An interesting study out of Plymouth University in the UK, studied “microbeads” which are plastic based polymers used in personal care products such as shampoo, facial scrubs and cleansers.

Released in the Marine Pollution Bulletin, by Professors of Marine Biology, Organic Geochemisty and Analytical Chemisty, PhD student Imogen Napper said, “As the study unfolded I was really shocked to see the quantity of microplastics apparent in these everyday cosmetics. Currently, there are reported to be 80 facial scrubs in the UK market which contain plastic material, however some companies have indicated they will voluntarily phase them out from their products. In the meantime, there is very little the consumer can do to prevent this source of pollution.”

Due to the small size, these particles pass thru sewage filtration systems and there is growing evidence and concern that there is an impact on marine organisms. Electron microscopic analysis showed that each 150 ml (~ 5 oz) of product can contain between 137,000 and 2.8 million micro-particles of plastic, releasing up to 80 tons of microplastic waste into the sea in the UK alone.

Earlier this year, California banned the use of microbeads in products.

NaturDerm products do not contain plastic based polymers or microbeads.
More info: http://cosmetics.specialchem.com/news/industry-news/british-scientists-find-million-of-plastic-particles-in-cosmetics-polluting-marine-life-000177212