Sunscreen and Microplastics: The Hidden Danger in Your Skincare Routine

Sunscreen is an essential product for skin protection against harmful UV radiation. However, it has been recently discovered that many commercial sunscreens contain microplastics, which can be harmful to both human health and the environment.

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that are less than 5mm in size. They are commonly found in personal care products, including sunscreen. Microplastics are so small that they can easily enter the body through inhalation or skin absorption. Once in the body, they can cause various health problems, including inflammation, hormonal disruptions, and even cancer.

Furthermore, microplastics in sunscreen can also have detrimental effects on marine life. These tiny particles are not filtered out by wastewater treatment plants and end up in rivers, lakes, and oceans. Marine animals can mistake these particles for food and ingest them, which can lead to internal damage, starvation, and even death.

To address this problem, the sunscreen industry needs to innovate and create microplastics-free products. This can be done by replacing the plastic particles with biodegradable and natural alternatives such as zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and iron oxide. These ingredients provide the same level of protection from the sun without the harmful effects of microplastics.

Another way to create microplastics-free sunscreen is by incorporating technology that breaks down the plastic particles into harmless compounds. For example, researchers have developed enzymes that can degrade microplastics into their basic building blocks, which can then be recycled or safely disposed of.

In conclusion, microplastics in sunscreen pose a significant threat to human health and the environment. It's time for the sunscreen industry to take action and bring innovation into their products to create microplastics-free sunscreen. By using natural ingredients or incorporating new technologies, we can protect our skin without harming the planet.

At BELLEJO, we are passionate about creating innovative natural sunscreen products that protect our skin and the environment. Our unique formulas are made from circular economy ingredients, and our innovative technology ensures that our products are non-toxic, biodegradable and reef-safe.