Beauty companies call for 'swifter' banning of microplastics in cosmetics

Over 15 beauty brands and organisations have signed an open letter to the European Commission asking for an earlier ban of microplastics in cosmetics.

The letter has been signed by names including the British Beauty Council, Sustainable Beauty Coalition, Neal's Yard Remedies, Weleda, Beauty Kitchen and Naïf, amongst others.

It comes after the European Commission released a proposal for the restriction of microplastics under REACH Regulation in August 2022. The letter raises concerns with the proposed timeframes attached to the transitional periods for businesses to phase out microplastics in their supply chains.

"We believe microplastics should stop being used due to their negative, irreversible environmental impacts and potential risk to human health. It is time to embrace safe and sustainable solutions for our consumers and the planet", the letter read.

"We have made a choice to come together and call for a future-proof regulation that doesn’t provide exceptionally long transition periods for leave-on products and lip, nail and makeup products (six and 12 years). As responsible industries, we believe we should contribute to shaping tomorrow’s world, not fight to maintain yesterday’s practices."

As well as outlining the negative environmental effects of microplastics in cosmetics, the letter highlights the importance of innovation and consumer interest in more conscious beauty products.

The letter’s signatories also include Inika Organic, Seepje, Soil Association, Toot, Petit & Jolie, Upcircle, Kaerel, Green People, Smyle, Whitfords, Léa Nature, Skandinavisk and Uoga Uoga.