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Hernandez-Soriano, A.I., Martínez-Salvador, C., Alvarez-Zeferino, J.C., Vázquez-Morillas, A. and Mesa-Jurado, M.A. (2024) Microplastics in Cosmetics and Personal care Products In: Inamuddin, A.T. and Fernandes, V.C., Eds., Toxic Effects of Micro‐ and Nanoplastics: Environment, Food and Human Health, Wiley, 215-251.

has been cited by the following article:

• TITLE: Microplastics and Cosmetics: A Historical Overview

  AUTHORS: Rana Zeeshan Habib, Thies Thiemann

  KEYWORDS: Microplastic, Nanoplastic, Microbead, Cosmetics, Personal Care and Cosmetic Product, Patent History

  JOURNAL NAME: Journal of Environmental Protection, Vol.17 No.2, February 24, 2026

  ABSTRACT: For more than five decades, personal care and cosmetic products (PCCPs) have incorporated microplastics (MPs) into their formulations. Initially, naturally derived abrasives were employed; however, from the 1980s onward, synthetic plastic microbeads were increasingly adopted as polishing agents due to their lower cost, extended shelf life—particularly with respect to microbial stability—and reduced potential for skin irritation. Microplastics, especially those from rinse-off PCCPs, are subsequently released into the environment, raising significant environmental concerns. In response, regulatory measures have been introduced in several countries to restrict the use of MPs in PCCPs, prompting the development of alternative materials. This contribution examines the historical evolution of microplastic use in PCCPs, with particular emphasis on patent activity in this field.