free ingredient checker for an instant scan.
Scan products with the iOS appMicroplastic polymer
Polyethylene
High concernSolid plastic polymer. The EU restricted intentionally added microplastics in rinse-off cosmetics from October 2023, including polyethylene microbeads.
Read deep-divePolypropylene
High concernSolid plastic polymer, often used in scrubs, mascara fibers, and exfoliants.
Read deep-divePolyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
High concernThe same plastic used in bottles, here as glitter or shimmer in cosmetics.
Read deep-divePolymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA)
High concernSolid acrylic plastic used as a microbead filler. Banned in EU rinse-off products since 2023.
Read deep-diveNylon-12 / Nylon-6
High concernPlastic powder used in mattifying primers, mascara, and loose powders.
Read deep-divePolyurethane
High concernPlastic polymer family — used as a film-former in long-wear makeup and hair products.
Read deep-divePolystyrene
High concernPlastic polymer occasionally used as opacifier or microbead.
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Acrylate / vinyl polymer
Acrylates Copolymer
High concernSynthetic film-forming plastic used widely in makeup, sunscreens, and hair fixatives.
Read deep-diveAcrylates Crosspolymer
High concernCross-linked acrylic polymer thickener. Same plastic family as Acrylates Copolymer.
Read deep-diveCarbomer
MediumCross-linked polyacrylic acid thickener. Synthetic polymer, though much smaller particles than microbeads.
Read deep-divePolyacrylate
MediumPolymer thickener / absorbent. Plastic family used in absorbent gels and lotions.
Read deep-diveMethacrylate Copolymers
High concernAcrylic plastic family used in nail products and long-wear formulas.
Read deep-divePVP (Polyvinylpyrrolidone)
MediumSynthetic polymer film-former, commonly in hairspray and brow gels.
Read deep-diveVP/VA Copolymer
MediumVinyl-pyrrolidone copolymer film-former, same family as PVP.
Read deep-divePolyquaternium
MediumSynthetic cationic polymer family used as a hair conditioner.
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Silicone
Dimethicone
MediumSilicone polymer (polydimethylsiloxane). Not the same as solid microplastic but classed as a synthetic polymer; EU is consulting on tighter limits.
Read deep-diveCyclomethicone / Cyclopentasiloxane
MediumCyclic siloxanes. D4 and D5 variants are EU-restricted in rinse-off products.
Read deep-diveTrimethicone / Phenyl Trimethicone
LowSilicone polymer variant used for slip and shine.
Read deep-divePolysilicone-X
MediumSynthetic silicone polymer family used as film-formers in long-wear makeup.
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PEG / glycol
Plasticiser / chemical of concern
Parabens
MediumPreservatives flagged for endocrine activity; commonly co-occur with plastic polymers in synthetic formulas.
Read deep-divePhthalates
High concernPlasticisers used to soften plastic, banned from many products. Strong endocrine disruptors.
Read deep-diveBHT / BHA
LowSynthetic antioxidants — co-occurrence flag in plastic-heavy formulas.
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