Sparkle stop? Not with ECKART!

Discover our microplastic-free formulations for cosmetics and personal care!

ECKART meets microplastic-free formulation needs with mineral-based effect pigments

 

At ECKART, you are in the right place regarding microplastic-free cosmetic formulations!

We have dealt with this topic for years and offer a range of PET-free alternatives to glitter, which are in accordance with the latest regulations for protecting our environment.

Microplastic glitter is banned in the EU. Get ready to explore the proven alternatives at ECKART!

Plastic-free formulations with sparkle effects - free of charge and ready to use

In this blog post, you will find two microplastic-free cosmetic concepts with ready-to-use formulations - completely in line with the legal requirements and, above all, environmentally friendly!

MIRAGE and SYNCRYSTAL effect pigments are mineral-based, and their components can be found in nature. Thus, they are free of microplastics or other polymeric substances which could fall under the newest ban.

Further down in this blog, you will also find all the background information on this new regulation, what types of microplastics actually exist and how companies are dealing with the global regulation.

Guaranteed microplastic-free!

Ready-made formulations of individual facial cleansers - the right care for every skin type

It's NOT plastic, that's fantastic!

Effect pigments: The plastic-free alternative that lovers of a pink world would choose!

 

„Our mineral-based effect pigments add sparkle and shine to toiletries and cosmetics without the need for plastic glitters”

Paloma Moya del Valle
Global Head of Cosmetics

What are microplastics?


Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic debris smaller than 5 millimeters (0.2 inches) in size. They can be further categorized into two main groups: primary microplastics and secondary microplastics.

Primary Microplastics: These are plastic particles that are intentionally manufactured at a small size. An example of microplastics in cosmetics are the glitters used to create glitter effects in products such as eyeshadows, lip glosses, nail polishes, body lotions, and highlighters. These tiny plastic particles are designed to be small and released into the environment during various product lifecycle stages.

Secondary Microplastics: Secondary microplastics result from the breakdown of larger plastic items into smaller fragments due to environmental factors like sunlight, heat, wind, and water. This process is known as physical or mechanical weathering. Secondary microplastics can also form when biological processes, such as the action of microorganisms and marine life, break down plastic waste. Secondary microplastics include small fragments from plastic bottles, bags, and fishing nets.

Microplastics can be found in various environmental settings, including oceans, rivers, lakes, soils, and the air. They are a growing concern because of their potential harm to ecosystems and living organisms. Marine animals and birds can ingest these particles, leading to potential health issues. Moreover, microplastics can enter the food chain when consumed by smaller organisms, which larger animals, including humans, eat.

Efforts are underway to reduce the production and release of microplastics into the environment and to develop methods for removing them from the environment. Additionally, research is ongoing to understand microplastic pollution’s environmental and health impacts.

Are microplastics used for glitter effects in personal care products?

Yes, cosmetics have used microplastics, particularly in products like glitter makeup, to create shimmer and glitter effects. These microplastics are often in the form of tiny plastic particles designed to reflect light and give products a sparkling or shimmering appearance.

However, the impact of microplastics in cosmetics, including glitter makeup or personal care products, has led to growing concerns. As a result, many countries and regions have taken regulatory actions to restrict or ban microplastics in personal care products.

For example, the United States passed the Microbead-Free Waters Act in 2015, which prohibited the manufacturing and selling rinse-off cosmetic products containing microbeads. Similar measures have been taken in the European Union and other regions to limit the use of microplastics in personal care items.

In response to these concerns and regulations, many personal care product manufacturers have replaced microplastics with natural alternatives like ground nuts, seeds, salt, sugar, and biodegradable materials to achieve similar exfoliating or texturizing effects while reducing their environmental footprint. These alternatives are considered more environmentally friendly and safer for the environment and human health.

In the case of glitter, microplastic-free alternatives are available, which help achieve sparkling effects in cosmetic products without endangering aquatic ecosystems. Mineral-based effect pigments are one of those alternatives, as they offer high sparkle and are stable in solid and liquid formulations.

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