How to avoid microplastics in cosmetics?

Each year, up to approx. 130,000 metric tons of microplastic enter the oceans from Europe alone, approx. 2,600 metric tons of which come from cosmetic products. Up to now, many cosmetic formulations have included tiny polymer particles.
They enter the oceans through wastewater, are ingested by fish, and eventually enter the human body when we consume these fish. To protect the world’s oceans from microplastic pollution, the cosmetics industry is increasingly searching for alternative ingredients.

Silica for ocean-friendly personal care

SIPERNAT® PC and SPHERILEX® PC silica were developed as functional additives offering a nature-identical alternative to microplastics in cosmetics. It serves as a peeling particle in shower gels, face- and body-peeling products. And it improves the sensory characteristics in moisturizing and toner creams, foundations, make-up and face powder, providing a pleasant skin feel and a matting effect.

Rising demand for sustainable cosmetics

Zero waste and waterless beauty are two major trends in the personal care industry. The sustainability of cosmetics is shifting into focus. Eco-conscious consumers are increasingly turning to solid shampoos, soaps, deodorants and toothpaste instead of gels and liquids to avoid plastic waste.

Silica for solid forms and sensory properties

Evonik's silica provide manufacturers of personal care products with a toolkit of multifunctional additives to create waterless products with various sensory effects. Silica can regulate the moisture content so that the products are as smooth or firm as desired. As a highly absorbent carrier, for example, they transform liquids into powders, ensuring homogeneous mixing of all ingredients. Additionally, special silica can be added to achieve great foaming properties, peeling effects, velvety skin feel or more volume for the hair.

Waterless cosmetics require less packaging material. Moreover, they are usually more concentrated and therefore last longer: One 100 gr bar of solid shampoo is equivalent to up to three 250 ml plastic bottles.