Ingredient deep-dive
Styrene/DVB Copolymer: Is It a Microplastic?
Cross-linked polystyrene microspheres, used for a soft-focus optical effect. Solid, spherical, insoluble and cross-linked, which is close to the textbook definition of an intentionally added microplastic.
Where it appears
- Soft-focus primers
- Blurring creams
- Mattifying products
- Sunscreen texture
Regulatory status (2026)
European Union
Within the EU microplastics restriction.
United States
No federal restriction.
Cleaner alternatives
- Silica
- Mica
- Rice starch
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Download on the App StoreStyrene/DVB Copolymer, common questions
Is Styrene/DVB Copolymer a microplastic?
Is Styrene/DVB Copolymer banned?
What can I use instead of Styrene/DVB Copolymer?
What products contain Styrene/DVB Copolymer?
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