Sri Lankan Study Reveals Microplastics in Everyday Cosmetics

Sri Lankan study reveals microplastics in everyday cosmetics © By Atlas -chronicles-stock.adobe.com

Cosmetics in Sri Lanka Found to Contain Common Microplastics

A new study published in Heliyon has revealed that a large percentage of personal care and cosmetic products available in Sri Lanka contain microplastics, particularly polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). Conducted by Sanduni Gamage and Yasantha Mahagamage from the Department of Zoology at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, the research used spectroscopic analysis to identify and characterize the microplastics found in widely used products (1).

The study titled “Microplastics in personal care products and cosmetics in Sri Lanka” analyzed 30 commonly available personal care products (PCPs), including facial scrubs, creams, and cleansers, to determine the presence and type of microplastics. Using attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR FT-IR), researchers confirmed that 23 of the 30 tested products contained plastic microparticles—an alarming 76.7% (1).

Spectroscopic Methods Reveal Polymer Content

The team employed ATR FT-IR spectroscopy to identify the chemical composition of particles extracted from the products. This method, widely used in material and environmental analysis, allowed researchers to match the infrared absorption spectra of unknown particles with known reference spectra of polymers (1).

Particles were first isolated through filtration and microscopy before being analyzed spectroscopically. ATR FT-IR results confirmed that the dominant microplastic materials present were polyethylene and polypropylene. These polymers are commonly used in cosmetic products for their exfoliating texture or as thickening agents. PE particles were mostly found in facial scrubs, while PP was detected in several facial creams and body lotions (1).

The spectra showed characteristic peaks in the range of 2800–2900 cm⁻¹ and 1350–1470 cm⁻¹, consistent with CH₂ and CH₃ stretching and bending vibrations typical of PE and PP polymers. The accurate identification of these spectral signatures highlighted the reliability of ATR FT-IR in identifying microplastic types in cosmetic matrices (1).

Products Marketed to Youth and Teens Raise Red Flags

A particularly concerning aspect of the study was the prevalence of microplastics in products marketed to adolescents and young adults. These included facial cleansers and scrubs that promote skin clarity and acne prevention. The research suggests that regular use of such products could lead to chronic dermal exposure to microplastics, though long-term health impacts remain under investigation (1,2).

Microbeads—solid plastic particles typically less than 5 mm—were visually confirmed through microscopy. Many of these particles were brightly colored, irregularly shaped, and varied in size and texture, making them both aesthetically appealing in products and problematic for marine environments once they enter wastewater streams 1).

Regulatory Gaps and Environmental Concerns

The study also points out that there is a lack of local regulation concerning the inclusion of microplastics in cosmetic products in Sri Lanka. Despite global efforts to ban microbeads in several countries, Sri Lanka currently has no such legislative framework (1).

Once these particles are rinsed off the skin, they often pass through wastewater treatment facilities due to their small size and eventually enter aquatic ecosystems. The environmental implications are significant, as microplastics can accumulate in marine food chains and act as vectors for other pollutants (1).

The researchers call for more comprehensive monitoring, consumer awareness, and policy reforms to address the use of microplastics in personal care products. Their work adds to the growing body of evidence on the hidden environmental and human health costs of seemingly harmless daily habits (1,2).

References

(1) Gamage, S.; Mahagamage, Y. Microplastics in Personal Care Products and Cosmetics in Sri Lanka. Heliyon 2024, 10 (8), e29393. 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29393

(2) Bucur, R. M.; Radulescu, C.; Dulama, I. D.; Stirbescu, R. M.; Bucurica, I. A.; Banica, A. L.; Stanescu, S. G. Potential Health Risk of Microplastic Exposures from Skin-Cleansing Products. Toxics 2025, 13 (5), 354. DOI: 10.3390/toxics13050354