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Ingredient deep-dive

Polypropylene: Is It a Microplastic?

High concernMicroplastic polymer

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

Where it appears

  • Mascara fibers and lash primers
  • Exfoliating scrubs (legacy formulations)
  • Pressed-powder makeup (as binder)
  • Plastic packaging that contacts the formula

Regulatory status (2026)

European Union

Restricted in rinse-off cosmetics under EU 2023/2055.

United States

No specific cosmetics restriction; only packaging-related guidance.

Cleaner alternatives

  • Bamboo or rayon fibers in mascara
  • Plant-derived starches as binder

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Polypropylene — common questions

Is Polypropylene a microplastic?

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

Is Polypropylene banned?

EU: Restricted in rinse-off cosmetics under EU 2023/2055. US: No specific cosmetics restriction; only packaging-related guidance.

What can I use instead of Polypropylene?

Cleaner alternatives include: Bamboo or rayon fibers in mascara; Plant-derived starches as binder.

What products contain Polypropylene?

Commonly found in: Mascara fibers and lash primers; Exfoliating scrubs (legacy formulations); Pressed-powder makeup (as binder); Plastic packaging that contacts the formula.

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.

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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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