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Ingredient deep-dive

Polyethylene: Is It a Microplastic?

High concernMicroplastic polymer

Solid plastic polymer. The EU restricted intentionally added microplastics in rinse-off cosmetics from October 2023, including polyethylene microbeads.

Where it appears

  • Exfoliating face and body scrubs (as microbeads, now restricted in EU)
  • Toothpaste (banned in EU since 2018; still in some US formulas)
  • Sunscreen (as opacifier or texture modifier)
  • Mascara and eyeliner (as film-former)
  • Soaps and body washes (legacy formulations)

Regulatory status (2026)

European Union

Restricted in rinse-off cosmetics since October 2023 under EU regulation 2023/2055 on intentionally added microplastics.

United States

Microbead-Free Waters Act 2015 banned plastic microbeads in rinse-off products. Other polyethylene uses remain unrestricted.

Cleaner alternatives

  • Apricot kernel powder, walnut shell, or rice powder for physical exfoliation
  • Silica or aluminum hydroxide as opacifier
  • Beeswax or carnauba wax as natural film-former

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Polyethylene — common questions

Is Polyethylene a microplastic?

Yes. Solid plastic polymer. The EU restricted intentionally added microplastics in rinse-off cosmetics from October 2023, including polyethylene microbeads.

Is Polyethylene banned?

EU: Restricted in rinse-off cosmetics since October 2023 under EU regulation 2023/2055 on intentionally added microplastics. US: Microbead-Free Waters Act 2015 banned plastic microbeads in rinse-off products. Other polyethylene uses remain unrestricted.

What can I use instead of Polyethylene?

Cleaner alternatives include: Apricot kernel powder, walnut shell, or rice powder for physical exfoliation; Silica or aluminum hydroxide as opacifier; Beeswax or carnauba wax as natural film-former.

What products contain Polyethylene?

Commonly found in: Exfoliating face and body scrubs (as microbeads, now restricted in EU); Toothpaste (banned in EU since 2018; still in some US formulas); Sunscreen (as opacifier or texture modifier); Mascara and eyeliner (as film-former); Soaps and body washes (legacy formulations).

Related ingredients

Polypropylene

Microplastic polymer · High concern

Solid plastic polymer, often used in scrubs, mascara fibers, and exfoliants.

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Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)

Microplastic polymer · High concern

The same plastic used in bottles, here as glitter or shimmer in cosmetics.

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Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA)

Microplastic polymer · High concern

Solid acrylic plastic used as a microbead filler. Banned in EU rinse-off products since 2023.

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Nylon-12 / Nylon-6

Microplastic polymer · High concern

Plastic powder used in mattifying primers, mascara, and loose powders.

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