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Ingredient deep-dive

Bisphenol A (BPA): Is It a Microplastic?

High concernPlasticiser / chemical of concern

Not a cosmetic ingredient. BPA matters because it is used to make polycarbonate and epoxy can linings, so exposure comes from packaging and food contact rather than a formula. Heat and age increase migration.

Where it appears

  • Epoxy can linings
  • Polycarbonate containers
  • Thermal receipt paper

Regulatory status (2026)

European Union

Banned in baby bottles and thermal paper; tightly restricted in food contact.

United States

Banned in baby bottles and sippy cups; permitted in other food-contact uses.

Cleaner alternatives

  • Glass jars
  • Stainless steel
  • BPA-NI lined cans (an improvement, not an absence)

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Bisphenol A (BPA), common questions

Is Bisphenol A (BPA) a microplastic?

Yes. Not a cosmetic ingredient. BPA matters because it is used to make polycarbonate and epoxy can linings, so exposure comes from packaging and food contact rather than a formula. Heat and age increase migration.

Is Bisphenol A (BPA) banned?

EU: Banned in baby bottles and thermal paper; tightly restricted in food contact. US: Banned in baby bottles and sippy cups; permitted in other food-contact uses.

What can I use instead of Bisphenol A (BPA)?

Cleaner alternatives include: Glass jars; Stainless steel; BPA-NI lined cans (an improvement, not an absence).

What products contain Bisphenol A (BPA)?

Commonly found in: Epoxy can linings; Polycarbonate containers; Thermal receipt paper.

Related ingredients

Parabens

Plasticiser / chemical of concern · Medium concern

Preservatives flagged for endocrine activity; commonly co-occur with plastic polymers in synthetic formulas.

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Phthalates

Plasticiser / chemical of concern · High concern

Plasticisers used to soften plastic, banned from many products. Strong endocrine disruptors.

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BHT / BHA

Plasticiser / chemical of concern · Low concern

Synthetic antioxidants, co-occurrence flag in plastic-heavy formulas.

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DEHP (Diethylhexyl Phthalate)

Plasticiser / chemical of concern · High concern

The most studied plasticiser and a recognised endocrine disruptor. Banned in EU cosmetics. It reaches food and bodies mainly through plastic packaging and processing equipment rather than through cosmetic formulas.

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