Skip to main content
Back to ingredient checker

Ingredient deep-dive

Polylactic Acid (PLA): Is It a Microplastic?

Medium concernMicroplastic polymer

Bio-based polyester made from corn or sugarcane, marketed as compostable. Industrially compostable is an end-of-life claim, not a statement about particles: PLA is still a solid synthetic polymer and sheds particles in use.

Where it appears

  • "Compostable" glitter
  • Eco-marketed exfoliant beads
  • Compostable packaging and tea bags

Regulatory status (2026)

European Union

Biodegradable polymers can be exempt from the microplastics restriction only if they meet strict degradation testing; most PLA glitter does not.

United States

No federal restriction.

Cleaner alternatives

  • Mica glitter
  • Jojoba esters for exfoliation
  • Salt or sugar scrubs

Use the app

Scan any product for Polylactic Acid (PLA) in 5 seconds

The MicroPlastics iOS app flags this ingredient and 24 others instantly. Paste a label into the free web ingredient checker first if you want a no-install scan.

Download on the App Store

Polylactic Acid (PLA), common questions

Is Polylactic Acid (PLA) a microplastic?

Yes: it is classified as a synthetic polymer. Bio-based polyester made from corn or sugarcane, marketed as compostable. Industrially compostable is an end-of-life claim, not a statement about particles: PLA is still a solid synthetic polymer and sheds particles in use.

Is Polylactic Acid (PLA) banned?

EU: Biodegradable polymers can be exempt from the microplastics restriction only if they meet strict degradation testing; most PLA glitter does not. US: No federal restriction.

What can I use instead of Polylactic Acid (PLA)?

Cleaner alternatives include: Mica glitter; Jojoba esters for exfoliation; Salt or sugar scrubs.

What products contain Polylactic Acid (PLA)?

Commonly found in: "Compostable" glitter; Eco-marketed exfoliant beads; Compostable packaging and tea bags.

Related ingredients

Polyethylene

Microplastic polymer · High concern

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

Read more

Polypropylene

Microplastic polymer · High concern

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

Read more

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)

Microplastic polymer · High concern

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

Read more

Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA)

Microplastic polymer · High concern

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

Read more