It has been widely covered in the media that recent research studies have shown that plastic microbeads can contaminate waterways and marine food chains. Microbeads are sometimes used in cosmetic products such as toothpastes, body scrubs and washes to aid cleaning and exfoliating. The recent study findings have lead to a ban being announced on these materials.

Here at Solab and Hampshire Cosmetics we take an active role in industry developments and organisations such as the Cosmetic Toiletries and Perfume Association (CTPA) and Society of Cosmetic Scientists (SCS). Consequently we were at forefront of the study findings on plastic microbeads and have been phasing out the use of these materials for some time. By the time Cosmetics Europe announced the voluntary recommendation to stop using microbeads last year (October 2015) we had already stopped using these materials both in manufacturing and development.

As a result, the announcement of the full ban on these materials this year has not affected our development teams who are already experts in developing world class products without the use of plastic microbeads. If you need to reformulate your products, or would like to develop a new range of microbead free products please contact Andrew Postles at postlesa@hants-cosmetics.co.uk.