Polyethylene and Acrylates Copolymer are two commonly used microplastics in cosmetics. Polyethylene is a synthetic thermoplastic polymer used to unite surfaces, dilute solids, increase thickness, and form coatings. Acrylates Copolymer is a group of polymers known for their transparency, resistance to breakage, and elasticity. They are used as stabilizers, waterproof agents, hair setters, antistatic agents, and adhesives. Styrene acrylates copolymer is a chain of polymers consisting of styrene and acrylate which is added to cosmetics for color. There is the potential for styrena acrylates copolymer to be contaminated with styrene, a possible carcinogen.
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Avoid products that contain microplastics. Read product ingredient labels, and avoid items with fragrance or styrene acrylates copolymer listed as ingredients.
Polyethylene is a synthetic thermoplastic polymer made of repeating ethylene units. Acrylates Copolymer is a general term for synthetic copolymers of two or more monomers consisting of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid or one of their simple esters. Styrene acrylates copolymer is a chain of polymers consisting of styrene and acrylate.
Safe for use in cosmetics with some qualifications
Limited
Polyethylene is used in eyeliners, mascara, eye shadows, eyebrow pencils, lipsticks, face powders and foundations, as well as skin cleansers and skin care products. Acrylates Copolymer is used in hair dyes, mascaras, nail polishes, lipsticks, hairsprays, body washes, sunscreens and anti-ageing treatments. Acrylates Copolymer is composed of acrylic acid and methacrylic acid building blocks. It has low concerns for cancer, allergies & immunotoxicity, and developmental and reproductive toxicity. However, it has high contamination concerns due to the presence of methacrylic acid, acrylic acid, and 2-ethylhexyl acrylate. It also has use restrictions and irritation concerns. Styrene acrylates copolymer may contain a small amount of residual styrene. Styrene is used predominately in the production of polystyrene plastics and resins. Styrene is also used as an intermediate in the composition of materials used for ion exchange resins and to produce copolymers. Styrene can be found in air, water, and soil after release from the manufacture, use, and disposal of styrene-based products. It is quickly broken down in the air, usually within 1-2 days. Styrene is a reasonably anticipated human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer and by the National Toxicology Program. Styrene is also listed on the California Proposition 65 list of known carcinogens to cause cancer. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences reported that styrene has been linked to increased risks for cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma, and genetic damage in the white blood cells, or lymphocytes, of workers exposed to styrene. There is also some evidence for increased risk of cancer in the pancreas or esophagus among some styrene workers, but the evidence is weaker than that for lymphohematopoietic cancers. The European Commission on Endocrine Disruption classifies styrene as a Category 1 endocrine disruptor, meaning evidence for endocrine disruption has been documented in humans and wildlife. Short-term exposure to styrene in humans results in mucous membrane and eye irritation, and gastrointestinal effects. Long-term exposure to styrene in humans results in effects on the central nervous system (CNS), such as headache, fatigue, weakness, and depression, CSN dysfunction, hearing loss, and nerve damage.
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