Ingredient deep-dive
Polyester-1 (and Polyester-3 to -11): Is It a Microplastic?
The name Polyester-1 (and Polyester-3 to -11) alone does not establish whether the finished product contains synthetic polymer microparticles. This entry's individual source review is pending.
Shared method updated .
Reading this off a container, not a label? This page covers Polyester-1 (and Polyester-3 to -11) as a cosmetics ingredient. For Polyester as the material a bottle, tub or bag is made from, with its separate source scope and use limits, go to the material page.
What changed in this reference
Earlier pages inferred a yes/no microplastic verdict from an editorial high/medium/low grouping. Those labels were not measurements or health-risk grades. The shared answer, FAQ and regulation context now distinguish label names from physical particles. This entry’s earlier ingredient-specific claims are retained below for review, not offered as verified findings.
Earlier description awaiting individual source review
Numbered polyester polymers used as film-formers and glitter substrates. Cosmetic glitter is very often polyester film, which is a microplastic by any definition.
How the rules depend on the product
European Union
The EU restriction depends on polymer and particle criteria, exclusions and use. Abrasive microbeads have no transition after 17 October 2023. Otherwise, covered rinse-off cosmetics generally transition on 17 October 2027, other leave-on cosmetics on 17 October 2029, and make-up, lip and nail products on 17 October 2035. Microbeads, fragrance encapsulation and rinse-off uses have specific exceptions to those groupings. A name alone cannot establish compliance.
United States
The federal Microbead-Free Waters Act targets intentionally added solid plastic microbeads in rinse-off cosmetics for exfoliating or cleansing. It is not a blanket ban on all polymers or a product safety assessment. Other applicable rules require separate checking.
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Polyester-1 (and Polyester-3 to -11), common questions
Is Polyester-1 (and Polyester-3 to -11) a microplastic?
Does a label match mean Polyester-1 (and Polyester-3 to -11) is banned?
Can a label show the particle count or health effect?
Sources and review scope
The Commission guide establishes the shared definition and transition context; CosIng inclusion is not ingredient approval. Label rules do not provide a particle assay. The shared sources do not verify every claim in the earlier description; individual review remains pending.
Related ingredients
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
Polymer names
The name PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) alone does not establish whether the finished product contains synthetic polymer microparticles. This entry's individual source review is pending.
Read morePTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene)
Polymer names
The name PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) alone does not establish whether the finished product contains synthetic polymer microparticles. This entry's individual source review is pending.
Read morePolyvinyl Acetate (PVA / PVAc)
Polymer names
The name Polyvinyl Acetate (PVA / PVAc) alone does not establish whether the finished product contains synthetic polymer microparticles. This entry's individual source review is pending.
Read moreNylon-66
Polymer names
Nylon-66 is a synthetic polyamide; qualifying particle forms can fall within microplastic definitions. Its name does not prove a particular particle hardness, size, product dose or health outcome.
Read more