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It was in the newspaper recently: 10 kilos of plastic were found in the stomach of a stranded whale. We, the consumers, are the cause.

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I assumed that by now everyone knows what microplastics are. But apparently not, because last week there was also a big article in the world on Sunday.

According to the report, 1.5 million tons of plastic end up in our waters every year. The abrasion of this plastic plus all the plastic particles from our personal care products are more and more swimming in rivers, lakes and seas. We can best avoid this pollution by avoiding these plastic raw materials when buying.

Buy cosmetics with a clear conscience

Fortunately, we are becoming more and more sensitized. I was recently invited to a lecture by the Rotarians in Freising, with the request to speak on the topic of "microplastics in cosmetics". At first I was surprised that such topics are also of interest at these meetings.

The lecture then not only dealt with microplastics - I expanded the topic a bit and called it "Cosmetics with a clear conscience". In my opinion, microplastics are just one component of the ingredients that should by no means be found in care products.

»Every year 1.5 million tons of plastic end up in our waters.«

Germany is rather backward in this area

But back to plastic: Many care products contain plastic, either in particle form or liquid. Both are harmful to both the environment and aquatic life. These particles are absorbed through the food chain, break down only very slowly and eventually end up on our plates.

The problem: the consumer cannot identify products containing these particles. Because to do that, he would have to know a list of almost unpronounceable chemical terms. Here are some of them that are considered so-called “plastics”:

• Polyquaternium-7
• Styrene/Acrylate Copolymer
• Acrylate Copolymer (AC)
• Acrylate Crosspolymer (ACS)
• Dimethiconol
• methicone
• Polyamides (PA, Nylon)
• Polyacrylates (PA)
• Polymethylmetacrylate (PMMA)
• Polyquaternium (PQ)
• Acrylate cross polymer

It is also interesting that Germany is rather backward in this area and has not long since banned these ingredients. So for us consumers it means: keep your eyes open when buying whatever.

How can you go about shopping for cosmetics?

It's best to first check the products you've already bought for plastic - then you'll know what you shouldn't be buying in the near future. Then check the ingredients of the brands I know or like on the Internet. And only then go to the store. Standing in front of the shelf, you certainly don't have the nerve to decipher the tiny writing. There are also apps that help with plastic-free purchases.

What if you don't want to do any of that?

Then just look for the labels for controlled natural cosmetics from Natrue or BDIH, because neither microplastics nor any other raw materials that harm our environment are used here - like the products from cobicos and Living Nature.

Do you have questions about this topic?

Or need clarification for other ingredients? An interesting link or shopping tips?
The following article on this subject is well worth reading.