Ingredient deep-dive

Polypropylene Terephthalate: Is It a Microplastic?

High concernMicroplastic polymer

Polyester-family polymer used as a solid particle and film-former in long-wear cosmetics.

Where it appears

Long-wear complexion products
Glitter substrate
Film-formers

Regulatory status (2026)

European Union

Within the EU microplastics restriction.

United States

No federal restriction.

Cleaner alternatives

Silica
Mica
Mineral fillers

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Polypropylene Terephthalate, common questions

Is Polypropylene Terephthalate a microplastic?

Yes. Polyester-family polymer used as a solid particle and film-former in long-wear cosmetics.

Is Polypropylene Terephthalate banned?

EU: Within the EU microplastics restriction. US: No federal restriction.

What can I use instead of Polypropylene Terephthalate?

Cleaner alternatives include: Silica; Mica; Mineral fillers.

What products contain Polypropylene Terephthalate?

Commonly found in: Long-wear complexion products; Glitter substrate; Film-formers.

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.

Polypropylene

Microplastic polymer · High concern

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

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)

Microplastic polymer · High concern

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

Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA)

Microplastic polymer · High concern

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